MLB Player News

Walker was summoned to protect a one-run lead in the final frame and needed just 18 pitches (13 strikes) to preserve the victory. He gave up a two-out single to Brewers star Willy Adames, but managed to coax a harmless fly out from Blake Perkins to extinguish the threat. The 28-year-old right-hander has been outstanding since last month’s All-Star break, compiling a microscopic 0.95 ERA, 0.84 WHIP and 28/5 K/BB ratio across 19 innings (18 appearances). He seems to have a firm grip on the Giants’ closing role until further notice.

The 38-year-old had requested his release. Pham was signed to a minor league deal on May 16 and hit .197/.286/.410 with four homers and 11 RBI in 70 plate appearances at Triple-A Norfolk. He’s now free to peddle his wares on the open market once again.

Ohtani was removed from Thursday’s game as a precautionary measure due to inflammation in his left knee. The Dodgers have opted to take a very cautious approach here with their two-way superstar and will give him at least an extra night off to rest. Santiago Espinal will fill in as the Dodgers’ designated hitter on Friday and will bat eighth against Anthony Kay and the White Sox.

The 23-year-old hurler was designated for assignment on Wednesday after posting an 8.22 ERA and 21/29 K/BB ratio over 15 1/3 innings at Double-A Mississippi. The Nationals see something they can work with though and will give him a 40-man roster spot for the time being.

The cycle continues. Carrasco has been designated for assignment three times by the Braves this season, and each time he has passed through waivers unclaimed and returned as extra depth in the minor leagues.

The 28-year-old backstop was claimed off of waivers from the Orioles back in May. He wound up playing in just five games at Triple-A Gwinnett, hitting .313 (5-for-16) with a pair of RBI. There’s always a need for catching depth around the league, so Handley shouldn’t be out of work for long.

Waldrep had been working with the Braves’ Rookie-level affiliate in the Florida Complex League. He’ll continue to work his way back at Triple-A with an eye toward returning to the Braves’ rotation before the All-Star break.

It’s the first trip to the big leagues for Jordan. The 23-year-old slugger was originally a third-round selection by the Red Sox from the 2020 draft class. He was having a terrific season at the Triple-A level, slashing .313/.379/.548 with 11 homers and 35 RBI in 252 plate appearances, so the Cardinals will see if he can provide some of the thump that Nolan Gorman was lacking.

Gorman went 0-for-3 with a pair of strikeouts on Thursday and that appears to have been the final straw for the Cardinals. The 26-year-old has flailed to a miserable .194/.279/.318 slash line with seven homers, 26 RBI and a 74/25 K/BB ratio over 229 plate appearances on the season. Blaze Jordan was recalled in a corresponding move to take his place on the active roster.

It’s unclear if the plan is for Dobbins to return to the rotation at the Triple-A level, or if he’ll be back to make another start with the Cardinals in relatively short order. The 26-year-old hurler holds a 3.63 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and a 19/7 K/BB ratio over 17 1/3 innings with the Cardinals this season.

The 28-year-old hurler has been hit hard in five appearances with the Cardinals this season, posting a 12.27 ERA, 3.55 WHIP and a 3/5 K/BB ratio across 3 2/3 innings. He’ll function in a middle relief role for skipper Oli Marmol.