MLB Player News

Urquidy and Ortega have both opted to elect free agency following their removal from Houston’s 40-man roster. Urquidy underwent Tommy John surgery back in early June and will miss the vast majority of the 2025 campaign. He could make sense as a long-term stash option for a contender willing to wait until he’s finished his lengthy rehabilitation process. Ortega didn’t make an appearance last year for the Astros after undergoing a pair of elbow surgeries.

The scorching hot infielder will take a seat to start the second half of the season with left-hander Gage Jump toeing the slab for the Athletics. Andres Chaparro will start in his place at first base and will bat third for the Nationals on Friday evening in West Sacramento.

It’s not the first time the 33-year-old has been through the DFA cycle. Haase hit just .162/.235/.365 with four homers and nine RBI in 84 plate appearances with the Giants. He’ll likely pass through waivers unclaimed and then get to make the decision on whether to remain with the Giants at Triple-A Sacramento or attempt to latch on elsewhere.

Susac had been sidelined since June 26 due to a lower back strain. Prior to landing on the shelf, the 25-year-old was hitting .262/.310/.330 through his first 115 plate appearances with the Giants. Eric Haase was designated for assignment to make room on the active roster.

With Freddy Fermin returning from the injured list on Friday, there was no longer a spot available on the Padres’ bench for Durán. The 28-year-old backstop hit .146/.222/.305 with three homers and eight RBI in 91 plate appearances with the Padres this season.

Fermin had been shelved with a bruised head since early July, but made it through a recent rehab assignment with no issues and is ready to return. He is not in the Padres’ starting lineup for Friday’s battle against the Royals though. Rodolfo Duran was optioned to Triple-A El Paso in a corresponding move on Friday.

Perdomo received a cortisone injection in his sore left hand over the All-Star break, but it was never expected to keep him out of action. He’s starting at shortstop and batting second against Cardinals’ right-hander Michael McGreevy on Friday evening in Arizona.

Fletcher exercised the opt-out clause in his minor league deal with the team back on July 2, but after exploring the free agent market, he decided to return. Fletcher has hit .276/.366/.493 with eight long balls, 29 RBI and a pair of stolen bases in 44 games at Triple-A Indianapolis this season. He’ll continue to function as extra outfield depth for the Bucs.

The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Saturday where the conditions are expected to be much improved. Expect Friday’s scheduled starters — Gavin Williams and Jared Jones — to pitch at some point on Saturday.

The 25-year-old outfielder was in good spirits and noted that he’s trending in the right direction, but he has yet to be cleared to return to live game action. It’s possible he’s able to join the Mariners at some point before the weekend is through.

As expected, Locklear will join the Diamondbacks for their second half opener against the Cardinals on Friday evening in Arizona. The 25-year-old slugger was slashing a robust .313/.394/.502 with eight long balls and 36 RBI in 241 plate appearances at Triple-A Reno. He should get an opportunity to function in an everyday role for the D’Backs and if the hot bat carries over, he could wind up carving out some value in deeper mixed leagues.