MLB Player News

Williams will serve as the Rangers' opening pitcher ahead of Kumar Rocker during Friday's game against the Rays.

Williams inked a major-league deal with Texas on Tuesday after he was cut by the Nationals last weekend. The right-hander worked in bulk relief with Washington and threw a season-high 63 pitches on two occasions across eight total appearances. Rocker has worked behind an opener twice this season, allowing just two runs on eight hits and three walks with 16 strikeouts across 12.2 innings.

Chapman secured the save Thursday against Baltimore, allowing two runs on two hits and no walks in the ninth inning. He struck out two.

The Orioles made things very interesting after Christian Encarnacion-Strand launched a two-run home run, but Chapman hung on for the save in a shaky outing. It was the first time the All-Star closer conceded multiple earned runs since being unable to record an out June 22 in Colorado. He has a 2.12 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 62:20 K:BB and 31 saves in 33 chances over 46.2 innings this year.

Varland earned the save in Thursday's 6-3 win over the Guardians, allowing a hit and a walk while striking out two in a scoreless ninth inning.

Varland managed to strand a pair of baserunners in the ninth to log his eighth consecutive save and 32nd of the season, which is tied for fourth most in the majors. Varland's ERA is down to a pristine 1.16 across 69.2 innings with a 0.99 WHIP and 86:19 K:BB.

Allen will start the first game of Friday's doubleheader versus the Tigers, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

All four of Allen's appearances since he was recalled in mid-August have come out of the bullpen. However, he has made 20 starts between the majors and minors in 2026 and will be pitching on five days' rest, so he should be capable of providing decent length if he's pitching well.

Garcia (shoulder) is likely to begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Round Rock on Saturday, Drew Davison of MLB.com reports.

Garcia had a positive live-throwing session Wednesday and is ready for the next step. "Honestly, it felt good to be back. It felt normal," Garcia said. The left-hander's been on the injured list since April 23 due to left rotator cuff inflammation. The Rangers plan for him to make two or three appearances for the Express before being activated.

Hader struck out one in a perfect inning to earn the save in Wednesday's 2-0 win over the White Sox.

Hader threw eight of 14 pitches for strikes. He's been at his best throughout 2026, and that's been especially true during his ongoing 20-inning scoreless streak, during which he's allowed just five hits and three walks. Hader is at a 0.72 ERA, 0.67 WHIP and 49:11 K:BB while remaining a perfect 22-for-22 in save chances over 37.1 innings.

Jansen was charged with a blown save Wednesday against the Twins, allowing no runs on one hit and one walk while striking out one.

Jansen was summoned to record the game's final five outs in a bases-loaded situation in the eighth inning, but he was unable to extricate Detroit from the jam and mustered only one out before being pulled. The veteran right-hander remains seven saves away from joining the illustrious 500-save club, so he'll need a very productive rest of September in order to accomplish that feat in 2026. Through 36 innings this year, he has a 4.00 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 42:21 K:BB with 17 saves in 23 opportunities.

Anderson took a no-decision against the Twins on Wednesday, allowing two runs (one earned) on three hits and two walks in 5.2 innings. He struck out five.

The right-hander continues to give the Tigers serviceable work since joining the rotation following the trades of Tarik Skubal and Casey Mize. Anderson has tallied at least four punchouts in five consecutive starts, giving up three runs or fewer each time out. He also threw a season-high 90 pitches Wednesday, suggesting he's ready to handle a full starter's workload going forward. Anderson is set to bring a season 3.73 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 101:37 K:BB over 91.2 innings into a home rematch with Minnesota.

Rainey cleared waivers Wednesday and was sent outright to Triple-A Toledo.

Rainey was DFA'd by Detroit after giving up three earned runs in just one-third of an inning Sunday, and he'll officially stick with the organization after passing through waivers unclaimed. The 33-year-old righty will likely spend most of the final month of the season working as organizational depth at Toledo.

Berroa (elbow) is scheduled to begin throwing off a mound next week, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Berroa has been on the injured list all season while working his way back from Tommy John surgery and a setback he suffered while pitching in the Arizona Complex League. He was cleared to resume throwing in early July, and although his progress has been slow, the White Sox haven't ruled out a return for the 26-year-old before the end of the season.