MLB Player News

Munoz struck out two in a clean ninth inning for the save Thursday against the Yankees.

Munoz made quick work of the Yankees on Thursday, landing eight of his 11 pitches for strikes. The star closer has been shaky at times in 2026, but he's been scored upon just twice since June 16 (19 outings). Through 43.2 innings, Munoz has a 3.71 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 69:17 K:BB with 21 saves in 27 opportunities.

The Rays designated Martin for assignment Thursday.

Martin will cede his spot on the 40-man roster to Jorge Mateo, who officially signed a major-league deal with the Rays on Thursday. The 25-year-old righty has given up four runs in 11.1 innings with Tampa Bay this year and owns a 3.09 ERA through 43.2 frames at Durham, though his inability to limit traffic may deter teams from picking him up via waivers.

The Rays optioned Grove to Triple-A Durham on Thursday.

After giving up two home runs in two innings Wednesday, Grove will end up as the odd man out of a roster spot to make room for Jesse Scholtens, who was recalled from Durham in a corresponding move. Grove has now given up four earned runs in seven innings with the Rays but could still return to the big leagues down the stretch to provide a fresh bullpen arm.

The Rays recalled Scholtens from Triple-A Durham on Thursday.

Scholtens owns a 3.82 ERA and 1.27 WHIP through 37.2 frames in the majors this year but has fired 10.2 consecutive shutout innings at Triple-A. He'll return to the big leagues presumably to make a spot start during the Rays' upcoming series against Baltimore. Michael Grove was optioned to Durham in a corresponding move.

Speier (back) retired two batters -- one via strikeout -- and allowed three earned runs on three hits and two walks in Wednesday's 10-5 loss to the Yankees. He was the pitcher of record in the loss, dropping to 2-3 on the season.

Speier wasn't available for Tuesday's 4-1 loss while he nursed a back issue, but he received clearance for Wednesday's contest and was the first pitcher the Mariners turned to out of the bullpen when starter Bryce Miller exited after six innings. After entering a 5-5 game, Speier induced a Amed Rosario flyout to open the bottom of the seventh, but he allowed six of the next seven batters to reach base before he was mercifully pulled from the contest. Following the blowup appearance, Speier now sits on a 2.93 ERA and 1.21 WHIP over 30.2 innings on the season.

The Blue Jays recalled Estrada from Triple-A Buffalo on Thursday.

He'll slide into the roster spot vacated by Brendon Little (paternity). Estrada has permitted seven runs (six earned) with an 8:8 K:BB over 12 frames during his time with the big club this season.

The Blue Jays placed Little on the paternity list Thursday.

He'll be away from the club for a few days while welcoming a new baby to the family. Lazaro Estrada will absorb Little's spot on the Blue Jays' roster.

Black struck out a batter and allowed one earned run on three hits and two walks across three innings of relief in Wednesday's 4-2 loss to the Dodgers.

For the second time since he was recalled from Triple-A Omaha last Friday, Black pitched in long relief behind starter Daniel Lynch, who is getting gradually stretched out as he transitions from the bullpen to the rotation. After tossing five innings Friday against the Cubs, Black wasn't needed to provide as much length Wednesday, with Lynch building up to 2.1 innings and 39 pitches. Unless he's incredibly economical with his pitch count in his next projected start Tuesday versus the Athletics, Lynch is unlikely to reach five innings, so Black could have decent odds of picking up a win in that game if he's available to pitch behind Lynch.

The Red Sox recalled Weissert from Triple-A Worcester on Thursday, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

He'll grab the roster spot vacated by the injured Garrett Whitlock (elbow). Weissert has posted a 3.97 ERA and 44:14 K:BB over 45.1 innings covering 48 appearances out of the Boston bullpen in 2026.

The Red Sox placed Whitlock on the 15-day injured list Thursday with right elbow inflammation, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Manager Chad Tracy revealed that Whitlock was unavailable to pitch in Wednesday's loss to the Blue Jays because of a sore elbow, and the club has opted to put the reliever on the IL. Whitlock noted Wednesday he has a "very low" level of concern the injury is serious, but the Red Sox could send him for imaging just in case.