MLB Player News

Topa (knee) was returned from his minor-league rehab assignment Saturday, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Topa has shown decreased velocity recently, and it's been revealed that he's been battling arm fatigue. The right-hander has been on assignment since July 23 as part of his recovery from a tear in the patellar tendon of his left knee. He's yet to make his 2024 debut. While it's unclear how far the arm fatigue will set him back, Topa shouldn't be expected back any time soon.

General manager Mike Elias confirmed Saturday that Bautista (elbow) won't pitch in 2024, Andy Kostka of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.

Bautista returning in 2024 seemed like a longshot after he underwent Tommy John surgery last October, but there was a sliver of hope he'd be available come playoff time. While we won't see Bautista in an Orioles uniform until 2025, he's been progressing well and is expected to begin throwing off a mound next week.

Testing on Webb's right elbow showed no structural damage Saturday, and his stay on the injured list is expected to be short, Andy Kostka of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.

Webb was placed on the injured list Wednesday with inflammation in his throwing elbow, and further testing confirmed that he isn't dealing with anything severe. General manager Mike Elias said Saturday that Webb's elbow was "barking," but it seems that Webb could return shortly after the minimum 15 days. The Orioles called up Bryan Baker from Triple-A Norfolk to fill Webb's spot on the active roster.

The Blue Jays claimed Frias off waivers from the Diamondbacks on Saturday and optioned him to Triple-A Buffalo.

Two days after being DFA'd by the D-backs, Frias will reclaim a spot on a 40-man roster -- though he will remain in Triple-A upon joining his new organization. The 26-year-old owns a 4.88 ERA and 1.46 WHIP through 24 innings in the minors this year, and he's allowed seven earned runs in just 6.1 big-league frames.

The Angels placed Marte on the 15-day injured list Saturday due to a viral infection.

Marte has been surprisingly effective out of the bullpen for the Angels this season, posting a 2.33 ERA and 1.24 WHIP through 19.1 innings. However, he'll now be held out until at least Aug. 23 as he fights off an infection. Right-hander Jack Kochanowicz was recalled from Double-A Rocket City in a corresponding move.

The Royals recalled Hernandez from Triple-A Omaha on Saturday.

With Hunter Harvey on the injured list due to a back injury, Hernandez will return to Kansas City to fill the open spot in the Royals' bullpen. The 27-year-old righty owns a 3.86 ERA and 1.54 WHIP through 11.2 innings in the majors this year, though he has surrendered seven runs in just 7.2 frames since being optioned to Omaha in early July.

The Royals placed Harvey on the 15-day injured list Saturday with mid-back tightness.

Manager Matt Quatraro revealed after Friday's game that back tightness is the reason Harvey hasn't made an appearance since Sunday, and the 29-year-old righty will now officially be sidelined until at least Aug. 23. Lucas Erceg and James McArthur figure to be the leading candidates for saves while Harvey is out, and the Royals will bring up Carlos Hernandez from Triple-A Omaha to replenish their bullpen depth.

Faedo will serve as the Tigers' opener during Saturday's game against the Giants, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Saturday will mark Faedo's fourth start of the season and his second of August. He was able to last 1.2 frames during his most recent opening assignment and will likely pitch a similar amount of innings against the Giants before handing the ball to Brant Hurter, who is expected to pitch in bulk relief.

Graveman (shoulder) threw a bullpen session Saturday, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Saturday marks Graveman's first time throwing off a mound since he underwent surgery on his right shoulder during the offseason. He was only able to throw 10 pitches during his first bullpen session, but it's certainly a positive step toward a potential return late in the season.

Smith (0-4) allowed two runs on a hit and a walk over one-third of an inning, taking the loss Friday versus the Cardinals.

Smith put two runners on base and Chris Stratton allowed both of them to score. Prior to Friday, Smith had posted a seven-inning scoreless streak. He has a 3.48 ERA over 10.1 innings since the start of July, but he remains in a low-leverage role even with the overall struggles of the Royals' bullpen. Overall, Smith is at a 4.38 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 24:14 K:BB with one save, eight holds and one blown save across 37 innings this season.