MLB Player News

Baker secured the save Monday against Detroit, allowing one hit and no walks in a scoreless ninth inning. He struck out two.

Baker also hit a batter, allowing the possible tying run to get to the plate, but he caught Spencer Torkelson looking for the game's final out. The All-Star right-hander still hasn't blown a save since May 13 in Toronto. Through 52 innings, Baker sports a 1.56 ERA, 0.88 WHIP and 58:16 K:BB with an MLB-leading 38 saves in 41 opportunities.

Rainey tossed two scoreless innings of relief in Monday's 4-1 loss to the Rays. He walked two and struck out two.

Since having his contract selected from Triple-A Toledo earlier this month, Rainey has pitched well for the Tigers. He's now strung together 6.2 scoreless innings across five appearances and has struck out six batters. Rainey doesn't have a ton of fantasy value at the moment in his middle-relief role, but he could be auditioning for higher-leverage work in 2027 if he continues to perform well down the stretch.

Bachman (forearm) has yet to resume mound work, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Bachman was cleared to begin a throwing program two weeks ago, and while he has continued to throw, the Angels reported Monday that he's yet to toss off a mound since landing on the injured list. He'll need to complete at least a few bullpen sessions and then progress to facing live hitters before being activated, which likely means he's looking at a return at some point in early-to-mid September if all goes to plan.

Whitlock (elbow) will throw a live batting practice session Wednesday in Miami, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

Whitlock has bounced back quickly after landing on the 15-day injured list in mid-August with right elbow inflammation. If all goes well when he faces hitters Wednesday, Whitlock has a chance to avoid a rehab assignment and return to the active roster as soon as this weekend. The right-handed reliever has been terrific this season in a setup role, authoring a 2.05 ERA, 0.89 WHIP and 49:7 K:BB across 44 innings.

The Tigers designated Vanasco for assignment Monday, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

The transaction frees up a spot on the 40-man roster for the addition of new signee Tyler Kinley. Vanasco has made five appearances for Detroit this season, getting tagged for 12 runs (11 earned) with a 4:6 K:BB over 6.1 innings.

The Tigers optioned Madden to Triple-A Toledo on Monday, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

Madden boasts a 3.46 ERA and 40:13 K:BB over 39 innings, but he had been scored upon in five consecutive outings. His spot on the roster and in the bullpen will be absorbed by Tyler Kinley, who was signed by the Tigers on Monday.

The Tigers signed Kinley to a one-year contract, Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reports.

Kinley was released by Atlanta last week after posting a 6.00 ERA and 7:7 K:BB over his first nine innings of the second half. The right-hander has been decent overall this season, collecting a 4.01 ERA and 42:20 K:BB over 42.2 innings. Kinley should operate in middle relief for Detroit.

Urquidy will start Monday's game against the Rangers at Rate Field, James Fegan of The Chicago Sun-Times reports.

After faring well in bulk relief in his first two appearances with Chicago following his promotion from Triple-A Charlotte on Aug. 14, Urquidy will get a look as a traditional starter as he makes his third turn through the rotation. The start will be Urquidy's first in the big leagues since Sept. 29, 2023, when he was a member of the Astros. The 31-year-old righty will tentatively line up for a two-start week, with his next appearance coming during the White Sox's weekend series in Minnesota.

The Yankees plan to call up Topa from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre prior to Tuesday's game against the Astros, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports.

Topa was signed to a minor-league contract earlier this month and has turned in 1.80 ERA and 2:1 K:BB over five innings during his time with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The right-handed reliever logged an 8.05 ERA and 12:11 K:BB across 19 frames earlier this season with the Twins.

Estevez (shoulder) threw in a bridge league game at the Royals' complex in Arizona on Saturday, Joel Penfield of KCSN.com reports.

Estevez retired four of the five hitters he faced while showing increased velocity, per Penfield. The veteran right-hander is expected to pitch again in Arizona before embarking on a rehab assignment as he works his way back from a right rotator cuff strain. Estevez has been shelved for virtually all of 2026, hitting the injured list April 1 due to a left foot contusion before suffering the shoulder injury during a rehab appearance May 6.