MLB Player News

Pagan recorded his 11th save of the season in the second game of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Guardians, giving up a hit and striking out two in a scoreless ninth inning.

The veteran righty completed a combined shutout for the Reds staff that featured five different pitchers, as the group combined to allow just three singles. Pagan has converted all five of his save chances since coming off the IL at the beginning of July, and on the month he's produced a 2.46 ERA, 0.82 WHIP and 12:3 K:BB over 7.1 innings.

Franco was removed from Tuesday night's contest against the Guardians in the seventh inning with an apparent injury, Charlie Goldsmith of Fox 19 Now Cincinnati reports.

Franco pitched 3.2 scoreless innings, surrendering one hit and two walks while striking out two batters before his departure. The 25-year-old was able to get Austin Hedges to pop out for the second out in the top of the seventh, but Franco immediately motioned to the dugout after his final pitch. More information on his status will likely be provided in the near future.

The Cardinals selected Strzelecki's contract from Triple-A Memphis on Tuesday.

After signing a minor-league deal with the Cardinals on Saturday, Strzelecki will now grab a spot in the big-league bullpen, filling the roster spot vacated by Hunter Dobbins. Strzelecki hasn't pitched in the majors since 2024, but he posted a 3.94 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 38:6 K:BB in 32 innings between the Yankees' and Brewers' Triple-A affiliates.

Ferguson will start Game 2 of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Guardians, Pat Brennan of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

It will be the first start since 2023 with the Dodgers for Ferguson, who has a 3.86 ERA, 1.57 WHIP and 20:10 K:BB across 21 innings for the Reds this season. The left-hander will likely cover only an inning or two before turning things over to the Cincinnati bullpen. Jose Franco, who is serving as the 27th man for the twin bill, could operate as the bulk reliever.

Atlanta re-signed Hernandez to a one-year contract Tuesday.

Hernandez elected free agency after being booted off Atlanta's 40-man roster this past weekend, but he's now rejoined the big-league bullpen. The righty will be available in long relief.

Atlanta optioned Thomas to Triple-A Gwinnett on Tuesday.

The move comes one day after Thomas was bludgeoned for 11 runs over 2.2 innings in a 78-pitch relief outing versus the Mets. His spot on the roster will be absorbed by Elieser Hernandez.

Warren (forearm) will begin a rehab assignment with Single-A St. Lucie on Tuesday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Warren has been cleared to test things out in games after missing the past three weeks of action with a right forearm strain. He'd been effective before getting hurt, holding a 2.45 ERA and 36:16 K:BB over 33 innings. Warren shouldn't need too many rehab outings before being reinstated to the active roster.

Sisk (elbow) began a throwing progression July 18, MLB.com reports.

The Pirates haven't provided word on when Sisk will be ready to begin a rehab assignment, but that could happen soon if he's experienced no setbacks while ramping up his throwing. Before hitting the shelf July 4 due to left elbow inflammation, Sisk turned in a 2.23 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 43:13 K:BB in 36.1 innings out of the Pittsburgh bullpen.

The Nationals recalled Varland from Triple-A Rochester on Tuesday, Grant Paulsen of 106.7 The Fan reports.

Varland has collected six saves while posting a 6.25 ERA, 1.77 WHIP and 30:15 K:BB over 31.2 innings during his time with the Nationals this season. He's absorbing the roster spot vacated by Andrew Alvarez, who was optioned following Monday's contest versus the Blue Jays.

Brazoban struck out one in a scoreless two-thirds of an inning to record his eighth hold of the season in a 14-3 rout of Atlanta on Monday.

The game was still close when Brazoban took over from Zac Thornton with one out in the seventh inning, and the 36-year-old reliever had little trouble finishing the frame. Brazoban has been scored upon in only one of his last eight appearances, posting a 1.04 ERA, 0.81 WHIP and 8:3 K:BB over 8.2 innings during that span and potentially making himself a more valuable trade asset for a Mets team looking to sell at the deadline.