MLB Player News

Vasquez's contract was selected from Triple-A Sacramento on Monday.

Vasquez lost his spot on the Giants' 40-man roster in late August but went unclaimed on waivers and remained in the organization. He should serve as a low-leverage reliever during the Giants' final series of the regular season after Thomas Szapucki (hip) was placed on the 15-day IL.

Szapucki was placed on the 15-day injured list with a hip strain Monday, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Szapucki dealt with hip tightness in late September but returned to the mound late last week. However, he's apparently been diagnosed with a strain that will force him to miss the final series of the regular season. The southpaw made 11 appearances (one start) between the Mets and Giants this year and posted a 7.20 ERA and 1.73 WHIP in 15 innings.

Hernandez was recalled from Triple-A Jacksonville on Monday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Hernandez has been in the minors since mid-August, but he'll rejoin the Marlins' active roster after Edward Cabrera (ankle) was placed on the 15-day injured list. Since Sandy Alcantara won't start Wednesday's regular-season finale against Atlanta, Hernandez should be considered a strong candidate to start as long as he isn't used out of the bullpen Monday or Tuesday.

Cousins was recalled from Triple-A Nashville on Monday.

Cousins last stint in the majors came in late September and lasted just three games. In that time, he allowed one hit, zero runs and struck out five batters over 3.1 innings. With Justin Topa (ankle) heading to the 15-day injured list, Cousins will remain with the Brewers for their final series of the regular season.

Topa was placed on the 15-day injured list with a right ankle contusion Monday.

Topa was called up by the Brewers on Wednesday, and he gave up two runs on two hits and no walks while failing to strike out a batter in two innings over two appearances following his promotion. While the right-hander would be able to return if the Brewers make the postseason and go on a run, his season is likely over. Right-hander Jake Cousins was called up to take his place in the bullpen late in the regular season.

Miller struck out one in a scoreless inning Sunday in the Giants' 4-3 win over the Diamondbacks.

The 31-year-old right-hander has struggled to stick at the big-league level in recent years while bouncing around between multiple organizations, but he's made a strong early impression since joining the Giants following his Sept. 22 call-up from Triple-A Sacramento. Through his first three relief outings, Miller has yet to allow a run in 5.2 innings while scattering four hits, issuing no walks and striking out 13. Even if he's unable to land a major-league deal this winter, Miller's strong finish to 2022 should put him in position to be a high-priority minor-league signing.

Hand (elbow) thew a 25-pitch bullpen session Monday and is scheduled to face live hitters Wednesday, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

It is beginning to look more and more like Hand will rejoin the Phillies for their wild-card series, assuming they maintain their position in the standings. Hand hasn't pitched since Sept. 20, when he gave up three earned runs over just one-third of an inning against Toronto.

Gallegos signed a two-year contract extension with the Cardinals on Monday.

Gallegos has performed well as a high-leverage reliever for the Cardinals over the last two seasons, converting 28 of 42 save chances with 36 holds while posting a 2.98 ERA and 0.92 WHIP in 139 innings over 129 relief appearances. The right-hander will remain in St. Louis for at least two more seasons and should factor into the team's late-inning mix once again in 2023. His extension includes a club option for the 2025 season.

The Pirates recalled Mears from Triple-A Indianapolis on Monday, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.

Starting pitcher Luis Ortiz was optioned to Triple-A to open up a spot on the 28-man active roster for Mears, who will be available out of the bullpen over the Bucs' final three games of the season. Mears has missed most of the season while recovering from arthroscopic elbow surgery, but he's been healthy since late July and was pitching regularly out of the Triple-A bullpen prior to his promotion. Over his final nine outings at Triple-A, Mears allowed three runs (two earned) and struck out nine over 12.1 innings.

Hudson is scheduled to start Tuesday's game in Pittsburgh, Rick Hummel of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Since being called up from Triple-A Memphis on Sept. 21, Hudson has made one three-inning appearance out of the bullpen, which came back on Sept. 24. He's likely kept himself stretched out through side sessions and simulated games, so he should be in store for a relatively normal start despite his prolonged idle period. If Hudson performs well Tuesday, he could have a case for a spot in the Cardinals' bullpen during the postseason.