MLB Player News

The Phillies optioned Backhus to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Friday.

He's clearing off the active roster to make space for waiver claim Jose Urquidy. Backhus had been recalled earlier this week and did not make an appearance during his most recent stint in the majors.

The Brewers recalled Gordon from Triple-A Nashville on Friday.

The Brewers needed a fresh relief arm after their bullpen was needed for 6.1 innings in Thursday's loss to the Pirates. Gordon will be on five days' rest after throwing 5.2 innings and 97 pitches in a start for Nashville last Saturday, so he'll be available for plenty of length, if needed.

The Brewers optioned Stallings to Triple-A Nashville on Friday.

Stallings fanned six over three shutout innings in Thursday's loss to the Pirates. Because he wouldn't have been available to pitch for at least a day or two, the Brewers are replacing him on the roster with a fresh bullpen arm.

The Reds placed Garcia on the 15-day injured list Friday with loose bodies in his right elbow.

Per Charlie Goldsmith of Fox 19 Now Cincinnati, Garcia will undergo surgery, which shouldn't affect his readiness for spring training. The 31-year-old has had a nice rookie season out of the Reds' bullpen, logging a 3.13 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 41:19 K:BB over 46 frames.

Duran struck out two while allowing one hit and no walks in a scoreless ninth inning to earn the save Thursday against the Mets.

That gives Duran a save on back-to-back days. The star closer's last blown save came July 27 in Miami, and he's recorded at least one punchout in seven consecutive appearances and 10 of his last 11. Duran sports a 1.76 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 79:9 K:BB over 56.1 innings this year, piling up 32 saves (34 chances) to match his career high.

Bowlan was removed from Thursday's contest against the Mets with right groin tightness, Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Bowlan recorded two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning before he was forced to leave the game with groin discomfort. The right-hander can be considered day-to-day for the time being and will likely undergo additional imaging in the near future.

Bowlan exited Thursday's appearance against the Mets in the bottom of the eighth inning due to an apparent injury, Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Bowlan showed some discomfort after he threw a two-strike fastball to outfielder Nick Morabito with one out in the bottom of the eighth frame. The nature of the injury isn't clear, but the-right-hander's status should be updated in the near future. Tim Mayza replaced Bowlan on the mound versus New York.

Gordon (1-5) took the loss Thursday against the Padres, allowing seven runs on 10 hits and two walks in three innings. He struck out three.

Gordon was throttled early in hitter-friendly Colorado, surrendering each of his seven runs in the second inning. The right-hander gave up double-digit hits for a second consecutive start, and he's now coughed up at least four runs while working fewer than five innings in three straight outings. He'll take a 6.01 ERA, 1.55 WHIP and 84:20 K:BB over 100.1 frames into his next scheduled appearance at home versus Arizona, which will likely be his final start of 2026.

Williams (shoulder) threw a live batting practice Thursday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

The Mets will determine Friday if Williams is ready for activation. However, the right-hander may not serve in his usual role when he returns. It appears that the Mets will script the 31-year-old's appearances when he is back healthy, so it is not a guarantee he will be closing games.

Urquidy will appear in Friday's game against the Mets, likely in a bulk-relief role, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Urquidy was claimed off waivers by the Phillies earlier Thursday and will be counted on to log some innings right away as Philadelphia tries to cover for the loss of Jesus Luzardo (shoulder). The 31-year-old Urquidy holds a 5.28 ERA and 21:7 K:BB across 29 innings covering one start and 10 relief appearances this season between the Pirates and White Sox.