MLB Player News

Smith was traded to the Mets on Thursday in exchange for Lucas Duda, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

Although Smith isn't the most high-profile prospect in the Rays' system, many teams have been interested in him thanks to the high-octane fastball and above-average breaking ball he flashes as a reliever. He strikes out batters at a solid rate, and he even managed to make a brief appearance at the Triple-A level this season. Smith is already 23 years old, but he likely needs a bit more seasoning in the upper levels of the minor leagues before appearing out of the Mets' bullpen.

Mayers was optioned back to Triple-A Memphis on Thursday, MLB.com's Jenifer Langosch reports.

Although he was just recalled by the club prior to Wednesday's game, Mayers was sent back down to Memphis in order to make room for Luke Weaver, who will start against the Diamondbacks on Thursday. Mayers has only made two appearances with the big-league club this season, but has been stellar with Memphis recently, accumulating an ERA of 0.84 and 0.97 WHIP in 32 innings since the beginning of June.

Wittgren has surpassed his strikeout totals from last season, posting 43 in 42.1 innings so far this season.

In all of 2016, Wittgren only struck out 42 in 51.2 innings. With the improved strikeout numbers, however, has come an increase in walks as well. He is at 13 free passes in 2017, up from the 10 he had last year in his rookie season.

Brebbia fired a scoreless seventh inning in Wednesday's 10-5 win over the Rockies in which he recorded a strikeout.

Brebbia's streak of not allowing an earned run is now at 11 appearances -- a stretch that's allowed him to lower his ERA from 3.38 to 1.54. The rookie right-hander has been one of the bullpen's pleasant surprises since debuting May 28, and given his ability to work multiple frames when necessary, he figures to continue seeing plenty of work for the balance of the campaign.

Hand struck out one in a perfect ninth inning Wednesday to pick up his fourth save of the season in a 6-3 win over the Mets.

The left-hander continues to impress, and Hand hasn't allowed a run in 9.1 July innings with a 16:2 K:BB. Assuming he isn't traded before the deadline, he seems ready to settle into the Padres' closer role.

Stewart gave up five unearned runs on five hits and a walk over 3.2 innings in Wednesday's 10-5 win over the Twins. He struck out two.

Errors by Yasmani Grandal in the third inning and Logan Forsythe in the fourth gave the Twins a 5-0 lead and chased Stewart from the game, but the Dodgers rallied to take him off the hook for the loss. The 25-year-old maintained his pristine 0.00 ERA thanks to the defensive miscues, but he'll still likely head back to the bullpen for now.

Hoffman (6-3) coughed up seven runs (six earned) on seven hits and three walks while striking out three over four innings in Wednesday's 10-5 loss to the Cardinals.

Even away from Coors Field, the right-hander couldn't find a way to turn things around. Hoffman now has a brutal 8.44 ERA, 1.77 WHIP and 22:18 K:BB in 37.1 innings over his last seven starts, making him a radioactive fantasy play the next time he takes the mound Tuesday at home against the Mets.

Nelson held the Nationals to two runs on four hits and a walk over seven-plus innings Wednesday, striking out 10 in a no-decision.

He actually held a 2-1 lead when he started the eighth inning, but after issuing a leadoff walk to Matt Wieters, Nelson got pulled -- only to see his bullpen proceed to fall apart, allowing a seven-run rally that completely turned the game around. Nonetheless, this marks another terrific outing for Nelson, who's now recorded double-digit whiffs five times this year. He's finally realized the potential he showed when he was the best pitcher in the minor leagues several years ago.

Barraclough was placed on the 10-day disabled list Wednesday with a right shoulder impingement, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

It's unclear when the injury was sustained, especially given that he's pitched well since the All-Star break, allowing just one run in 5.2 innings pitched. The move is retroactive to July 25, so the earliest he can return is August 4, although no word has come forth as to whether he'll be ready by then or not. To fill his spot in the bullpen, Drew Steckenrider was called up from the minors.

Morejon was promoted to Low-A Fort Wayne on Wednesday, Bill Center of MLB.com reports.

The 18-year-old lefty has dazzled during his brief time with short-season Tribune City, posting a 35:3 K:BB with a 3.57 ERA in seven starts (35.1 innings). Morejon will now head up the organizational ladder to finish out the season with a full-season affiliate with the hopes of keeping things going in the TinCaps' rotation.