MLB Player News

Fairbanks tossed a perfect ninth inning with two strikeouts and earned his 14th save of the season Tuesday against the Phillies.

Fairbanks needed just nine pitches (eight strikes) to get the job done Tuesday in what was one of his most dominant outings of the campaign. Despite holding a 7.36 ERA across his eight appearances (7.1 innings) since the beginning of July, Fairbanks has gone 2-for-3 in save chances this month while posting a 13.5 K/9.

The Nationals optioned Varland to Triple-A Rochester following Tuesday's 8-6 win over the Blue Jays.

Varland will lose his place in the bullpen after coughing up three runs (two earned) without recording an out Tuesday. His demotion to Triple-A will free up a roster spot for Trevor Williams (elbow), who is expected to be activated from the 60-day injured list Wednesday.

Beeter locked down the save Tuesday against the Blue Jays, recording a perfect inning while striking out one batter.

It took just 12 pitches (eight strikes) for Beeter to put away Toronto for his 11th save of the campaign. The 27-year-old has now recorded three saves in the last four days and has not allowed a run in that time. On the season, Beeter now owns a 3.58 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 34:20 K:BB through 32.2 innings.

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.