MLB Player News

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters Tuesday that Diaz's placement on the 15-day injured list is due to neck inflammation, Jack Harris of the California Post reports.

Diaz will head back to Los Angeles to undergo further tests for his neck issue Wednesday, and the initial expectation is that the right-hander will return this season, per Jack Harris of the California Post. Diaz saw his fastball velocity bottom out at 93 mph during Monday's outing against the Rockies, when he allowed three runs on four hits in one inning of work. Tanner Scott figures to serve as the Dodgers' preferred closer for as long as Diaz is sidelined.

The Cubs are expected to activate Palencia (elbow) from the 60-day injured list in the coming days, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

The Cubs haven't committed to an exact date for Palencia to return from the IL, but manager Craig Counsell told reporters Tuesday that the 26-year-old right-hander will be activated "soon." A right flexor strain has sidelined Palencia since mid-June, but he won't have a defined role upon his return, per Bruce Levine of 670TheScore.com. It appears that, for now, the Cubs prefer keeping Jacob Webb as the main closer, with Palencia getting some work in high-leverage situations.

The Dodgers are placing Diaz on the 15-day injured list Tuesday with an apparent upper-body injury, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.

The right-hander was activated from the injured list in late July after missing more than three months following surgery to remove loose bodies from his elbow, and he's now headed back to the shelf after surrendering 11 runs and blowing three of six save chances in nine appearances since returning. According to Jack Harris of the California Post, Diaz's fastball bottomed out at 93 mph in a low-leverage appearance Monday, when he gave up three runs on four hits in one frame. It's encouraging Diaz isn't believed to be dealing with an arm issue, but his return timeline will remain up in the air until more information is available on the injury.

The Dodgers outrighted Irvin to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Aug. 6.

After being called up from Oklahoma City on July 31, Irvin made a six-inning relief appearance in a loss to the Red Sox before being dropped from the 40-man roster a day later. Rather than opting to become a free agent, the 32-year-old lefty has settled back into the rotation at Oklahoma City. He's given up two runs while striking out 11 batters over 11.2 innings in two starts since returning to Triple-A.

Barnes elected free agency Thursday.

Barnes has now opted to become a free agent on two occasions this season after the Dodgers have outrighted him off the 40-man roster. The 30-year-old lefty has made five appearances at the big-league level between stops with the Cubs and Dodgers, logging a 6.92 ERA and 1.85 WHIP across 13 innings.

Bautista (shoulder) could begin a rehab assignment within the next week, Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports.

Coming back from surgery to repair his right labrum and rotator cuff, Bautista has reportedly looked impressive as he ramps up a a throwing program, and he's nearly ready to try things out in games. The reliever's rehab assignment will be a lengthy one, but he could be ready to rejoin the Orioles' bullpen by early September.

The Royals recalled Duran from Triple-A Omaha on Tuesday.

Duran holds a 3.15 ERA and 64:29 KBB over 45.2 frames at the Triple-A level this season. His lone major-league appearance came in 2025 with the Athletics when he was charged with three runs while recording only one out.

The Royals optioned Erceg to Triple-A Omaha on Tuesday.

It's been a disastrous season for Erceg, who holds a 6.23 ERA, 1.89 WHIP and 31:29 K:BB over 43.1 innings. The Royals finally ran out of patience with the reliever after he recorded just one out combined over his last two appearances. His spot on the roster will be filled by Carlos Duran.

The Athletics recalled Rashi from Triple-A Las Vegas on Tuesday.

Rashi will get his first opportunity with the A's after being claimed off waivers by them earlier this month. The right-handed reliever holds a 5.40 ERA and 26:9 K:BB over 20 innings in the majors the last two seasons.

The Athletics optioned Barnett to Triple-A Las Vegas on Tuesday.

The transaction comes one day after Barnett was lit up for six runs over 2.2 innings in a loss to the Royals. With Jeffrey Springs (hip) slated to rejoin the Athletics' rotation this week, Barnett will lose his spot among the starting five and has now logged a 7.08 ERA, 1.62 WHIP and 38:24 K:BB over 40.2 frames in 2026.