MLB Player News

O'Brien earned the save in Wednesday's 1-0 win over the Angels, allowing no hits and two walks with three strikeouts in a scoreless ninth inning.

O'Brien was summoned to protect a one-run lead in the ninth inning and didn't allow a ball in play, working around two walks by striking out the side. It was an encouraging rebound after the 31-year-old melted down Monday (allowing two runs in one-third of an inning during a blown save), and he's now held opponents scoreless in nine of his past 10 appearances. On the year, he's 26-for-31 in save chances to go along with a 3.67 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 44:17 K:BB across 41.2 innings.

King (ankle) is not expected to require a rehab assignment before coming off the injured list, Kevin Barral of FishonFirst.com reports.

King has thrown to live hitters this week, and Marlins manager Clayton McCullough told reporters Wednesday that he anticipates that the veteran southpaw will be back with the team "very soon." Prior to landing on the 15-day IL in early July due to a left lateral ankle sprain, King boasted a 2.48 ERA, 0.75 WHIP, four holds, one save and a 30:10 K:BB across 40 innings.

Ekness (calf) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Jacksonville on Thursday, Kevin Barral of FishonFirst.com reports.

Ekness has been on the shelf since June 1 due to a right calf injury, which was severe enough for him to shift to the 60-day injured list three weeks later. He's progressed enough in his recovery to start a rehab assignment, and given the length of his IL stint, he'll likely need at least a few minor-league games under his belt before he's cleared to return to the Marlins.

The Yankees optioned Castro to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Wednesday.

Castro struck out the only two batters he faced during New York's loss in the first half of Wednesday's twin bill against Pittsburgh, but he'll now end up as the roster casualty necessary to make room for Max Fried's (elbow) return from the IL. Castro boasts a 2.39 ERA and 0.88 WHIP across 26.1 innings in the minors, so he could soon get another opportunity with the Yankees if his performance holds at Triple-A.

Quantrill is expected to work in bulk relief behind opening pitcher Tyler Alexander during Wednesday's game against the White Sox, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

The White Sox will roll out a starting lineup featuring three left-handed batters in the top four spots, so the left-handed Alexander will likely work the first inning or two in an effort to neutralize those hitters. Quantrill is then expected to enter the game once Alexander exits, which could aid Quantrill's chances of coming away with a win. Quantrill had started in each of his last five appearances, going 0-2 with a 4.29 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 12:4 K:BB across 21 innings.

The Orioles recalled Walker from Triple-A Norfolk on Wednesday.

Walker has been appointed as the club's 27th man for the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader in Boston. The southpaw has permitted three runs with a 7:2 K:BB over six innings during his time in the Orioles' bullpen this season. Walker will likely be dispatched to Norfolk following the twin bill.

The Red Sox recalled Gamboa from Triple-A Worcester on Wednesday.

Gamboa will serve as the 27th man for the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader versus the Orioles. The lefty has logged a 2.25 ERA and 5:4 K:BB in eight innings for Boston this season and could offer some length out of the bullpen in Wednesday's nightcap, if needed.

Rivera will start the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader versus the Orioles, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

The Red Sox had left open the possibility of Ranger Suarez (groin/illness) coming off the injured list to start Wednesday's nightcap, but they'll hold Suarez back for now and give Rivera another turn. Rivera has allowed three runs with a 9:4 K:BB over 9.1 frames covering two starts and one relief appearance for Boston this season. He's thrown 64 pitches in both of his starts and not lasted more than 3.2 innings in either outing, so Rivera is unlikely to offer significant length Wednesday.

Chapman secured the save in Game 1 of Wednesday's doubleheader against Baltimore, allowing one hit and one walk in a scoreless ninth inning.

Chapman threw only six of his 13 pitches for strikes and failed to record a strikeout, so he didn't have his best stuff on the hill Wednesday. Even so, the veteran southpaw successfully converted his seventh consecutive save and hasn't given up a run in six straight outings. Through 32.2 innings this year, Chapman has a 1.93 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 40:16 K:BB with 23 saves in 25 attempts.

Strzelecki is a free agent after exercising the opt-out clause in his minor-league contract with the Brewers, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Strzelecki has spent all of the 2026 season at the Triple-A level between the Yankees and Brewers organizations, producing a 4.06 ERA and 37:6 K:BB over 31 innings. The 31-year-old hasn't seen any action in the majors since 2024.