MLB Player News

Murfee (elbow) threw live batting practice Tuesday, Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Murfee was pulled off his rehab assignment nearly a month ago after reporting soreness in his surgically repaired right elbow, and he's now worked his way back to facing live hitters. It remains unclear how far away he is from a return to the active roster, though it's worth noting he hasn't yet been ruled out from making another appearance in the regular season.

Spiers (5-7) took the loss Tuesday at Cleveland, pitching four innings while allowing three runs on five hits and two walks. He struck out two.

Spiers made his first start since Aug. 20, subbing in for the injured Julian Aguiar (shoulder). Things began poorly for the 26-year-old righty, as the Guardians tagged him for three runs, including two homers in the opening frame. He managed to generate only six whiffs out of his 69 total pitches. Spiers has been rough as a starter this season, pitching to a 6.62 ERA, 1.49 WHIP and 47:15 K:BB across 51.2 innings. If this marks his final appearance of the season -- Spiers could possibly appear in relief during the weekend -- he wraps the campaign with a 5.46 ERA over 90.2 innings total.

The Rangers reinstated Sborz (shoulder) from the 15-day injured list Tuesday.

Sborz initially landed on the injured list in mid-August due to shoulder fatigue, but after a month of rehab, he's been given the green light to return to Texas' bullpen. The 30-year-old righty allowed five earned runs over just 3.1 innings during his minor-league assignment, but he won't have to worry about pitching under pressure during the final week of the regular season with the Rangers out of the playoff picture. Walter Pennington was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock in a corresponding move.

The Rangers optioned Pennington to Triple-A Round Rock on Tuesday.

Pennington has been solid out of the bullpen since joining the Rangers in August, posting a 2.76 ERA and 1.59 WHIP through 16.1 frames. However, he gave up three earned runs in just two-thirds of an inning during his most recent appearance, which will ultimately cost him his spot on the active roster. Josh Sborz (shoulder) returned from the 15-day IL in a corresponding move to take Pennington's place.

Topa (knee/elbow) said Tuesday that he feels ready to return after making two rehab appearances with Triple-A St. Paul, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Topa allowed three runs in the first of those outings before bouncing back with two strikeouts in a scoreless frame in the second appearance. He's been out all season, first while recovering from a torn patellar tendon in his left knee and more recently due to right elbow inflammation. While Topa appears healthy now, it's unclear how eager the Twins would be to throw him into action during the final week of the season when they're pushing for a playoff spot.

Wilson (oblique) could be activated from the 15-day injured list as soon as Wednesday, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Wilson got through a multi-inning simulated game Monday with no problems, clearing the way for his return. He's been shelved for most of this month with a right oblique strain but is ready to return and state his case to be included on the Brewers' playoff roster.

Mears (forearm) could be activated from the 15-day injured list as soon as Wednesday, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Mears threw a multi-inning simulated game Monday and came out of it with no issues. He's missed the last month of action with right forearm inflammation, but his activation appears imminent.

Brieske earned the save in Tuesday's 2-1 victory over the Rays, allowing one run on one hit over two innings. He struck out three.

Brieske hadn't allowed an earned run in 12.2 innings before he gave up a solo homer to Brandon Lowe with two outs in the ninth Tuesday. However, Brieske rebounded to strike out Josh Lowe for the final out, securing his first save in 2024. The 26-year-old right-hander has earned a higher-leverage role with the Tigers down the stretch. Brieske's ERA now sits at 3.68 with a 1.32 WHIP and 68:30 K:BB through 63.2 innings this season.

The Marlins recalled Maldonado from Triple-A Jacksonville on Tuesday.

He's taking the roster spot vacated by Mike Baumann, who has been placed on the paternity list. Maldonado, 26, holds a 6.75 ERA and 11:5 K:BB across 16 frames with the big club this season.

The Marlins placed Baumann on the paternity list Tuesday.

Baumann will likely miss the three-game series with the Twins before rejoining the team this weekend in Toronto. He has allowed 10 runs but boasts a 17:4 K:BB over 12.1 innings since being claimed off waivers by the Marlins last month.