MLB Player News

The Orioles designated Kimbrel for assignment Wednesday.

Kimbrel had an excellent first half as the Orioles closer in posting a 2.80 ERA and 53:16 K:BB over 35.1 innings while notching 23 saves. He has cratered since the All-Star break, however, turning in a 10.59 ERA, 2.18 WHIP and 15 walks in 17 frames. Kimbrel was being used in a mop-up role this month, and in his most recent appearance Tuesday, he allowed six runs while recording just two outs. The 36-year-old will eventually be released, with the Orioles on the hook for what remains of his $13 million salary in 2024, as well as a $1 million buyout of his 2025 club option.

The Reds recalled Leibrandt from Triple-A Louisville on Wednesday.

He'll provide length in the bullpen after the Reds' relief corps needed to cover 7.2 innings in Tuesday's win over Atlanta upon Brandon Williamson's exit due to an elbow injury. Leibrandt had one scoreless relief appearance for the Reds last month.

Wesneski (forearm) began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Iowa on Sept. 6 and has given up three earned runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out seven across five innings over his four appearances.

After throwing two scoreless innings for Iowa on Tuesday, Wesneski could be on the cusp of activation from the 15-day injured list. According to Ryan Herrera of AllCHGO.com, Wesneski was spotted in the Cubs' clubhouse Wednesday, which suggests his rehab assignment has come to an end. Once he's formally reinstated, Wesneski will likely serve as a multi-inning option out of the bullpen.

The Cubs activated Lopez (groin) from the 15-day injured list Wednesday, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Lopez spent the minimum 15 days on the IL with a strained right groin. The veteran reliever had been in the closer mix before getting hurt and should regain a high-leverage role, although Porter Hodge still looks like the better bet for saves in the Cubs' bullpen.

The Cubs optioned Palencia to Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Just one day after being called up from Triple-A, Palencia will return to Iowa with the Cubs needing to open up a spot on the 28-man active roster for lefty Justin Steele (elbow), who will return from the 15-day injured list to start Wednesday's game against the Athletics. Palencia struck out two over two perfect innings out of the bullpen in Tuesday's 4-3 loss to Oakland.

The Cubs optioned Neely to Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Neely will give up his spot in the Chicago bullpen to right-hander Jorge Lopez (groin), who was reinstated from the 15-day injured list in a corresponding move. Through six appearances at the big-league level this season, Neely has given up six earned runs on eight hits and two walks while striking out seven over six innings.

Erceg (2-6) allowed two runs (one earned) on three hits and a walk while striking out two over 1.2 innings, taking the extra-inning loss versus the Tigers on Tuesday.

Erceg's six-inning scoreless streak came to an end as he faltered in the 10th inning after he kept the game tied in the ninth. He also ended August in rough form, but he's generally brought some stability to the Royals' bullpen since they acquired him from the Athletics. For the year, Erceg is at a 3.53 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 68:16 K:BB while earning 11 saves, 18 holds and five blown saves over 58.2 innings.

Shuster is scheduled to start Wednesday's game against the Angels, LaMond Pope of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Shuster will take the hill first for the White Sox in what's likely to be a bullpen day featuring a parade of relievers once the left-hander exits the contest. Considering that he's worked two-plus innings in seven of his last 11 appearances, Shuster should be able to offer more length than the typical opening pitcher, but he's still unlikely to work deep enough into the contest to qualify for a win.

Miller gave up one run on one hit in the ninth inning Tuesday but escaped his 26th save of the season in a 4-3 win over the Cubs. He struck out two.

He served up a solo shot to Ian Happ to make things interesting, but Miller still converted his 14th straight save chance, a streak that stretches back to June 18. With 26 saves, the right-hander has tied Oakland's rookie record, a mark set by Andrew Bailey in 2009. Over 59.2 innings this year, Miller boasts a 2.41 ERA, 0.85 WHIP and 95:19 K:BB.

Neris got the save in Tuesday's 4-3 win over the Padres, allowing a walk and striking out a batter over a scoreless inning.

Neris picked up his 18th save of the season but his first of the year with the Astros after getting the ball in the 10th inning on the heels of Josh Hader recording the previous four outs. As he's done many times this season, Neris pitched his way into trouble, loading the bases with two outs before getting Manny Machado to ground out to end the game. Neris' reunion with the Astros has been a success so far, as he's posted a 2.53 ERA, 0.66 WHIP and 9:2 K:BB in 10.2 innings over 11 appearances.