MLB Player News

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.

Seymour will pitch in bulk relief behind opening pitcher Casey Legumina during Wednesday's game against the Rangers, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

In his last turn through the rotation Thursday in Toronto, Seymour gave up just two earned runs in six innings out of the bullpen while working behind Legumina. The Rays will stick with the pairing again Wednesday, which should aid Seymour's chances of coming away with a win than if he were being used as a traditional starter.

Smith recorded his 30th save of the season in the first game of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Reds, walking one and striking out one in a scoreless ninth inning.

The right-hander wasn't at his sharpest, needing 18 pitches (nine strikes) to preserve a 6-5 lead, but Smith was able to get the job done. He continues to lead the majors in saves, with his 30 putting him two ahead of the Rays' Bryan Baker, and through 10.2 innings in July, Smith sports a 0.84 ERA, 0.56 WHIP and 11:2 K:BB.

Legumina will serve as the Rays' opening pitcher in Wednesday's game against the Rangers, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Legumina gave up one run on two hits and two walks over two innings during his previous outing as an opener last Thursday in Toronto. He'll presumably cover the first inning or two of Wednesday's contest before Ian Seymour takes over in bulk relief.

Latz picked up his 21st save of the season in a perfect ninth inning of a 4-1 win over the Rays on Tuesday.

Latz needed just 10 pitches (eight strikes) to notch the save for Texas on Tuesday. The 30-year-old has now converted 16 consecutive save opportunities and has not blown a save since May 13. On the season, the left-hander has posted a 1.80 ERA, 0.66 WHIP and 51:11 K:BB in 50 innings.

Quantrill (4-3) earned the win after going 5.1 innings against Tampa Bay on Tuesday, allowing one run on two hits and one walk while striking out seven.

Starting just his sixth game of the season in 22 appearances, Quantrill logged his fourth win and his first since June 2. The 31-year-old punched out seven batters, notching his season high in strikeouts by surpassing his previous high of five, which he accomplished two different times. On the year, Quantrill now owns a 3.84 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 39:18 K:BB through 58.2 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.

Wesneski (elbow) will return from the injured list to start Wednesday's game against the Angels, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

After spending the first several months of the season on the injured list while finishing up his recovery from May 2025 Tommy John surgery, Wesneski will officially make his season debut Wednesday and claim the spot in Houston's rotation vacated by Spencer Arrighetti (foot). Wesneski made five starts in the minor leagues after getting the green light to begin a rehab assignment June 30, during which he posted a 2.25 ERA and 1.00 WHIP in 20 innings split between rookie ball, Double-A and Triple-A. He built up to 80 pitches during his last outing at Triple-A Sugar Land, so the Astros may not place a limit on his pitch count during his start Wednesday.