MLB Player News

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.

The Cardinals selected Strzelecki's contract from Triple-A Memphis on Tuesday.

After signing a minor-league deal with the Cardinals on Saturday, Strzelecki will now grab a spot in the big-league bullpen, filling the roster spot vacated by Hunter Dobbins. Strzelecki hasn't pitched in the majors since 2024, but he posted a 3.94 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 38:6 K:BB in 32 innings between the Yankees' and Brewers' Triple-A affiliates.

Ferguson will start Game 2 of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Guardians, Pat Brennan of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

It will be the first start since 2023 with the Dodgers for Ferguson, who has a 3.86 ERA, 1.57 WHIP and 20:10 K:BB across 21 innings for the Reds this season. The left-hander will likely cover only an inning or two before turning things over to the Cincinnati bullpen. Jose Franco, who is serving as the 27th man for the twin bill, could operate as the bulk reliever.

The Guardians recalled Espino from Triple-A Columbus on Tuesday, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

Espino will serve as the 27th man on the roster for the second game of Tuesday's doubleheader in Cincinnati. The right-hander made five appearances out of the Cleveland bullpen earlier this season, allowing three runs with a 9:3 K:BB. Espino will likely be sent back down after the twin bill.

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

McGee made two scoreless appearances for the Brewers earlier this season before being sent to the Royals in a trade over the All-Star break. He's taking the roster spot vacated by the injured Beck Way (back).

The Royals placed Way on the 15-day injured list Tuesday with back spasms.

Way last pitched Friday as an opener versus the Tigers, and it seems he came out of that appearance with a back issue. His spot on the roster and in the bullpen will be taken by Easton McGee.

Atlanta re-signed Hernandez to a one-year contract Tuesday.

Hernandez elected free agency after being booted off Atlanta's 40-man roster this past weekend, but he's now rejoined the big-league bullpen. The righty will be available in long relief.

Atlanta optioned Thomas to Triple-A Gwinnett on Tuesday.

The move comes one day after Thomas was bludgeoned for 11 runs over 2.2 innings in a 78-pitch relief outing versus the Mets. His spot on the roster will be absorbed by Elieser Hernandez.

The Twins recalled Anderson from Triple-A St. Paul on Tuesday.

Anderson was just sent down Sunday, but he's back two days later to replace the injured Cole Sands (elbow). The right-hander could fill a long-relief role for Minnesota.