MLB Player News

Duarte was credited with the save in Monday's 2-1 win over the Padres, striking out two batters in a scoreless ninth inning.

Kodai Senga got the save chance Sunday against the Nationals, so the Mets turned to Duarte to protect the team's one-run lead Monday. Twelve of Duarte's 14 pitches went for strikes, and he started and ended the inning with a punchout. Senga appears to be the Mets' preferred closer while Devin Williams (shoulder) is on the IL, but Duarte could be in the mix for occasional save chances in the interim.

Baker struck out two while allowing one hit and no walks in 1.2 scoreless innings to earn the save Monday against the Orioles.

In a pivotal American League East matchup Monday, the Rays turned to Baker to record more than three outs for the first time this season. The All-Star right-hander continues to be a lights-out closer, last blowing a save May 13 in Toronto. Through 49 innings, Baker boasts a 1.47 ERA, 0.88 WHIP and 55:16 K:BB with an MLB-high 35 saves (38 attempts).

The Royals optioned Cuas to Triple-A Omaha on Monday.

Cuas' latest stint in the majors lasted just under two weeks, with the righty reliever appearing in five games and allowing four hits and two walks over 4.2 scoreless frames. He'll give up his spot on the active roster and in the bullpen to left-hander Connor Thomas, who was recalled from Triple-A.

The Royals recalled Thomas from Triple-A Omaha on Monday.

Kansas City optioned right-hander Jose Cuas to Triple-A to clear a spot in the bullpen for Thomas, who will provide the club with a left-handed option who's capable of covering multiple innings. The 28-year-old has yet to debut for the Royals but has gotten off to a brutal start to his time in the big leagues. Between stops with Milwaukee in 2025 and Atlanta in 2026, Thomas has been rocked for 27 runs -- all earned -- on 27 hits and eight walks in just 11.2 innings over four total relief appearances.

Bender (shin) will begin a rehab assignment Tuesday, Stephen Strom of Marlins Radio Network reports.

Bender has been shelved since late June with a stress reaction in his right shin. Because he's missed so much time, he's likely to require a handful of rehab appearances before rejoining the Marlins' bullpen.

The Cubs transferred Palencia (elbow) to the 60-day injured list Monday, Vinnie Duber of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

The move appears to be a procedural one to open up a spot on the Cubs' 40-man roster for Owen Miller, whose contract was selected from Triple-A Iowa on Monday. Palencia has been on the shelf since mid-June due to a right flexor strain but was cleared to embark on a rehab assignment in early August. Across five minor-league outings, he's allowed five runs on two hits and six walks while striking out six across 4.1 innings. Palencia will need more rehab appearances before being cleared to return to the majors, where he's expected to reclaim his role as the Cubs' closer.

The Diamondbacks optioned Carrillo to Triple-A Reno on Monday.

Carrillo will give up his spot on the 26-man active roster and in the Arizona bullpen to right-hander Justin Martinez (elbow), who was reinstated from the 60-day injured list. After being recalled from Triple-A on July 21, Carrillo made eight relief appearances for the Diamondbacks, picking up two wins while delivering an 0.66 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 15:8 K:BB across 13.2 innings.

The Reds recalled Maxwell from Triple-A Louisville on Monday.

Maxwell will help supplement the bullpen as the Reds navigate through a stretch of 17 games in 16 days. The big righty has struggled during his opportunities in the majors this season, logging a 9.90 ERA and 9:10 K:BB over 10 innings.

The Reds designated Emanuel for assignment Monday.

Emanuel started the first game of Monday's doubleheader versus the Cardinals and did his job in holding them to two runs over five innings. He look a tough-luck loss, however, and will now exit the 26-man and 40-man rosters. There's a good chance Emanuel clears waivers, though he would have the ability to elect free agency at that point since he's been outrighted previously.

The Cubs recalled Assad from Triple-A Iowa on Monday, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Assad was optioned to Triple-A on Sunday, but he's back with the Cubs one day later after the big club placed Edward Cabrera (blister) on the 15-day injured list. Prior to being sent down to the minors, Assad was moved to the bullpen after the Cubs acquired Kevin Gausman and Clay Holmes before the Aug. 3 trade deadline. However, Assad -- who has started in 10 of 21 major-league games this season -- could return to the team's rotation following Cabrera's recent injury.