MLB Player News

Hendriks (elbow) had a minor setback in his rehab this week but said Friday that he remains convinced he will return this season, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

The setback prevented Hendriks from making rehab appearances on back-to-back days this week, as had been previously planned. Hendriks also said that while he expects to be effective upon his return, he thinks his stuff will fully bounce back to pre-surgery levels in 2025, when he will be under contract with Boston for one more season.

Eisert was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo on Friday.

Eisert was called up Sunday but did not get into a game with the big club this time around. Luis Frias will take his place in the Jays' bullpen.

Frias was recalled from Triple-A Buffalo prior to Friday's game against Atlanta.

The 26-year-old righty gave up seven earned runs in 6.1 innings out of Arizona's bullpen earlier this year. Frias did not allow an earned run while striking out 11 in 8.1 innings while at Triple-A since getting claimed by the Blue Jays.

Suarez (8-3) took the loss and blew a save against the Tigers on Thursday, allowing four runs on two hits and two walks while striking out one batter over two-thirds of an inning.

Suarez entered Thursday having successfully converted eight straight save chances, but he didn't have his best stuff against Detroit. The right-hander had a three-run lead to work with in the top of the ninth and found himself in quick trouble, giving up a leadoff single followed by a walk. Suarez retired Spencer Torkelson on a popup but then issued another walk to load the bases. It looked like the closer might get out of the jam when he fanned Kerry Carpenter for the second out, but Parker Meadows followed with a grand slam on a 3-2 fastball to push the Tigers into the lead. Suarez has been great this year with 31 saves in 35 opportunities, but he has faded a bit lately, posting a 6.23 ERA and 1.69 WHIP over his last 13 innings while giving up at least one earned run in six of 14 appearances since Aug. 3. If San Diego were to consider moving Suarez out of the closer role, Tanner Scott -- who has 20 saves (mostly with Miami) and a 1.44 ERA on the campaign -- would be a very capable fill-in.

The Nationals claimed Rucker off waivers Friday and optioned him to Triple-A Rochester.

The right-hander was designated for assignment by the Phillies on Wednesday, and he'll stick in the NL East after being claimed off waivers. Rucker hasn't pitched in the majors this season and has struggled at the Triple-A level with a 7.36 ERA across 22 innings, though he was a solid bullpen piece for the Cubs in 2022 with a 3.95 ERA in 41 appearances.

Taylor recorded his first career hold in a win over the Athletics on Thursday, firing a perfect sixth inning.

The rookie needed just seven pitches, five which he landed for strikes, to get through his one frame following an effective five-inning outing from starter Bryan Woo. Taylor, who rocketed up the organizational ranks following his debut at Single-A Modesto to start last season, has had no trouble acclimating to the big leagues. He carries an 0.87 ERA, 0.68 WHIP and 10.5 K/9 across his first 10.1 innings in the majors.

Roupp allowed a hit and two walks while striking out five over four scoreless innings of relief in Thursday's 3-2 win over the Diamondbacks.

Roupp was called upon for a 61-pitch appearance after Blake Snell threw 42 pitches and was pulled after one inning. Roupp's strong outing spared the Giants' bullpen a bit. Over two stints in the majors since Aug. 9, Roupp has allowed just one run while posting an 18:9 K:BB over 15.1 innings in a long-relief role. He struggled at times earlier in the year but now has a 3.41 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 33:19 K:BB over 31.2 innings across 19 relief appearances this season.

Walker (9-3) allowed a walk and struck out three over 1.1 scoreless and hitless innings to earn the win Thursday over the Diamondbacks.

Walker got the last four outs before the Giants walked it off with a Patrick Bailey double in the ninth inning. Walker has collected five saves, three holds and two wins over 14 appearances during a 16-inning stretch in which he's allowed just one unearned run and racked up 30 strikeouts. He's emerged as an elite reliever this year with a 1.88 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and 95:16 K:BB over 71.2 innings and continues to thrive since taking over the closer role in mid-August.

McCaughan is scheduled to start Saturday's game against the Phillies in Miami.

The 28-year-old righty will make his second straight turn through the rotation after he took a no-decision while giving up four runs (three earned) over four innings versus the Giants last Sunday. Over six total appearances in the big leagues this season between the Marlins and Guardians, McCaughan owns an 8.24 ERA, 1.98 WHIP and 10:10 K:BB across 19.2 innings.

Munoz (elbow) allowed two earned runs on a hit and a walk over one inning of relief in a win over the Athletics on Thursday.

Munoz was making his first appearance since Saturday after battling some elbow soreness, and he looked somewhat less than 100 percent while surrendering a two-run home run to Brent Rooker that cut the Mariners' four-run lead in half in the ninth inning. While the right-hander was subsequently able to strike out JJ Bleday to finish the game, it remains to be seen whether the rocky outing was more attributable to rust or lingering issues with the elbow.