MLB Player News

Jefferies (elbow) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday.

Jefferies has been out of commission for nearly two months with right elbow inflammation, so he will probably require multiple rehab appearances. Once the Pirates decide the right-hander is ready, he could be used in long relief.

The Pirates placed Heller on the 15-day injured list Friday with right shoulder inflammation.

Heller tossed 7.1 scoreless innings covering his first four appearances after being recalled Aug. 10 but had surrendered four runs over his last two outings, so it's possible the shoulder has been bothering him for a bit. It's not clear how long he might be sidelined.

Holman (0-1) was charged with a blown save and took the loss to the Reds on Thursday, allowing three runs on three hits, two walks and a wild pitch without retiring a batter.

After loading the bases to open the final frame and try to protect a 9-7 lead, Holman surrendered back-to-back run-scoring singles to Tyler Stephenson and TJ Friedl, the latter sealing a three-run rally for the Reds. Prior to Thursday, Holman had allowed just a single earned run across four innings over his first five big-league appearances following his Aug. 17 promotion from Triple-A Las Vegas.

Butto (6-3) picked up the win Thursday, walking one batter in a scoreless inning of relief.

The right-hander threw only nine of 20 pitches for strikes but escaped the eighth inning unscathed to protect a 2-2 tie, and Butto became the pitcher of record when the Mets went ahead in the top of the ninth. He's had trouble finding the plate consistently for a couple weeks now, and Butto has walked at least one batter in six straight appearances, posting a 4.32 ERA, 1.92 WHIP and 9:7 K:BB in 8.1 innings over that stretch. Given the injuries in the Mets' bullpen, however, Butto will likely continue to be deployed in high-leverage spots.

Reid-Foley (shoulder) is unlikely to rejoin the Mets before the end of the season, Tim Britton of The Athletic reports.

The right-hander had his rehab assignment paused a couple weeks ago, and he hasn't resumed throwing since. Reid-Foley could eventually be moved to the 60-day IL if the Mets need to open up a spot on the 40-man roster down the stretch. Reid-Foley has thrown only 21.2 innings in the majors this season between various arm issues, posting a 1.66 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 25:14 K:BB while picking up a win and four holds in 23 appearances.

The Reds optioned Leibrandt to Triple-A Louisville on Friday.

Cincinnati selected Leibrandt's contract from Louisville on Thursday, and he'll return to the affiliate after he delivered 2.1 scoreless frames in his Reds debut. The left-hander is still on the 40-man roster and could rejoin the big club for bullpen depth down the stretch.

Phillips picked up the save over Baltimore on Thursday, striking out two over a scoreless ninth inning.

Phillips hit Cedric Mullins with a pitch to start off the ninth after entering the contest to protect a three-run lead. However, the right-hander was able to retire the next three batters, two by way of strikeout, to secure his 17th save of the campaign. Phillips had blown three of his last five save opportunities, but he carries a sharp 0.79 ERA in August to go along with a highly impressive 20:1 K:BB. He's also recorded multiple strikeouts in three straight appearances.

Yates allowed a run on one hit while striking out one over one inning to earn the save in Thursday's 2-1 win over the White Sox.

Yates allowed a home run -- just his third in 51.1 innings -- but managed to convert his 25th save in 26 opportunities. The closer has thrown 40 pitches over the last two days and may not be available if a save situation arises for the Rangers on Friday.

Martinez (5-5) took the loss Thursday to the Mets, allowing a run on two hits while striking out two over one inning.

Martinez was brought into a 2-2 tie in the ninth inning and was made to pay for Jesse Winker's double. He's allowed runs in three of the last four outings, but Martinez remains the Diamondbacks' primary closer for now.

Hader picked up the save in a win over the Royals on Thursday, striking out one over a perfect ninth inning.

Hader took over in the top of the ninth after the Astros had just taken a three-run lead on a four-run rally in the eighth. He then needed just 10 pitches to retire the side and secure his 29th save of the campaign, putting the veteran lefty on the cusp of his fifth consecutive 30-save season. Hader hasn't allowed an earned run in August while posting a 15:5 K:BB for the month.