MLB Player News

Hernandez had his contract selected by the Dodgers on Thursday, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Hernandez was designated for assignment by the Dodgers on Monday, but he will now return to the big-league bullpen ahead of the team's four-game series at home versus the Brewers beginning Thursday night. The 30-year-old has posted an inflated 6.45 ERA and 1.43 WHIP over 22.1 innings in 15 appearances with Los Angeles this season, and he'll likely be used only in low-leverage situations versus Milwaukee. In order to make room on the 26-man roster, Landon Knack was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City in a corresponding move.

Newcomb will start Friday's contest against the Tigers, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Newcomb will take the mound first in what is expected to be a bullpen game for Chicago. The southpaw has not exceeded three innings in an appearance out of the bullpen this season, so he will likely not remain in the game long enough to qualify for a decision. Newcomb owns a 2.66 ERA and 1.13 WHIP with 60 strikeouts over 64.1 innings in 44 appearances, including one start, so far in 2026.

Phillips (3-6) took the loss Thursday against the Pirates, allowing four runs on six hits and a walk over 5.1 innings. He struck out six.

After holding the Pirates scoreless through his first four innings, Phillips ran into trouble in the fifth, when he gave up two runs on a balk and a Jared Triolo homer before he was charged with another two runs in the sixth. Phillips had been pitching well coming into the day, working to a 3.33 ERA across 24.1 innings in his previous six outings. His ERA now sits at 3.65 over 98.2 innings this year with a 1.36 WHIP and 76:40 K:BB. Phillips is tentatively in line to face the Phillies on the road his next time out.

Jansen delivered a perfect ninth inning Thursday to earn the save in a 3-0 win over the Guardians.

It was encouraging to see Jansen turn in a clean inning Thursday, after he had given up a run in two of his last three appearances. The veteran closer has now converted 15 of his 19 save chances this season, posting a 3.86 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 37:20 K:BB across 32.2 innings.

The Royals designated Morgan for assignment Thursday.

Morgan owns a 5.12 ERA and 1.71 WHIP across 19.1 innings in the majors this year but has been far more effective at Triple-A, posting a 1.40 ERA and 1.31 WHIP in 25.2 frames. He'll now end up as the roster casualty necessary to clear space on the 40-man roster for Tony Gonsolin (elbow), who signed a major-league deal with Kansas City on Thursday.

Garcia picked up the save Thursday against the White Sox, allowing one run on one hit and walk in the ninth inning. He struck out one.

It's unclear if closer Emilio Pagan wasn't available Thursday, but Garcia managed to seal the win for the Reds in any case. Through 24.2 innings, Garcia has a 3.28 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 24:11 K:BB with two holds plus two saves in as many attempts. Both of his save chances have come in his past nine outings, but Garcia has let in at least one run in three straight appearances.

Munoz struck out two in a clean ninth inning for the save Thursday against the Yankees.

Munoz made quick work of the Yankees on Thursday, landing eight of his 11 pitches for strikes. The star closer has been shaky at times in 2026, but he's been scored upon just twice since June 16 (19 outings). Through 43.2 innings, Munoz has a 3.71 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 69:17 K:BB with 21 saves in 27 opportunities.

Thompson (back) began a throwing program Monday, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports.

Arizona placed Thompson on the 15-day injured list Aug. 5, so his ability to start throwing soon after being deactivated suggests that he won't be in line for an extended stay on the shelf. Thompson had collected seven holds and four wins while pitching to a 4.43 ERA and 1.57 WHIP in 40.2 innings over 46 appearances out of the Arizona bullpen prior to landing on the IL.

The Rays designated Martin for assignment Thursday.

Martin will cede his spot on the 40-man roster to Jorge Mateo, who officially signed a major-league deal with the Rays on Thursday. The 25-year-old righty has given up four runs in 11.1 innings with Tampa Bay this year and owns a 3.09 ERA through 43.2 frames at Durham, though his inability to limit traffic may deter teams from picking him up via waivers.

The Rays optioned Grove to Triple-A Durham on Thursday.

After giving up two home runs in two innings Wednesday, Grove will end up as the odd man out of a roster spot to make room for Jesse Scholtens, who was recalled from Durham in a corresponding move. Grove has now given up four earned runs in seven innings with the Rays but could still return to the big leagues down the stretch to provide a fresh bullpen arm.