MLB Player News

Holmes earned the save in Wednesday's 6-5 win over the Phillies, working around one hit in a scoreless ninth inning.

Protecting a one-run lead, it looked like Holmes could be in trouble again after Kyle Schwarber led off the ninth with a single. However, he would get Austin Hays to fly out before coaxing a game-ending, double-play ball off the bat of Bryce Harper. The 31-year-old Holmes had blown three straight save opportunities prior to Wednesday, including a 26-pitch appearance Tuesday. Despite his recent inconsistency, Holmes still sports a solid 2.82 ERA with a 1.34 WHIP and 45:12 K:BB across 44.2 innings this season while converting 22 of 30 save chances.

The Mets released Houser on Wednesday, Will Sammon of The Athletic reports.

Houser will head to free agency after he went unclaimed off waivers upon being designated for assignment last weekend. The right-hander opened the season in the Mets' rotation, posting an 8.55 ERA over seven starts before he was permanently moved him to the bullpen in late May. Houser turned in a 3.28 ERA over 35.2 innings as a reliever, but he didn't notice much of a bump in his strikeout rate (16.8 percent) and had mostly underwhelming underlying statistics. He'll look to catch on elsewhere as organizational starting pitching depth and may have to settle for a minor-league contract.

The Cubs reinstated Kilian (shoulder) from the 60-day injured list and optioned him to Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Kilian had been on the shelf all season while recovering from a teres major strain of his right shoulder, but he's healthy again after completing an eight-appearance rehab assignment in the minors. The last five of those outings came at Iowa, with whom Kilian gave up seven runs (six earned) on eight hits and five walks while striking out three over eight innings. Though his results were generally poor, Kilian tossed three no-hit innings in his most recent appearance Sunday. Kilian had been working in relief during his rehab assignment, but since the Cubs didn't have a spot in the bullpen available for him upon his activation, he could get stretched back out for starting duty with Iowa.

The Astros optioned Martinez to Triple-A Sugar Land on Wednesday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Martinez is one of the casualties as the Astros officially add trade acquisitions Yusei Kikuchi and Caleb Ferguson to the 26-man active roster. He holds a 2.92 ERA but an ugly 34:18 K:BB over 49.1 innings with the Astros this season.

The Astros designated Montero for assignment Wednesday.

Montero is in the second year of a three-year, $34.5 million contract, and the Astros appear willing to absorb what remains on that deal. The veteran reliever made 41 appearances for Houston this season, posting a 4.70 ERA and 23:19 K:BB over 38.1 innings. Montero will likely pass through waivers unclaimed and will have the ability to elect free agency.

The Reds optioned Richardson to Triple-A Louisville on Wednesday.

Richardson got some work out of the bullpen in Tuesday's win over the Cubs, allowing two runs while retiring two batters. The right-hander will rejoin the rotation at Louisville.

The Red Sox designated Ramirez for assignment Wednesday, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Ramirez was claimed off waivers Sunday and gave up three runs (two earned) over 1.1 innings in Tuesday's loss to the Mariners in his lone appearance for the Red Sox. He's already made appearances with four different teams at the big-league level this season.

Martin (elbow) threw a successful 25-pitch bullpen session Wednesday and is slated to throw off a mound again in the coming days, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

As long as he comes out of the next bullpen session with no concerns, Martin is expected to be cleared to start a rehab assignment next week. He's been out since early July with right elbow inflammation but looks to be progressing toward a return in early or mid-August.

Hendriks (elbow) is headed to Texas to meet with his surgeon and hopes to be cleared to face hitters, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

Hendriks has been throwing two bullpen sessions per week over the last month as he works his way back from Tommy John surgery. In his most recent session Tuesday, he threw 35 pitches and used his full repertoire. There's no clear timetable for Hendriks' return to the active roster yet, but he wouldn't appear too far off from a rehab assignment if things continue trending in a positive direction.

Garrett (elbow) has been cleared to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Syracuse on Saturday after touching 97 mph in a live batting practice session Wednesday, Joe Pantorno of amNewYork Metro reports.

Garrett has been sidelined since mid-July with right elbow inflammation but looks to be healthy again. Given the short absence, Garrett might require just the one rehab appearance before rejoining the Mets' bullpen.