Wentz adjusted the grip on his cutter last month, which he says has fueled his recent form, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

The 27-year-old southpaw struggled earlier in the season for the Pirates and Twins, but since Atlanta claimed him off the waiver wire July 11, Wentz has delivered a 1.50 ERA, 0.72 WHIP and 21:6 K:BB over 18 innings and four appearances (three starts). "Joey's been great," manager Brian Snitker said after Wednesday's game, in which Wentz blanked the Royals over 6.2 innings. "It's just been about getting him stretched out, and now he is. He's just kind of quietly doing a really, really good job for us. And we're in a situation because we were looking for starters." Wentz's mediocre big-league track record still outweighs his July numbers, but if his cutter has become a true out pitch, he might finally begin to live up to his draft pedigree after being the 40th overall selection in the 2016 First-Year Player Draft.

The Athletics acquired Nunez, shortstop Leo De Vries, right-hander Braden Nett and right-hander Henry Baez from the Padres on Thursday in exchange for right-hander Mason Miller and left-hander JP Sears, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Of the four players acquired by the Athletics, Nunez has the closest proximity to the big leagues. He had occupied a spot on the Padres' 40-man roster and made his MLB debut earlier in July, making four relief appearances for San Diego before being demoted shortly before the All-Star break. He had otherwise spent the entire 2025 season in the minors and compiled a 2.06 ERA and 1.03 WHIP while striking out 56 batters over 35 innings between Double-A San Antonio and Triple-A El Paso. Even if the Athletics opt to have Nunez begin his time in the organization at Triple-A Las Vegas, the right-hander likely won't have to wait long to earn a look in the big-league bullpen.

The Rays recalled Rock from Triple-A Durham on Thursday.

Rock made one relief appearance for the Rays earlier this season, allowing two runs over two innings. The lefty has been used primarily as a starter in the minors, so he can give the bullpen some length.

The Rays recalled Seymour from Triple-A Durham on Thursday.

Tampa Bay had optioned the lefty to Durham on Wednesday, but Seymour will rejoin the big club just one day later to take over the 26-man active roster spot that had belonged to right-hander Zack Littell, who was traded to the Reds. Seymour has worked exclusively in relief over his seven appearances with the Rays, but he's made 15 starts at Triple-A this season and could be an option to join the big-league rotation if Tampa Bay isn't yet ready to call right-hander Taj Bradley back up from Durham to replace Littell.

The Padres acquired Miller and JP Sears from the Athletics on Thursday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports, in exchange for shortstop Leo De Vries and three right-handed pitchers -- Braden Nett Eduarniel Nunez and Henry Baez.

De Vries is the headliner going to the Athletics, and the Padres will send three pitchers to the A's, as well. With Miller poised to take over as the Padres' closer, incumbent closer Robert Suarez is expected to be traded. Miller has collected a 3.76 ERA and 59:18 K:BB over 38.1 innings this season for the Athletics and is under team control through 2029.

Walker (2-4) took the loss in Wednesday's 2-1 extra-inning defeat to the Pirates, allowing one unearned run and a walk in the 10th inning.

Walker induced a groundout that moved the automatic runner to third before walking the next batter. The 29-year-old then cleanly fielded a groundball but attempted a double play, allowing the automatic runner to score. Over six appearances since the All-Star break, the right-hander has been charged with three earned runs on seven hits -- including one home run -- and four walks while striking out eight across 6.1 innings. Walker now owns a 4.12 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and a 43:13 K:BB over 43.2 innings in 47 outings this season.

Graceffo "looks to be an early contender" to serve as the Cardinals' closer if Phil Maton joins Ryan Helsley in being traded, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.

Woo mentions Kyle Leahy and Riley O'Brien as possibilities, as well. JoJo Romero would likely also be in the mix, but he is a candidate to be traded. Since moving to a full-time bullpen role in late April, Graceffo has collected a 2.89 ERA and 44:11 K:BB over 43.2 innings between Triple-A Memphis and St. Louis.

Mattson (3-1) allowed two hits and struck out three across two scoreless innings to earn the win Wednesday against the Giants.

Mattson covered the ninth and 10th innings to earn the win and managed to strike out the final two batters of the game with runners at second and third. He's struck out 14 batters across his last 10.2 innings while allowing only three earned runs and has begun to be trusted in higher-leverage spots. As a result, Mattson has emerged as a name to keep in mind for save chances if both David Bednar and Dennis Santana get traded prior to Thursday's deadline.

The Tigers acquired Sewald (shoulder) from the Guardians on Thursday in exchange for cash considerations or a player to be named later, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Sewald was diagnosed with a moderate teres major strain over the All-Star break and is not expected to be ready to pitch for the Tigers until early September, per Jon Morosi of MLB Network. The veteran reliever holds a 4.70 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 18:4 K:BB in 15.1 innings this season.

Hoffman struck out one in a perfect ninth inning Wednesday to record his 25th save of the season in a 9-8 win over the Orioles.

After getting tagged for losses in non-save situations during his prior two appearances, Hoffman was locked in as he converted his eighth straight save chance dating back to June 29. Over that span, the right-hander has posted a 3.75 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 17:1 K:BB through 12 innings.