MLB Player News

Lawrence signed a minor-league contract with the Cardinals on Thursday.

After opting out of his deal with Toronto on Sunday, Lawrence will remain on a minor-league deal with the Cardinals. The 35-year-old righty hasn't been anything special in Triple-A this season, putting up a 4.67 ERA and 1.39 WHIP through 90.2 frames. Subpar minor-league stats and a poor MLB track record make it unlikely Lawrence sees the majors in 2023.

White Sox manager Pedro Grifol said Thursday that Hendriks (elbow) peaked at 93.8 mph in his simulated game Wednesday, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Grifol said that Hendriks' velocity was "up" in the session, which must have been in reference to a bullpen session over the weekend considering the reliever has averaged 95.4 mph in his five appearances with the White Sox this season. The skipper wasn't sure what was next for Hendriks, saying the pitcher will "go in and talk to the trainers and we'll see what our next step is going to be." Hendriks has been out since early June with right elbow inflammation.

De Leon (elbow) underwent successful season-ending Tommy John surgery Wednesday along with additional procedures on his arm, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

The Twins didn't go into detail on what the other procedures entailed, but De Leon was apparently diagnosed with more than a torn ligament in his right elbow after the team announced just under a month ago that he would require season-ending surgery. The Tommy John surgery is the second of De Leon's career, as he previously required the operation in 2018. In addition to missing the rest of the current season, the 30-year-old right-hander will most likely be sidelined for the entire 2024 campaign, as well.

Coulombe (3-1) allowed one hit and struck out three without walking a batter over 2.1 scoreless innings to earn the win Wednesday over the Dodgers.

Coulombe was fresh, having not pitched since Sunday, and he was able to get seven outs on 25 pitches after a short start from Dean Kremer. This was Coulombe's longest appearance of the season and just the fourth time in 40 outings he's exceeded one inning. The southpaw has a 2.70 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 41:7 K:BB while adding a save, 14 holds and two blown saves over 33.1 innings this season. He'll likely continue to be a versatile part of the Orioles' bullpen, with the ability to take on high-leverage assignments as necessary.

Hentges (1-2) allowed four runs on three hits and a walk in one-third of an inning to take the loss Wednesday versus the Pirates.

Hentges entered with one on and one out, but the Pirates were able to rally against him. This was the fourth time in eight appearances in July that he's allowed multiple runs. The rough stretch has inflated his ERA to 6.31 with a 1.44 WHIP and 23:12 K:BB over 25.2 innings this season. While he's collected eight holds this season, Hentges may be kept away from high-leverage situations while he's struggling.

Castillo was designated for assignment Thursday.

With Robert Suarez (elbow) coming off the 60-day injured list, Castillo was deemed the odd man out. He gave up four runs while recording one out in his lone MLB appearance and has a 9.82 ERA over 18.1 frames in the minors.

Suarez (elbow) was activated from the 60-day injured list prior to Thursday's game in Toronto.

The 32-year-old righty gave up six earned runs in five innings with more walks (five) than strikeouts (four) during his rehab assignment. Suarez could eventually start working in a setup role, but he will probably be eased back in low-leverage situations.

Crowe (shoulder) was activated from the 60-day injured list and designated for assignment Thursday, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.

Crowe had a 1.59 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and six strikeouts in 5.2 innings during his rehab assignment. The 28-year-old righty is down from 95.3 mph on his fastball in 2022 to 94.0 mph this season, and he walked nine batters in 9.2 innings in the majors this year.

Ramirez was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Thursday, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.

Ramirez has given up two earned runs in three straight outings (six earned runs in 4.2 innings) dating back to July 7. A corresponding move is expected before Friday's game against the Angels.

Avila made his first appearance Wednesday for Triple-A El Paso since being optioned to the affiliate July 3, working a scoreless inning in relief while allowing one hit and one walk in an 11-10 extra-inning win over Oklahoma City.

Avila had made 15 of his previous 18 appearances with El Paso as a starter, but he ended up working behind Aaron Brooks on Wednesday as the Triple-A club treated the game as a bullpen day. The Padres haven't provided an explanation behind the decision, but it's possible that Avila worked in relief in an effort to keep him fresh ahead of a possible spot start this weekend in Detroit. The Padres will need a starter Saturday to fill in for the injured Michael Wacha (shoulder), and Avila could be a logical choice to step in, given that he has a spot on the 40-man roster and has been starting in the minors. Ryan Weathers is another candidate to get the call-up from Triple-A to fill in for Wacha.