MLB Player News

Fairbanks was removed from Friday's game against the White Sox with a hand injury, Ryan Bass of Bally Sports Sun reports. He recorded two outs without allowing a run with a walk and a strikeout before exiting.

Fairbanks told reporters that he felt numbness in his fingers before exiting, and it's worth pointing out that the right-hander dealt with Raynaud's syndrome -- something that can cause fingers to feel numb in cold weather -- in the past. Fairbanks believes he can pitch again in this series, but his status should be considered day-to-day until updated otherwise.

Lopez allowed two hits in a scoreless inning to earn a save against Kansas City on Friday. He struck out one and hit one batter.

Lopez loaded the bases with two outs but worked through the danger to finish off the 8-6 win. He has yet to give up an earned run or a walk through 11.2 innings this season. Lopez has converted both of his save chances while going 1-0 with five holds. Jhoan Duran (personal) was not available Friday.

Rodriguez had his rehab assignment with Triple-A Memphis paused Friday after feeling renewed soreness in his shoulder, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Rodriguez was scheduled to pitch for Memphis on Saturday, but instead he'll be reevaluated. The Rule 5 draft pick has not been able to pitch yet in 2023 because of his shoulder issues. Once healthy, the Cardinals will have to carry Rodriguez on their roster for the entirety of the campaign or offer him back to the Yankees.

The Dodgers optioned Bruihl to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Friday, J.P. Hoornstra of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.

Brusdar Graterol is off the paternity list, so the Dodgers optioned Bruihl back in the minors to clear room in the bullpen. In five innings prior to his demotion, Bruihl posted a 1.80 ERA and 1.12 WHIP along with four strikeouts.

Graterol was activated from the paternity list by the Dodgers on Friday, J.P. Hoornstra of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.

Graterol rejoins the Dodgers after being away from the team since Tuesday. Justin Bruihl was sent back to Triple-A Oklahoma City with Graterol available again in the bullpen.

Alexy was sent outright to Triple-A Charlotte on Friday, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Alexy is now off the 40-man roster. The right-hander has struggled mightily in four appearances with Charlotte in 2023 with a 15.30 ERA and ugly 10:18 K:BB over 10 innings of work. He'll provide organizational depth as long as he remains a member of the organization.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone told reporters that Loaisiga will undergo testing after experiencing soreness in his right elbow, Greg Joyce of the New York Post reports.

Loaisiga felt renewed soreness after throwing Wednesday, and the Yankees will send the right-hander for testing to see if there's any structural damage. He's been on the injured list since April 6 with inflammation in his elbow, and he'll likely be out for a few weeks even if the tests reveal no serious issues.

Varland (hand) gave up three runs while getting one out in a rehab appearance for Low-A Wisconsin on Thursday and is scheduled for multiple innings Saturday, Sophia Minnaert of Bally Sports Wisconsin reports.

Varland allowed three hits in his rehab appearance and also issued a walk. The results are borderline inconsequential, as it's more important that the right-hander is getting closer to making it back to the Milwaukee bullpen after missing time with a bruise on his right hand. If Saturday's appearance goes well, Verland should rejoin the Brewers early next week.

The Athletics optioned Smith to Triple-A Las Vegas on Friday.

With Drew Rucinski (hamstring) returning from the injured list Friday, Smith will serve as the roster casualty for the A's. The 27-year-old reliever holds a 6.30 ERA and 1.60 WHIP through 10 innings this season, and he will likely need to make some adjustments in the minors before he can rejoin the MLB roster.

Cubs manager David Ross confirmed Friday that Kilian will start Saturday against the Marlins, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Kilian will get the start in the place of Jameson Taillon, after the latter was placed on the 15-day injured list with a groin injury. Kilian has registered a 7.15 ERA for Triple-A Iowa, but eight of the nine runs he's allowed over 11.1 innings came in his first start. The 25-year-old right-hander may not be a future ace, but he throws four pitches for strikes to keep hitters off-balance, and he could be a solid -- if unspectacular -- option while he's a member of the Chicago rotation.