MLB Player News

Chapman (leg) was reinstated from the 15-day injured list prior to Friday's game against the Brewers.

Clay Holmes has a 2.89 ERA, 0.75 WHIP and 10:1 K:BB in 9.1 innings since regaining the closer's role in late August. Chapman, who struck out five and walked two in two scoreless rehab innings, may get some save chances, but they could be few and far between.

Cruz will work as the opener Friday against the Cardinals.

He tossed 1.2 perfect innings with zero strikeouts as the opener Tuesday against the Pirates. Raynel Espinal or Reiver Sanmartin would be logical options to work as the primary pitcher.

Martinez was optioned to Triple-A Sugar Land on Friday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Martinez was called up by the Astros in late August, and he allowed five hits and a walk while striking out seven in six scoreless innings over six relief appearances in the majors. In spite of his effectiveness, the right-hander will return to Sugar Land after Justin Verlander (calf) was reinstated from the 15-day injured list Friday.

Wells (elbow) was outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk on Friday, Dan Connolly of The Athletic reports.

Wells has missed most of the season due to an elbow sprain he suffered in late April. While he's now healthy, the Orioles didn't think he deserved a 40-man roster spot, but he's passed through waivers unclaimed and will remain part of the organization.

Vargas was recalled from Triple-A Columbus on Friday, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

Vargas spent plenty of time at Double-A Akron earlier in the year after returning to full health following Tommy John surgery that he underwent in April of 2021. However, he was promoted to the Triple-A club at the beginning of September and allowed a run on four hits and two walks while striking out 12 in six innings over four relief appearances. The right-hander will likely serve as a multi-inning option out of Cleveland's bullpen, and his first appearance with the Guardians will be his major-league debut.

Richards will start a bullpen game against the Orioles on Friday, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

Richards threw 29 pitches in relief Thursday against the Rays and gave up five runs on three hits and two walks while failing to strike out a batter in two-thirds of an inning. However, he'll serve as an opener during Friday's matchup, while Yusei Kikuchi will likely be available as a bulk reliever.

Herget was optioned to Triple-A Durham on Friday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Herget gave the Rays' extra bullpen depth in Toronto with Brooks Raley unable to cross the border into Canada. Heget made a pair of appearances, allowing two runs in 2.2 innings in his first taste of major-league action.

Raley was reinstated from the restricted list Friday.

Raley was unavailable for the Rays' series in Toronto this week due to his vaccination status, but he'll rejoin the team's bullpen ahead of Friday's series opener against the Rangers. Over 19 appearances since the All-Star break, he's picked up 10 holds while posting a 0.92 ERA and 0.86 WHIP in 19.2 innings.

Jackson was designated for assignment by Atlanta on Friday.

Jackson was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett in early September, and he'll lose his spot on the 40-man roster after Ozzie Albies (foot) was reinstated from the 60-day IL. Since heading to the minors, Jackson has struck out two in two scoreless innings.

Payamps (3-6) took the loss against the Astros on Thursday, allowing two earned runs on two hits over one-third of an inning.

The right-hander faltered for the second time in as many appearances, with his trouble coming when he allowed an infield single to Jeremy Pena and a two-run home run to Aledmys Diaz immediately thereafter. The blast snapped a 2-2 tie and the Athletics were unable to come back from the deficit, handing Payamps his second loss in as many appearances and third in the last five trips to the mound overall.