MLB Player News

Abbott allowed a run on five hits and no walks while striking out five over 4.1 innings in a no-decision versus the Cardinals on Wednesday.

Abbott was solid, but Paul Goldschmidt hit a solo home run to account for the lone run on the right-hander's line. Abbott pitched two scoreless innings of relief over two appearances since the start of the month, most recently Sept. 4; therefore, he was likely to face at least some restrictions. He still threw 88 pitches (56 strikes) and fared well against a division-leading club. Abbott carries a 4.06 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 29:13 K:BB through 31 innings into his next outing, which tentatively projects as a home start versus the Orioles next week if he remains in the rotation.

Assad (0-1) allowed four runs on five hits across 5.1 innings to take the loss Wednesday against the Reds. He walked one and struck out six.

Assad pitched decently but served up two solo home runs, which were the first long balls he's allowed at the MLB level. This was the 25-year-old's third start for the Cubs and the first time he's allowed any runs across those appearances, leaving him with a strong 2.93 ERA through his first 15 innings in the majors. Assad has likely pitched well enough to stick in the rotation, and he's currently penciled in to take the mound again Tuesday against the Mets.

Dominguez (triceps) will start a rehab assignment with Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Thursday, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Dominguez was cleared to face live hitters earlier this week and will now enter the final stage of his rehab program. The 27-year-old has been sidelined by triceps tendinitis since Aug. 17 and should require only a couple appearances in the minors before being cleared to return from the 15-day IL.

Junis is expected to follow opener Scott Alexander in Game 1 of Thursday's doubleheader against the Brewers, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Junis has failed to last five frames in each of his past two starts and will pitch behind an opener in Thursday's twin bill. Overall, the right-hander has a 4.05 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 76:18 K:BB across 86.2 innings.

Alexander will start Game 1 of Thursday's doubleheader in Milwaukee, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Alexander has given up one earned run across 5.1 innings for San Francisco this season and will make the second start of his career Thursday. The veteran left-hander should cover an inning or two before giving way to Jakob Junis.

Soto worked around a hit and a walk to pitch a scoreless ninth inning and earn the save Wednesday against the Angels. He struck out three.

Soto made things interesting, but he covered things up by striking out the side for just the second time this season. The lefty now has 25 saves, a 3.60 ERA and 52 strikeouts across 50 innings this year. Soto has had some ups and downs, though he's been locked in as Detroit's closer since Opening Day and should stay in that role the rest of the way.

Smith (lat) is scheduled to make his first rehab appearance Saturday for Triple-A Syracuse, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

Mets manager Buck Showalter previously suggested that Smith would begin his rehab assignment last weekend, but that never materialized. The organization's brain trust may just have wanted Smith to continue to building up with another live session, but the right-hander now looks like he's ready to test himself in a game setting. Smith, who has been on the injured list since July 28 with a lat strain, is likely to work in middle relief for New York once activated.

Castillo was optioned to Triple-A Omaha on Wednesday.

Castillo made a spot start for the Royals on Sunday and allowed two runs on five hits and a walk while striking out five in 4.2 innings against the Tigers. Although he was relatively effective while filling in, he'll head back to the minors since Zack Greinke (forearm) was reinstated from the 15-day injured list Wednesday.

Pop was recalled from Triple-A Buffalo on Wednesday.

Pop served as the 29th man for Monday's doubleheader against the Orioles, and he'll rejoin the major-league bullpen a few days later after Mitch White was sent down. Over 26 relief appearances between the Marlins and Blue Jays this year, Pop has posted a 3.25 ERA and 1.23 WHIP in 27.2 innings.

The Blue Jays optioned White to Triple-A Buffalo on Wednesday.

Reliever Zach Pop was called up from Triple-A to take White's spot on the 28-man active roster, but it's unclear whom the Blue Jays may turn to to replace White as their No. 5 starter. White's demotion comes after he was lit up for 18 earned runs on 19 hits and seven walks in 12 innings over his last three starts.