MLB Player News

Hoffman earned the save in Thursday's 2-1 win over the Cubs, allowing a hit while striking out three in the ninth inning.

Hoffman worked around Nico Hoerner's one-out single, striking out the final two batters he faced, to earn his 27th save this season. After issuing five walks in just two-thirds of an inning during his last save chance, Hoffman has responded with back-to-back scoreless appearances, allowing just one hit over 1.2 innings. His ERA sits at 4.32 through 50 innings this season with a 1.10 WHIP and 69:16 K:BB.

Webb (back) will begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Round Rock on Thursday.

Webb landed on the IL at the end of July due to back spasms but is now entering the home stretch of his recovery. The 31-year-old shouldn't require too many rehab outings before being cleared to return to his middle-relief role for Texas, where he owns a 3.75 ERA and 1.13 WHIP through 48 innings.

The Tigers optioned Gipson-Long to Triple-A Toledo on Thursday, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Gipson-Long tossed two shutout innings out of the bullpen Wednesday, but he'll lose his spot on the active roster while the Tigers bring in a fresh arm in the form of Bailey Horn. Gipson-Long now owns a 4.32 ERA through 25 innings in the majors and could return to Detroit down the stretch for a spot start or to provide more length out of the bullpen.

The Tigers recalled Horn from Triple-A Toledo on Thursday, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Since his last MLB appearance July 6, Horn allowed three runs (one earned) over 10 innings while striking out 12 batters and walking three with Toledo. He'll now be called upon to provide Detroit with a fresh bullpen arm to replace Sawyer Gipson-Long, who was optioned to Toledo in a corresponding move. Horn will presumably pitch in middle relief while with the Tigers.

Stephenson (biceps) will begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Salt Lake on Thursday.

Biceps inflammation has kept Stephenson on the shelf since the end of May, and after two-plus months of rehab, the 32-year-old righty has now been cleared to pitch in a competitive environment. Given the duration of his stay on the injured list, he will likely require several tune-up outings before being cleared to join the Angels' bullpen, but a return to Anaheim before the end of the month remains in play.

Atlanta released Stephens on Thursday.

Stephens has pitched well at Triple-A Gwinnett this season, posting a 2.57 ERA and 42:15 K:BB over 49 innings, so it's possible he exercised an opt-out clause in his minor-league contract. The 31-year-old has been used almost exclusively as a reliever during his time in the majors, but he's made some starts this year at Gwinnett -- including in his last appearance when he struck out six over five innings of one-run ball -- so Stephens offers versatility.

Beck allowed one earned run on three hits while striking out one across two innings in Wednesday's 11-1 loss to the Padres.

Beck retired the side in order in the sixth inning but surrendered three singles and a run in the seventh, throwing 22 of his 32 pitches for strikes. The 29-year-old has appeared in nine games since being recalled from Triple-A Sacramento, recording a 4.38 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and a 7:3 K:BB across 12.1 innings during that span. Overall, the right-hander owns a 5.17 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and an 18:10 K:BB across 31.1 innings in 19 outings this season.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Wednesday that Graterol (shoulder) is unlikely to return from the 60-day injured list this season, MLB writer Mike DiGiovanna reports.

Graterol has been out all season after undergoing labrum surgery on his right shoulder last November. Roberts noted that Graterol is not currently throwing, suggesting the hurler suffered a setback at some point. Graterol will be eligible for salary arbitration for a final time this offseason, but he could be a non-tender candidate, given his checkered history on the health front.

Ashcraft is slated to start Friday's game against the Cubs at Wrigley Field, Danny Demilio of PittsburghBaseballNow.com reports.

After making his previous nine appearances out of the bullpen, Ashcraft picked up his second MLB start this past weekend against the Reds as a replacement in the rotation for Johan Oviedo, who was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis. Though he was limited to 56 pitches in his outing versus Cincinnnati, Ashcraft was effective during his time on the mound, striking out five while allowing five baserunners over 3.1 innings. He'll be rewarded with a second turn through the rotation this weekend, and Ashcraft could push his pitch count up to the 65-to-80 range now that he's on a starter's schedule. Whether Ashcraft will be stick around in the rotation for the rest of the season is still unclear; Friday marks the first day that prospects who are called up for the first time in 2025 won't be able to exceed 45 days of service time, which will keep them eligible for 2026 Rookie of the Year Award consideration. With that in mind, prized pitching prospect Bubba Chandler could soon get called up from Triple-A to make his MLB debut, and Ashcraft may move back to the bullpen to accommodate him.

Atlanta recalled Stratton from Triple-A Gwinnett on Thursday.

Stratton has made five appearances in the majors this season between Pittsburgh and Atlanta, allowing seven runs over 5.2 frames. He will work in middle relief.