MLB Player News

Sanchez did not factor into the decision in the opening game of Thursday's doubleheader against Atlanta. He allowed two runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out five over 5.2 innings.

Sanchez got off to a strong start, holding Atlanta scoreless through his first five innings. However, the southpaw would run into trouble in the sixth, when he'd ultimately allow two runs on three hits before leaving the game one out shy of a quality start. Overall, it was a step in the right direction for Sanchez after he allowed three runs on eight hits in just 4.2 innings during his last outing against the A's. His ERA now sits at 3.32 with a 1.31 WHIP and 70:22 K:BB through 11 starts (59.2 innings) this year. Sanchez is currently lined up to face the Blue Jays on the road in his next start.

Romano earned the save in the opening game of Thursday's doubleheader with Atlanta, allowing a hit and three walks in a scoreless ninth inning. He struck out two.

Romano pulled a rabbit out of his hat Thursday afternoon, as he managed to close out a 5-4 victory despite allowing four men to reach base. Atlanta would load the bases with two outs before Romano struck out Eli White to end the game. The 32-year-old Romano seems to have firmed his grasp on the ninth-inning job in Philly despite some recent struggles -- he's allowed three runs on four hits and four walks in his last three appearances (2.2 innings). Overall, Romano is 8-for-10 in save chances this year with a 7.29 ERA, 1.57 WHIP and 27:11 K:BB across 21 innings.

Woodruff (ankle) struck out six and allowed one unearned run on five hits and no walks over seven innings in his rehab start Wednesday with High-A Wisconsin.

Woodruff took the hill Wednesday for his eighth rehab start and his second since resuming his assignment May 21 after a brief shutdown due to right ankle tendinitis. The right-hander's surgically repaired shoulder doesn't seem to be much of a concern at this stage, and after an efficient 74-pitch performance Wednesday, his ankle issue seemingly isn't causing him any problems either. Even so, the Brewers are still expected to have Woodruff make another rehab start next Tuesday with Triple-A Nashville, per MLB.com. If all goes well in that outing, Woodruff will likely be cleared to return from the 15-day injured list and slot into the Milwaukee rotation June 8 or 9 for what would be his first MLB appearance since Sept. 23, 2023.

The Reds optioned Mey to Triple-A Louisville on Thursday.

After starting his MLB career with a 1.80 ERA and 0.90 WHIP through 10 innings, Mey has given up four earned runs in three frames across his last three appearances. He'll now head back to the minor leagues in order to right the ship, and the Reds will presumably make a corresponding addition to their bullpen ahead of Friday's series opener against the Cubs.

Fairchild was removed from the first game of Thursday's doubleheader versus the Phillies after suffering an apparent finger injury on his right hand, Lindsay Crosby of AthlonSports.com reports. He went 1-for-1 with a walk prior to departing.

Making a start in right field in place of a resting Ronald Acuna, Fairchild was pulled from the contest after he seemingly injured himself while sliding into second base on a steal attempt in the fourth inning. The team hasn't provided an official update on the severity of his injury just yet, but more details will likely come at some point during Thursday's twin bill.

Smith-Shawver was removed from his start in the first game of Thursday's doubleheader against Philadelphia after getting hit in his lower right leg by a comebacker, Justin Toscano of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. He struck out a batter and gave up two earned runs on three hits and one walk over 2.2 innings prior to his exit.

A 96-mile-per-hour line drive off the bat of Bryson Stott connected with Smith-Shawver's foot/ankle during the third inning. The 22-year-old righty attempted to remain in the game after getting hit but faced just one additional batter before manager Brian Snitker pulled the plug on him. Atlanta will presumably take a look at the young starter to make sure he didn't suffer any structural damage, and the team should offer an update on his status relatively soon.

Payamps cleared waivers Thursday and was sent outright to Triple-A Nashville, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

The Brewers kicked Payamps off their 40-man roster last Thursday after he'd accumulated an 8.35 ERA and 1.69 WHIP through 18.1 innings. No team was willing to take on the remainder of his $2.995 million salary for that level of performance, so he'll remain in the organization and attempt to earn his way back into the big leagues with Nashville.

Vargas signed a major-league contract with the Diamondbacks on Thursday, John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM Phoenix reports.

Vargas opted out of his minor-league deal with Arizona on Tuesday but will now return to the organization on a big-league deal, replacing Jordan Lawlar on the MLB roster. The 33-year-old utility man slashed .261/.330/.397 across 221 plate appearances during his time in Triple-A and will give the D-backs extra depth at every infield position. He's also capable of playing in left field.

The Diamondbacks optioned Lawlar to Triple-A Reno on Thursday, John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM Phoenix reports.

Lawlar earned a promotion to the big leagues May 12 after slashing .336/.413/.579 through 173 plate appearances in Triple-A. However, he failed to record a hit over 19 at-bats at the MLB level and never had a clear path to playing time with the Diamondbacks, so he'll head back to the minors. Ildemaro Vargas signed a major-league contract with Arizona on Thursday and will fill Lawlar's place on the active roster.

Harrison is slated to start Friday's game against the Marlins in Miami.

After getting called up from Triple-A Sacramento on May 4, Harrison initially worked out of the bullpen, but he moved into the rotation last week following Justin Verlander's (pectoral) placement on the injured list. Harrison took a loss to the Nationals in his first start with the Giants last Saturday, giving up two runs in four innings while striking out four batters. The lefty should have a longer leash in his second start after tossing just 57 pitches against Washington, but he may not be guaranteed any turns through the rotation beyond Friday. Verlander threw a 40-pitch bullpen session Tuesday and could be ready to return from the IL as soon as next week.