MLB Player News

The Nationals selected Blankenhorn's contract from Triple-A Rochester on Tuesday.

With Lane Thomas and Jesse Winker having been moved elsewhere ahead of the trade deadline, the Nationals will turn to Blankenhorn to fill one of the openings on the roster. Blankenhorn slashed .246/.328/.518 with 24 home runs and 69 RBI through 401 Triple-A plate appearances on the season. The 27-year-old is capable of fielding either of the corner-outfield positions, though with James Wood in left field, most of Blankenhorn's time will likely be spent competing with Alex Call for reps in right.

The Pirates designated Ryan for assignment Tuesday.

During his last stint in the majors, Ryan allowed five earned runs in just four innings, and he surrendered four earned runs in just one-third of an inning during his most recent Triple-A appearance. He'll now be pushed off the 40-man roster in favor of Jake Woodford, who was selected from Indianapolis in a corresponding move.

The Pirates transferred Jefferies (elbow) to the 60-day injured list Tuesday.

Elbow inflammation forced Jefferies onto the injured list July 6, and his move to the 60-day IL ensures he'll be sidelined until at least Sept. 4. His spot on the 40-man roster will be given to Jalen Beeks, who was acquired in a trade with Colorado on Monday.

The Pirates selected Woodford's contract from Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday.

Woodford was cut loose by the White Sox in June after allowing 10 earned runs in just 8.1 innings in the big leagues. However, since signing a minor-league deal with the Pirates in June, the 27-year-old righty has put up a 2.29 ERA and 1.03 WHIP through 35.1 frames. It's unclear what role he'll have upon arriving in the majors, but he'll most likely work as a long reliever. The Pirates designated Ryder Ryan for assignment to clear room on the 40-man roster for Woodford.

Mena was placed on the minor-league 7-day injured list with a right forearm strain Tuesday, Jesse Friedman of GoPHNX.com reports.

Mena won't throw for the next eight weeks according to Arizona's farm director Shaun Larkin, likely bringing his 2024 season to an end. The right-hander will finish the year having produced a 4.61 ERA and 1.54 WHIP with 102 strikeouts over 95.2 innings in 19 starts with Triple-A Reno. Additionally, he made his major-league debut July 3 on the road versus the Dodgers, giving up four runs on four hits and three walks while striking out two batters over three innings.

Castro was designated for assignment by the Diamondbacks on Tuesday, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports.

Castro appears to be the odd man out in the bullpen after Arizona acquired right-hander Dylan Floro from the Nationals on Tuesday. Castro will now be placed on waivers, and if he goes unclaimed, he'll either report to Triple-A Reno or elect free agency.

Marte (knee) hopes to launch a rehab assignment as soon as next week, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

Marte has been on the 10-day injured list since June 25 with a right knee bone bruise, but he appears to be nearing a return to game action. The 35-year-old had produced a .351 average with five extra-base hits, including a home run, 11 RBI, 11 runs scored and four stolen bases over his final 57 at-bats prior to going down with the injury.

The Cubs recalled Roberts from Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

The Cubs traded Mark Leiter to the Yankees on Tuesday, so Roberts will now come up from the minors to fill the open spot in Chicago's bullpen. The 27-year-old hasn't allowed a run in six MLB innings this season, though he has surrendered three earned runs in three frames since returning to Triple-A earlier this month.

The Giants recalled Sabol from Triple-A Sacramento on Tuesday, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

The 26-year-old has been in the minors since late May and will rejoin the Giants after he posted a .878 OPS in his past 22 games with Sacramento. Sabol isn't likely to see significant playing time while up with the big club.

The Cubs optioned Mastrobuoni to Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

With Isaac Paredes now active and set to take over as Chicago's primary third baseman, Mastrobuoni no longer has a place in the Cubs' infield unit and will now head back to Triple-A. The 28-year-old slashed .260/.283/.300 in 53 plate appearances after being recalled in mid-June.