MLB Player News

The Cubs outrighted Pomeranz to Triple-A Iowa on Thursday.

Pomeranz cleared waivers after being booted from the Cubs' 40-man roster. The veteran southpaw has the ability to elect free agency, though it's unclear what his intentions are. Pomeranz holds a 5.59 ERA and 17:16 K:BB over 29 innings this season in the majors.

The Cubs optioned Alcantara to Triple-A Iowa on Thursday.

Alcantara's stint with the big club lasted more than three weeks, but he received just 11 plate appearances, going 3-for-11 with three RBI. The outfielder has put up a .936 OPS with 17 home runs for Iowa this season.

The Pirates optioned Murdock to Triple-A Indianapolis on Thursday.

Murdock was up as the 27th man for Wednesday's doubleheader versus the Yankees, but he did not make an appearance. The big right-hander has collected a 3.24 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 26:5 K:BB in 16.2 innings for Indianapolis in 2026.

Rodriguez (elbow) began a rehab assignment in the rookie-level Florida Complex League on Thursday, giving up a solo home run and striking out three in one inning.

Rodriguez served up a home run to the first batter he faced since last August's flexor surgery, but he then rebounded to fan the next three hitters. The 29-year-old will need several rehab outings as he preps for a return to the Rays' bullpen. Rodriguez posted a 2.12 ERA and 59:17 K:BB over 68 innings the last two seasons for Tampa Bay, so he could provide a nice boost to the relief corps if he can regain his pre-surgery form.

The Marlins optioned Brzykcy to Triple-A Jacksonville on Friday.

Brzykcy made one scoreless appearance during his most recent stint in the majors. He's heading back to the minors in order to free up a roster spot for the return of John King (ankle) from the injured list.

The Marlins activated King (ankle) from the 15-day injured list Thursday.

King required just a minimum absence with a sprained left ankle. He did not go out on a rehab assignment, as the Marlins were satisfied with how King looked throwing to live hitters this week. The lefty reliever holds a 2.48 ERA and 30:10 K:BB across 40 innings this season with six wins, four holds and a save in 40 appearances.

Lockridge (knee) was sent to Triple-A Nashville on Thursday to begin a rehab assignment.

Nashville's game Thursday was postponed by inclement weather, so Lockridge's first rehab game was pushed back a day. The outfielder is recovering from arthroscopic surgery to address cartilage damage in his right knee. Lockridge has not played in a game since early May, so he will likely require more than just a few rehab contests. He's also facing an uncertain playing time situation upon activation, as the Brewers' outfield situation is crowded.

Springer went 2-for-3 with a double, a walk and an RBI in Thursday's 3-1 win over the Rays.

After drawing a walk in his first plate appearance, Springer gave Toronto the lead with an RBI single in the third inning before adding a double in the sixth. The veteran outfielder has come out of the All-Star break swinging a hot bat, going 8-for-22 (.364) with five RBI and a 1.008 OPS through six games.

Nootbaar went 2-for-5 with three RBI in Thursday's 10-6 loss to the Diamondbacks.

Nootbaar kept a first-inning rally going with an RBI single after each of the three hitters before him reached safely with a hit. He later added a two-RBI single in the ninth as the Cardinals attempted to chip away at Arizona's sizable advantage. Nootbaar is 5-for-22 through the first six games since the All-Star break while filling a strong-side platoon role in left field.

Locklear went 3-for-5 with a home run, a double, three RBI and two runs scored in Thursday's 10-6 win over the Cardinals.

Locklear wasted little time making an impact, doubling in his first plate appearance before launching a two-run homer off Michael McGreevy in the fourth inning to give Arizona a lead it never relinquished. He later added an RBI single in the eighth. The long ball was Locklear's first since being recalled for his season debut July 17, and he's begun his latest stint in the majors by going 5-for-13 with five RBI through four games.