MLB Player News

Ritchie might be called up to start for Atlanta on Wednesday against the Cubs, Jesus Cano of The Athletic reports.

That would be AJ Smith-Shawver's turn through the rotation, but the team has yet to officially name him the starter, suggesting it is considering other options. Ritchie has been pitching well for Triple-A Gwinnett since being demoted in early August, and over his last six starts he's posted a 2.14 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 44:14 K:BB in 33.2 innings. During two September starts, he's produced a dazzling 24:2 K:BB in 12.2 frames.

Severino (shoulder) logged a bullpen session Saturday and is expected to have a normal offseason, per MLB.com.

Severino hit the injured list May 30 due to a right shoulder strain that will ultimately keep him out of action for the remainder of the season. While the right-hander won't return to a big-league mound in 2026, he seems to be progressing well in his rehab and reportedly "looked good" in Saturday's session. Severino could opt out of his contract and turn down his $22 million player option for 2027 to hit the open market, but after an injury-marred campaign, he's likely to return to the Athletics. Before hitting the shelf, the 32-year-old posted a 2-6 record with a 4.16 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 65:31 K:BB across 62.2 innings (12 starts).

Burke is expected to pitch in bulk relief behind opener Sean Newcomb in Monday's game against the Guardians, James Fegan of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Over his last three starts, Burke has allowed nine runs while issuing 14 walks in just 10 innings, so the White Sox will deploy the right-hander behind a lefty opener for his upcoming turn through the rotation with the hope of generating better results. Burke has previously made four appearances out of the bullpen this season, delivering a stellar 1.80 ERA, 0.84 WHIP and 26:6 K:BB in 25 innings.

Atlanta re-signed Hernandez to a minor-league contract Monday, Grant McAuley of the Marietta Daily Journal reports.

Hernandez had elected free agency rather than accepting an outright assignment, but he's now returned to the organization on a new minor-league deal. The righty will provide experienced swingman depth down the stretch.

Atlanta designated Falter for assignment Monday.

Falter logged 3.1 scoreless innings covering two outings for Atlanta, but he's been jettisoned from the roster in favor of a fresh arm. Because he's making $3.6 million this season, the lefty is likely to clear waivers.

Atlanta recalled Murphy from Triple-A Gwinnett on Monday.

Murphy posted a 1.29 ERA over his last five starts with Gwinnett, though that came with just an 18:11 K:BB over 28 innings. He will provide length in the bullpen for Atlanta.

The Phillies optioned Holman to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Sunday.

Holman gave up five runs while recording just one out in his lone appearance for the Phillies this season, but his ERA is still 0.00 because all five of those runs were unearned. His spot in the bullpen was taken by Tanner Banks, who returned from the 60-day injured list.

The Phillies activated Banks (forearm) from the 60-day injured list Monday.

Banks has been shelved since early July with a left forearm strain, but he was cleared to return after yielding one run with a 12:1 K:BB over seven rehab innings. The 34-year-old will give the Phillies another left-handed relief option.

The Phillies designated Cairo for assignment Sunday.

A spot on the 40-man roster was needed for the return of Tanner Banks from the 60-day injured list. Cairo was added to the Phillies' 40-man roster just before Opening Day but has yet to make his major-league debut. The 25-year-old infielder has slashed .227/.378/.298 with four home runs, 25 stolen bases and a 90:76 BB:K over 128 games with Triple-A Lehigh Valley this season.

Story went 2-for-4 with two RBI in Sunday's 4-1 win over the Royals.

Story allowed the Red Sox to breathe easier with a two-run double in the eighth inning to increase the lead to 4-1. He's hit safely in 12 of 13 games since coming off the injured list, going 18-for-53 (.340) with seven doubles, six RBI and five runs scored.