MLB Player News

Lowder is slated to start Friday's game against the Cardinals in St. Louis.

After heading to the bullpen shortly before the All-Star break, Lowder shifted back into the rotation to open the second half of the season after Cincinnati placed Nick Lodolo (finger) on the injured list. Making his 14th start of the campaign this past Saturday at Coors Field, Lowder was roughed up for eight earned runs on 11 hits over 2.1 innings, inflating his ERA up to 5.75. He'll get a chance to right the ship Friday, but regardless of how he performs, he'll likely be headed back to the bullpen or to Triple-A Louisville once Lodolo is ready to come off the IL.

Littell is expected to pitch in bulk relief behind opening pitcher Carson Palmquist in Friday's game against the Diamondbacks, Mark Zuckerman of NatsJournal.com reports.

Littell served as a traditional starter in his last appearance Saturday in Sacramento, but he was blasted for eight runs on eight hits and four walks across six innings in a loss to the Athletics. The Nationals will look to coax better results from Littell by deploying him out of the bullpen, with the right-hander likely to take over once Palmquist covers the first inning or two. Littell has submitted a 2.94 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 11.3 K-BB% in 33.2 innings over seven bulk-relief outings this season.

Straw went 0-for-2 with a walk, a run scored and a stolen base in Thursday's win over the Rays.

The veteran speedster got the start in center field but wound up playing all three outfield spots over the course of the afternoon as the Blue Jays went to their bench frequently in a 3-1 win. Straw has seen his playing time pick up of late, but over his last 10 games he's batting just .136 (3-for-33) with two runs and two steals. If Toronto ends up as a seller at the trade deadline, however, he could wind up as the team's top option in center field down the stretch with Daulton Varsho a likely candidate to be moved.

Baldwin went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Thursday's win over the Padres.

The 25-year-old backstop wrapped up the scoring for Atlanta when he took Matt Waldron deep in the seventh inning. It was Baldwin's 19th homer of the year and his fourth in seven games since the All-Star break -- a stretch in which he's batting a scorching .481 (13-for-27) with eight runs, nine RBI and a 6:2 BB:K.

Harris went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and a second run scored in Thursday's win over the Padres.

The center fielder launched the first of four Atlanta long balls on the afternoon, taking Griffin Canning deep in the second inning for his 19th homer of the year. Harris has been locked in since getting snubbed for an All-Star Game appearance, and since the break he's batting .323 (10-for-31) with three doubles, three home runs, six runs and eight RBI in seven games.

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.