MLB Player News

Ortiz is slashing .340/.443/.515 with three home runs, seven steals, a 13.9 percent walk rate and a 23 percent strikeout rate in 28 games for High-A Peoria.

Ortiz, who has split time between third base and first base for Peoria, was promoted to the Midwest League on July 29 after slashing .285/.406/.446 with 10 home runs, 31 steals and a 27.5 percent strikeout rate in 77 games for Single-A Palm Beach. A 16th-round pick in 2024 out of community college, Ortiz is benefitting from a .444 BABIP at High-A, but he also has a 27 percent line drive rate and a 44.6 percent flyball rate, so his batted-ball profile is ideal. Despite his stolen base totals, the righty-hitting Ortiz is listed at 6-foot-1, 230 pounds and grades as a below-average runner, so it will need to be his bat that carries him.

Reds manager Terry Francona said Friday that Lodolo (illness) will start Monday's game in San Diego, Charlie Goldsmith of Fox 19 Now Cincinnati reports.

Lodolo had to be scratched from his last scheduled outing due to an illness but will be ready to rejoin the Reds' rotation for Monday's series opener versus the Padres. The left-hander is tentatively set up for a two-start week, with the second matchup coming on the road versus the Athletics.

The Pirates optioned Sanders to Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday.

Sanders will return to the Triple-A level as Kyle Nicolas returns from the bereavement list. Sanders has allowed five runs in five innings over five appearances with the Pirates this season, though all five of his earned runs came in one outing.

Spence has a .246/.369/.403 slash line with nine home runs, 24 steals, a 14.1 percent walk rate and a 24 percent strikeout rate in 110 games across Single-A, High-A and Double-A this season.

Spence was a two-way player in community college and in the Ohio Valley Conference before signing with the Astros in 2024 as an undrafted free agent. He has focused on developing as an outfielder in pro ball, demonstrating a strong eye at the plate and plus speed on the bases. The lefty hitter would presumably face a platoon role initially in the majors, but his strong swing decisions and defensive utility could get him a look in 2026 or 2027.

The Pirates activated Nicolas from the bereavement list Friday.

Nicolas has rejoined the team after taking a temporary leave. Pittsburgh optioned Cam Sanders to Triple-A Indianapolis in a corresponding move. Nicolas has a 5.14 ERA in 28 innings out of the bullpen with the Pirates this season.

Davis is not in the lineup for Friday's contest against the Brewers.

It will be Joey Bart doing the catching for Friday's series opener. Davis is 1-for-17 with 10 strikeouts over his last five games.

Devanney is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Brewers.

Devanney had drawn four straight starts at third base, but he'll take a seat for Friday's series opener. Jared Triolo is at the hot corner for the Pirates, while Nick Gonzales will play shortstop and Nick Yorke will handle second base.

Mendez has a 7.88 ERA, 1.75 WHIP and 22:14 K:BB in 16 innings across four starts for Double-A San Antonio.

In a system that has been ravaged by trades, Mendez is one of the most talented prospects remaining, despite his poor results since getting promoted to Double-A on Aug. 1. The skinny 6-foot-2 righty's fastball regularly touches triple digits and he has one of the best sliders in the minors, but poor control may push him to relief eventually. Mendez, who turned 23 in July, logged a 1.32 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 70:24 K:BB in 61.1 innings at High-A Fort Wayne earlier this season.

Stewart is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Mets.

Stewart started two straight games upon his promotion Monday but has now been out of the lineup for two straight tilts, though he did appear as a pinch hitter Wednesday. Spencer Steer is handling first base in Friday's series opener.

The Brewers recalled Rodriguez from Triple-A Nashville.

The 23-year-old will join the big-league club for the first time since Aug. 24, with Nick Mears (back) headed for the IL. Rodriguez has a 3.86 ERA in 67.2 innings with Nashville, but he's yielded seven runs and a 5:6 K:BB across 6.1 innings with the Brewers.