MLB Player News

The Nationals claimed Mills off waivers from the Dodgers on Thursday and optioned him to Triple-A Rochester.

The right-hander was pushed off the Dodgers' 40-man roster Monday following the acquisition of catcher Hunter Feduccia, but Mills has found a new home. He's turned in a 2.41 ERA and 1.11 WHIP in 37.1 innings at Triple-A, but he coughed up four runs in just 6.1 innings while posting a 5:9 K:BB during his time in the majors this season.

Major League Baseball suspended Speier for three games Thursday, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Speier was ejected from Wednesday's game after intentionally hitting Gleyber Torres with a pitch and will now also receive a three-game ban for his actions. Speier will appeal the suspension, per McCosky, and he'll remain eligible to pitch until a final verdict is reached.

The Astros optioned Dezenzo to Triple-A Sugar Land on Thursday, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Dezenzo has received only 19 plate appearances during the second half, going 3-for-18 with a 1:7 BB:K. The Astros will announce a corresponding roster move prior to Friday's game in San Diego.

Pannone cleared waivers Thursday and was outrighted to Triple-A Nashville, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

The 32-year-old lefty was designated for assignment last Friday following DL Hall's return from the injured list. Pannone has the right to elect free agency, though it's unknown whether he will do so or remain in the Brewers organization as a minor-league depth piece.

Donovan is not in the lineup for Thursday's contest versus the Tigers.

Donovan returned from a nearly three-month long absence this week, going 1-for-7 at the plate in the first two games of the series. The Tigers are starting southpaw Framber Valdez in the series finale, but the left-handed-hitting Donovan not being in the lineup could be more about easing him back into action following a long layoff. Leo Rivas is handling third base in Donovan's stead.

Naylor is not in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Tigers.

It's the first day off since June 17 for Naylor, who is in a 42-game homerless drought. Weston Wilson will fill in at first base and bat sixth for the Mariners.

Raleigh is absent from the lineup for Thursday's game versus the Tigers.

Raleigh was hit by a pitch in the midsection during Wednesday's win over the Tigers, though he stayed in and finished the contest. He's likely sore, but his absence from Thursday's lineup could simply be due to it being an afternoon game after he started the last eight tilts. Jhonny Pereda will fill in at catcher in the series finale while Raleigh rests.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider said Thursday that Yesavage has been diagnosed with meniscus damage in his left knee and will visit a specialist Monday, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Yesavage had to be lifted from his start Tuesday against the Astros and was placed on the injured list Wednesday. Schneider noted that surgery for Yesavage "is always a possibility," but that determination will be made following his exam Monday. Even if an operation isn't required, Yesavage is likely to be sidelined for several weeks.

Joyce pitched a scoreless and hitless inning in relief against Baltimore on Wednesday, walking one batter and striking out one.

Joyce was activated from the 60-day IL on Tuesday after being deemed ready to return from right shoulder surgery. The flamethrowing reliever showed that he still has impressive velocity, throwing nine of his 16 pitches over 100 mph and topping out at 102.2 mph. Joyce's command was a bit spotty -- he threw eight balls and eight strikes -- but that didn't cost him in the scoring column. Joyce has always had closer-like stuff, and with the Angels trading away Kirby Yates and Ryan Zeferjahn at the deadline, there's a clear path for Joyce to work his way up to the closer role before the end of the campaign.

Reds manager Terry Francona said that Lodolo (finger) will return from the 15-day injured list to start Tuesday's road game against the White Sox, Charlie Goldsmith of Fox 19 Now Cincinnati reports.

Lodolo will be making his first appearance in the majors since he landed on the 15-day injured list shortly before the All-Star break due to a recurring blister issue on his left index finger. Since that IL move, Lodolo has been using a modified grip for his curveball as he aims to put his blister problems behind him. In his lone rehab start, the southpaw allowed three runs on five hits and two walks while striking out four over 4.1 innings for Triple-A Louisville on Wednesday. He threw 65 pitches in the outing, so Lodolo won't be fully stretched out when he faces the Pale Hose.