MLB Player News

Roberts refused to commit to either leaving Phillips in the closer’s role or taking him out of it, but the guess is that he’ll get at least a brief break here after giving up seven runs in his last three appearances and 10 in his last eight. Daniel Hudson should be worth playing in fantasy leagues for at least the near future.

Well, that was fast. Fairchild was acquired earlier this week from Atlanta in a small trade and winds up hitting the injured list without ever putting on a Rays uniform. No word on the severity of the ailment, which will determine how much time he misses. It’ll likely be a multi-week absence, even in a best-case scenario.

Pop fortifies Chicago’s relief corps after making five relief appearances earlier this season between the Mariners and Mets. The 28-year-old righty has compiled a serviceable 4.88 ERA across 162 1/3 innings (163 appearances) in the big leagues dating back to 2021. He’ll head to Triple-A Iowa as emergency organizational depth.

Tolbert apparently got hurt jogging on to the field to take his spot at third base. Until then, it was a great day for Tolbert. Given a rare start — often a pinch-runner, he came into the day with 16 plate appearances in 27 games played — Tolbert got one up into the nice breeze blowing out to left at Wrigley today and was credited with a 391-foot homer on a fly that, at 94.2 mph, didn’t even qualify as a hard-hit ball. If he goes on the IL, it would open up a spot for Michael Massey, who is on a rehab assignment.

Hicklen was removed from Detroit’s 40-man roster on Wednesday to make room for pitching prospect Troy Melton. The 29-year-old outfielder got into one game for the Tigers back on May 8, going 2-for-3 with a stolen base.

No surprise here as O’Neill is battling some general soreness and the club wants to stay away from him over the next couple days. The power-hitting 30-year-old corner outfielder should be ready to return to Baltimore’s lineup at some point later this week.

Pederson took live batting practice on Wednesday afternoon without any issues and will kick off an extended rehab assignment later this week. The 33-year-old DH has been out since late May recovering from a fractured right hand.

It’s a rare night off for Butler, who launched his 14th homer of the season during Tuesday’s loss at Globe Life Field. The 25-year-old spark plug takes a seat with veteran southpaw Patrick Corbin toeing the rubber for Texas on Wednesday night. He’s hitting .195/.244/.390 this season against left-handed pitching. It’ll be Jacob Wilson bumping up to the leadoff spot with fellow rookie Colby Thomas patrolling center field.

Mountcastle is eligible to be activated off the 60-day injured list on July 30, but it sounds like the Orioles may give him some additional time based on comments from interim manager Tony Mansolino. The 28-year-old first baseman has been on the shelf since late May recovering from a hamstring strain.

Anthony will get a mental break during Wednesday’s series finale after going 1-for-9 with eight strikeouts over his previous two games. The 21-year-old prodigy has looked like the real deal in spurts since arriving in the majors back in early June, but he’s definitely striking out at a higher rate than the Red Sox would like to see. It’ll be Wilyer Abreu in right field on Wednesday night in his place.