MLB Player News

Atlanta designated Vanasco for assignment Tuesday, Harrison Smajovits of SI.com reports.

The transaction clears space on the 40-man roster. Vanasco -- who was claimed off waivers by Atlanta in late August -- has allowed 15 runs (14 earned) over 10.1 career innings in the majors.

Atlanta designated Hernandez for assignment Tuesday, Harrison Smajovits of SI.com reports.

The club needed to free 40-man roster spots for the additions of Rowdy Tellez and Luke Williams. Hernandez is a safe bet to clear waivers and become a free agent.

Murphy is not in the lineup Tuesday for Game 1 of the National League Wild Card series against the Phillies.

Even with the Phillies rolling out left-hander Jesus Luzardo to start Tuesday, Atlanta will go with Drake Baldwin at catcher and the left-handed-hitting Mike Yastrzemski at designated hitter. Murphy sported just a .462 OPS in September.

Atlanta selected Williams' contract from Triple-A Gwinnett on Tuesday, Harrison Smajovits of SI.com reports.

Williams spent virtually all of the 2026 season at Gwinnett, slashing only .218/.311/.367 with 37 steals in 103 games. He will be available as a utility option and pinch runner off the bench.

Raley is not on the Phillies' wild-card serie roster against Atlanta, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Raley posted a 7.94 ERA and 11:5 K:BB over 11.1 innings after being acquired by the Phillies at the trade deadline. Philadelphia will carry Jose Alvarado and Tanner Banks as their left-handed relievers over Raley.

Rodriguez has worked out at third base and will "continue to see time there as they look to expand his versatility," Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Cardinals president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom noted Monday that the team has a "long-term vacancy" at third base. Goold writes that Rodriguez still projects as a catcher, but the team is open to adding third base to his list of positions along with catcher and first base as it looks to increase versatility. Rodriguez -- who will not turn 20 until January -- has emerged as one of the best prospects in baseball, having slashed .324/.413/.574 with 27 home runs, 87 RBI, 11 steals and a 60:101 BB:K over 115 games between High-A Peoria and Double-A Springfield in 2026. He'll likely begin the 2027 season at Triple-A Memphis and could reach the majors before the end of the season.

Cardinals president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom said Monday that Fitts (lat) is on track to be ready at the start of spring training but will have his workload monitored, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Fitts underwent right lat surgery in April after getting hurt while pitching at Triple-A Memphis. It's unclear where Fitts currently is in the rehab process, but Bloom said the righty is "hellbent on being part of this picture from the jump" next season. Assuming health, Fitts will be in the mix for a rotation spot next season. However, after all the time off there's a good chance he'll begin the campaign back at Memphis.

Cardinals president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom said Monday that Walker was playing through some hip pain and other discomfort late in the season, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

The lingering hip issue could at least partly explain Walker's fade in September, as he slashed just .172/.232/.287 in the final month. The good news is the Cardinals do not expect the injury to linger into the offseason, as Walker has simply been prescribed rest. It was a breakout 2026 campaign for the 24-year-old outfielder, with Walker sporting a .269/.327/.466 batting line with 29 home runs, 102 RBI and 22 stolen bases.

Chace (elbow) was activated from the 60-day injured list Monday.

Chace spent the 2026 campaign rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, but he was unable to see any game action. The team reported in June that he was progressing well and had been cleared to toss bullpen sessions, and the fact that he's now been reinstated would seemingly indicate that he's healthy heading into the offseason.

Caldwell underwent back surgery in mid-September, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reported. He will be out four-to-six months.

Caldwell, the Diamondbacks' first-round pick in 2024, has really struggled to hit for power as a professional. In 465 plate appearances at High-A Hillsboro this season, Caldwell hit .213/.361/.304 with six homers and 26 stolen bases, tallying an .091 ISO. While the ongoing back problems may give him an out in terms of his 2026 stats, Caldwell has dropped out of most prospect lists. 2027 will be a crucial year in his development for the Diamondbacks.