Diamondbacks release Max Kepler after PED suspension amid wider roster shakeup

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Diamondbacks release Max Kepler after PED suspension amid wider roster shakeup

11 sourcesUpdated Sep 6, 2026

The Arizona Diamondbacks designated outfielder Max Kepler for assignment after he hit .205 with two home runs and 15 RBIs in 41 games, following an 80-game suspension for violating MLB’s performance-enhancing drug policy. The Baltimore Orioles designated reliever Suárez for assignment to make room for recalled outfielder Rece Hinds; Suárez had a 4.12 ERA over 59 innings and has been designated five times this season. The Cincinnati Reds designated left-handed reliever Sam Moll for assignment after activating right-hander Graham Ashcraft from the 60-day injured list; Moll posted a 4.79 ERA in 56⅓ innings. The Pittsburgh Pirates, meanwhile, recalled versatile outfielder Ronny Simon from Triple-A and optioned utility player Nick Yorke, hoping Simon’s defensive flexibility and strong minor-league production can bolster the club.

In this story:Ken SuarezMax KeplerArizona DiamondbacksBaltimore OriolesCincinnati RedsPittsburgh Pirates

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Ohtani’s Injury Puts Dodgers’ Playoff Plans in Focus

Shohei Ohtani has not pitched since July 3 due to knee inflammation and biceps discomfort, and his hitting has slumped as the Dodgers weigh whether to rest or possibly limit his mound work while leaning on him as a designated hitter. The Dodgers remain cautious, with manager Dave Roberts indicating ongoing evaluations and the potential for a shutdown or limited bullpen role if his progression stalls, as emphasizes by on-field scares including a knee tweak and a hit-by-pitch elbow incident but ultimately staying in the lineup.

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Sep 4, 2026Sep 6, 2026

Sep 6, 2026Justin Wrobleski returns to the Dodgers' rotation to start the series finale against the Nationals as Ohtani's injury status remains unresolved.
Sep 6, 2026The Diamondbacks release Max Kepler after a PED suspension amid a wider MLB roster shakeup involving the Orioles, Reds and Pirates.
Sep 6, 2026The Toronto Blue Jays' playoff push is clouded by fresh injury concerns involving Ponce, Corbin, Urías and Taillon despite recent series wins.

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“Ex-Phillies Outfielder Cut by New Team After 41 Games”

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Blue Jays' playoff push clouded by four new injury concerns

The Toronto Blue Jays, despite a late-season playoff push, face a battered rotation with multiple injuries and troubling updates on several veterans, including Cody Ponce’s distant return, Patrick Corbin’s season-long outlook, Luis Urias’s reinjury, and Jameson Taillon’s likely IL stint after his latest start. Still, they have steadied with series wins over the Royals and others, leaning on resilient performances and minor-depth reinforcements as they chase a playoff berth.

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