MLB Player News

Nelson (hamstring) was activated from the injured list Friday at Triple-A Lehigh Valley, Tom Housenick of The Morning Call reports.

Nelson is serving as the starting pitcher for Lehigh Valley on Friday night against the Triple-A affiliate of the Mets. He wound up missing nearly a full month of action due to a left hamstring strain -- his second left hamstring strain of 2023. The 27-year-old has posted a 1.25 ERA in 21.2 minor-league innings this season when healthy.

Rockies manager Bud Black suggested Friday that Bird could work into the saves mix, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

Black is seeking a replacement for Pierce Johnson, who officially lost his hold on the closer role after blowing another save chance Thursday against the Giants. Justin Lawrence is also said to be in the running for more ninth-inning opportunities. Bird, 27, has posted a sharp 3.05 ERA and 43:13 K:BB in 30 appearances (41.1 innings) this season.

Rockies manager Bud Black said Friday that Lawrence is a candidate to take over the closer role, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

Lawrence has struggled in his last two outings, but the door is open for him to grab a larger share of the save opportunities in Colorado with Pierce Johnson out as closer. Black also mentioned Jake Bird as a consideration for ninth-inning duties.

Rockies manager Bud Black announced Friday that Johnson has been removed from the closer role, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

Johnson officially lost the job after blowing another save in brutal fashion Thursday afternoon against the Giants. He owns a wretched 7.50 ERA in 26 appearances (24 innings) this season, although most of that damage has come at Coors Field -- his road ERA is 2.89. Black named Justin Lawrence and Jake Bird as possible candidates to replace Johnson in the ninth-inning gig.

Uceta (ankle) underwent surgery Friday to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Uceta injured his knee just as he was nearing the end of his recovery from a left ankle sprain. He's been on the shelf since late April and now his absence will be extended at least another eight weeks. The Mets could soon transfer him from the 15-day IL to the 60-day IL to free up a 40-man roster spot.

The Mets recalled Muckenhirn from Triple-A Syracuse on Friday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Muckenhirn has been very impressive this season in Syracuse, logging a 1.11 ERA and 1.04 WHIP through 24.1 innings. A low strikeout rate makes him unlikely to see many high-leverage situations, but he has the capability to pitch multiple innings out of the bullpen. Stephen Nogosek was designated for assignment Friday to make room for Muckenhirn on the active roster.

The Brewers placed Sousa on the 15-day injured list Friday with left shoulder nerve irritation.

Sousa made just his second appearance of the season Wednesday against Baltimore in the ninth inning and surrendered two runs on three hits and a walk. He will now be shelved for at least another two weeks, becoming the 10th Brewers pitcher currently on the IL. Tyson Miller was recalled from Triple-A Nashville in a corresponding move.

Milwaukee placed Cousins on the 15-day injured list Friday, retroactive to June 4, with right shoulder inflammation.

Cousins was sent out to Triple-A Nashville this past Sunday, but the injury happened before that move and so the option has been rescinded. There's no timetable yet for when he might be able to return to live competition.

The Brewers recalled Miller from Triple-A Nashville on Friday.

Miller has bounced between Milwaukee and Nashville all season, and this promotion comes as a result of Bennett Sousa (shoulder) and Jake Cousins (shoulder) both landing on the 15-day injured list. Miller holds a 6.75 ERA and 1.20 WHIP through 6.2 innings in the majors and is unlikely to pitch in high-leverage situations.

Kranick (elbow) is slated to begin facing hitters in two weeks, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Kranick threw a bullpen session at PNC Park on Friday as he continues to ramp up his rehab from last June's Tommy John surgery. He'll eventually go out on a rehab assignment, but that likely won't happen until after the All-Star break. Kranick could make a late-season return, but the Pirates probably aren't counting on him to really contribute until 2024.