MLB Player News

Alexander (5-0) earned the win, pitching a perfect inning versus the Rockies on Thursday.

Alexander has racked up 9.1 consecutive scoreless innings over his last 10 appearances, and he's given up just two hits, a walk and one hit-by-pitch in that span. The southpaw's strong work has helped him move up the leverage ladder slightly, though the Giants have plenty of late-inning options that will generally keep him out of the conversation for saves. He has one save, six holds and two blown saves while posting a 3.57 ERA, 0.88 WHIP and 11:4 K:BB over 22.2 innings this season.

Hudson (knee) kicked off a rehab assignment with the Dodgers' Arizona Complex League team Tuesday, striking out one batter in a perfect inning.

Hudson tore the ACL in his left knee in June of last year and has been slowly working his way back to action. There was some hope during spring training that the reliever could return by the end of April, but his progress has been slower than anticipated. The Dodgers have the fourth-worst bullpen ERA in the majors this season, so they could certainly use Hudson's help, especially if he can come anywhere close to his 2022 performance, which included a 2.22 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and 30:5 K:BB over 24.1 innings. According to manager Dave Roberts, the veteran right-hander is still weeks away from a return, per MLB.com, but he could ascend to a high-leverage role relatively quickly upon his activation.

Boxberger (forearm) will throw a bullpen session Saturday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Boxberger will head to the Cubs' spring training facility to throw his second bullpen session in the last week. It's unclear how much longer he'll need to ramp up before returning to game action, though he is expected to go on at least a brief rehab assignment before being activated.

Doval picked up the save Thursday against Colorado, logging a strikeout in a scoreless ninth inning.

Doval has converted his last 12 save opportunities, improving to 16-for-17 on the season. He's allowed just two earned runs in that span (16.2 innings) while striking out 26. The 25-year-old Doval has been a top-tier closing option this season -- his ERA is down to 1.95 with a 0.94 WHIP and 41:10 K:BB through 27.2 innings.

Rockies manager Bud Black said after Thursday's 6-4 loss to the Giants that Johnson's status as the primary closer will be "addressed," Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

Johnson was called into Thursday's game with the Rockies leading 4-3 in the top of the ninth inning and promptly gave up three earned runs on two hits and two walks while recording only two outs. He's blown two saves in the last week and his season ERA has risen to 7.50. Justin Lawrence, Jake Bird, Brent Suter and Brad Hand are among the other options at closer for Colorado. Daniel Bard could maybe even get another shot.

Alvarado (elbow) will be activated from the injured list Friday, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Alvarado is again ready to be a high-leverage contributor out of the Phillies' bullpen following a four-week recovery from left elbow inflammation. He had become manager Rob Thomson's primary closer prior to the IL stint and should quickly work his way back toward the top of the saves mix. When healthy this year, Alvarado has delivered a terrific 0.63 ERA with 24 strikeouts and no walks in 14.1 innings.

The Nationals claimed La Sorsa off waivers from the Rays on Thursday, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

La Sorsa was designated for assignment by Tampa Bay last weekend after making two relief appearances -- his first career appearances at the major-league level. The 25-year-old left-hander will report to the Nats' Triple-A affiliate in Rochester.

Robertson struck out three batters in two perfect innings against the Reds on Wednesday.

Robertson got his first call-up to the majors Tuesday after posting a 2.13 ERA and 37:7 K:BB over 25.1 innings for Triple-A Oklahoma City. The right-hander needed just 22 pitches to get through two frames in his first major-league appearance, tossing 15 strikes and punching out three batters. Robertson has closer-like stuff, including a fastball that tops out in the upper-90s, and he saved seven games for OKC before his promotion. He'll likely work in middle relief for now but could ascend up the pecking order in Los Angeles quickly given the team's bullpen struggles this season.

Atlanta activated Tonkin (neck) from the 15-day injured list Thursday.

Tonkin is back to fill a multi-inning bullpen role for the current NL East leaders after needing a couple weeks off due to a neck injury. Roddery Munoz was sent out in a corresponding roster move.

Scott was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Thursday, Eric Stephen of SBNation.com reports.

The 31-year-old was just sent down Tuesday, but he's quickly back with the big club to replace the injured Noah Syndergaard (blister). Scott should operate in middle relief.