MLB Player News

Atlanta claimed Rodriguez off waivers from Minnesota on Monday and optioned him to Triple-A Gwinnett.

Though the Twins optioned Rodriguez to Triple-A St. Paul on Saturday, the organization seemingly moved him off the 40-man roster at some point thereafter, which made him eligible to be claimed off waivers. Rodriguez will now move on to an Atlanta organization that has had its rotation depth hit hard by the injuries this season, and the 30-year-old right-hander may not have to wait long for a promotion to the big club when a spot starter or long reliever is needed. Prior to his brief stint in the majors with the Twins, Rodriguez accrued a 4.66 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 20:10 K:BB over 19.1 innings at St. Paul.

Brogdon will serve as the Phillies' opening pitcher for Monday's contest in San Francisco.

Rather than starting like his usually does, Bailey Falter is expected to serve as a bulk reliever once Brogdon exits the contest, likely after covering an inning or two. Brogdon boasts a 2.61 ERA and 18:6 K:BB across 20.2 innings out of the Philadelphia bullpen in 2023.

Alvarado (elbow) is expected to begin a throwing program in the early part of the week, MLB.com reports.

Alvarado isn't traveling with the Phillies while the team wraps up its six-game road trip with a three-game set in San Francisco to begin the week, but he looks to have received the green light to resume playing catch back in Philadelphia. The left-hander was placed on the 15-day injured list last Wednesday due to elbow inflammation and is first eligible to return May 23. Assuming the Phillies' closer endures no setbacks as he initiates his throwing program, he could be on track for activation in close to the minimum 15 days.

Castro (2-1) earned the win over San Francisco on Sunday. He struck out two over a scoreless ninth inning.

Castro worked the ninth inning in his last two appearances, picking up a save and a win. After he was lit up for three runs a week ago while pitching on a third consecutive day -- his 16th outing in 34 games -- manager Torey Lovullo tweaked bullpen rotations to keep arms fresh. Castro and Andrew Chafin remain in high-leverage roles, including important ninth-inning situations.

Thompson tossed two perfect innings of relief with two strikeouts in Sunday's 16-3 loss to the Twins.

Thompson was one of seven Chicago players to take the mound Sunday, and he and Brandon Hughes, who retired a single batter, were the only ones to not get scored upon. Thompson has been good in relief this season with a 2.95 ERA across 21.1 innings. With Hayden Wesneski struggling some as the team's fifth starter, Thompson could be a candidate to start at some point after making 17 starts in 2022, though he'll stick in long relief for the time being.

Rogers (0-3) took the loss Sunday versus the Diamondbacks, allowing a run on a hit and a walk over one inning.

Rogers pitched a perfect eighth inning to keep the game tied at 1-1. He stayed in for the ninth, walking Christian Walker before Lourdes Gurriel tagged him for a walkoff double. All three of Rogers' losses have come in his last six outings, a span in which he's given up five runs over 5.2 innings. The reliever has a 2.70 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 16:6 K:BB while adding a save and seven holds through 20 innings overall this season.

Weathers (1-2) allowed four runs on three hits and four walks over 5.2 innings Sunday, striking out three and taking a loss against the Dodgers.

Weathers was promoted for a spot start against a dangerous Dodgers squad. Through five frames, the only damage against him was Mookie Betts' two-run shot until Miguel Vargas knocked a two-run double in the sixth. Weathers' ERA jumped to 3.42 with a 14:9 K:BB through 23.2 big-league frames. It's unclear if the 23-year-old is expected to get another turn in the rotation.

Lamet (back) will report to Triple-A Albuquerque to begin an injury rehab assignment Tuesday, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Lamet was able to participate in a live bullpen session Saturday, and now the right-hander will get a chance to face competition in the Pacific Coast League for the Isotopes beginning Tuesday. He'll likely work in a handful of games and then have a chance to return to the majors as soon as next weekend in a mid-to-late innings relief role.

Iglesias (0-1) blew the save and took the loss in Sunday's 6-5 loss to the Blue Jays, allowing two runs on three hits and one walk over two-thirds of an inning. He did not record a strikeout.

Iglesias entered with a one-run lead and surrendered a leadoff single to Vladimir Guerrero before allowing a one-out walk to Matt Chapman. Brandon Belt singled with two outs to load the bases, and Danny Jansen hit a walk-off, two-run single to win the game. The right-handed closer's season debut was delayed due to a right shoulder strain, but he had been sharp in each of his first two outings before blowing the save and taking the loss Sunday. Despite the poor outing, the veteran likely will get at least one more high-leverage outing before Atlanta considers moving him to lower-leverage situations.

Bird was ejected from Sunday's game against the Phillies, Alex Coffey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Bird gestured toward the Philadelphia dugout after he finished off a scoreless seventh inning, which resulted in the benches clearing. The right-hander needed 20 pitches to get through the frame, so he was likely done for the day regardless. Bryce Harper was also ejected for the Phillies.