MLB Player News

Alvarado picked up the save in Friday's 3-1 victory over the Astros. He didn't allow a baserunner while striking out two over one inning.

Alvarado has been lights out this season. He struck out two more hitters in the ninth to bring his season total to 24 in just 12.1 innings. The flamethrowing lefty leads the Phillies with five saves, all of which have come since April 19.

Rodriguez had his rehab assignment with Triple-A Memphis paused Friday after feeling renewed soreness in his shoulder, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Rodriguez was scheduled to pitch for Memphis on Saturday, but instead he'll be reevaluated. The Rule 5 draft pick has not been able to pitch yet in 2023 because of his shoulder issues. Once healthy, the Cardinals will have to carry Rodriguez on their roster for the entirety of the campaign or offer him back to the Yankees.

The Dodgers optioned Bruihl to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Friday, J.P. Hoornstra of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.

Brusdar Graterol is off the paternity list, so the Dodgers optioned Bruihl back in the minors to clear room in the bullpen. In five innings prior to his demotion, Bruihl posted a 1.80 ERA and 1.12 WHIP along with four strikeouts.

Graterol was activated from the paternity list by the Dodgers on Friday, J.P. Hoornstra of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.

Graterol rejoins the Dodgers after being away from the team since Tuesday. Justin Bruihl was sent back to Triple-A Oklahoma City with Graterol available again in the bullpen.

Varland (hand) gave up three runs while getting one out in a rehab appearance for Low-A Wisconsin on Thursday and is scheduled for multiple innings Saturday, Sophia Minnaert of Bally Sports Wisconsin reports.

Varland allowed three hits in his rehab appearance and also issued a walk. The results are borderline inconsequential, as it's more important that the right-hander is getting closer to making it back to the Milwaukee bullpen after missing time with a bruise on his right hand. If Saturday's appearance goes well, Verland should rejoin the Brewers early next week.

Cubs manager David Ross confirmed Friday that Kilian will start Saturday against the Marlins, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Kilian will get the start in the place of Jameson Taillon, after the latter was placed on the 15-day injured list with a groin injury. Kilian has registered a 7.15 ERA for Triple-A Iowa, but eight of the nine runs he's allowed over 11.1 innings came in his first start. The 25-year-old right-hander may not be a future ace, but he throws four pitches for strikes to keep hitters off-balance, and he could be a solid -- if unspectacular -- option while he's a member of the Chicago rotation.

Nance (shoulder) is scheduled to throw a 35-pitch bullpen session Saturday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Miami recently transferred Nance from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day injured list as he continues his recovery from a February shoulder strain, but he's making steady progress and might be ready for activation around the time he's first eligible in late May.

Chargois (oblique) advanced Friday to throwing long toss from 120 feet, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

The next step in his recovery should be mound work, which will possibly happen sometime next week. Out since April 10 because of a right oblique strain, Chargois appears on track to return to the Marlins' bullpen around early-to-mid May.

Quezada had his contract selected by the Marlins on Friday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Quezada will join the bullpen ahead of Friday night's series opener against the Cubs after posting a strong 2.35 ERA over 7.2 innings this season between Double-A Pensacola and Triple-A Jacksonville. The 28-year-old right-hander figures to operate in low-leverage spots.

Smeltzer was designated for assignment by the Marlins on Friday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Johan Quezada will join the club in a corresponding move. Smeltzer, 27, had struggled to a 6.75 ERA, 1.83 WHIP and 8:4 K:BB through 12 innings this season with Miami after performing pretty well in a swingman role last year with the Twins. He could draw interest on waivers.