MLB Player News

The Brewers optioned Megill to Triple-A Nashville on Thursday.

Megill made only one appearance out of the Milwaukee bullpen during his five-day stay in the majors and gave up two earned runs on four hits in two innings. The 29-year-old right-hander owns a 5.84 ERA in 83 career appearances at the big-league level.

Miami selected Smeltzer's contract from Triple-A Jacksonville on Thursday.

Smeltzer has struggled in both the majors and minors this season, but the Marlins need a fresh arm heading into their series finale Thursday versus the Phillies. The 27-year-old left-hander figures to operate in long relief.

Miami optioned Brazoban to Triple-A Jacksonville on Thursday.

Brazoban was charged with two earned runs while failing to record an out in his most recent appearance Wednesday versus the Phillies. Devin Smeltzer will take his spot in the Marlins' bullpen ahead of Thursday's series finale.

Kimbrel blew the save in the 10th inning Wednesday during the Phillies' 9-8 loss to the Marlins, giving up two runs (one earned) on two hits.

Kimbrel was far from the only Philadelphia reliever to have trouble putting Miami away after Zack Wheeler exited with a 5-2 lead, as the Phillies' bullpen collectively coughed up seven runs in five-plus innings. Both of Kimbrel's blown saves on the season have come since the All-Star break, and over his last 10 innings he has a tepid 8:4 K:BB despite a superficially strong 2.70 ERA and 1.00 WHIP. Gregory Soto got the nod in the ninth inning Wednesday and was also charged with a blown save, and he could keep working his way into the closer mix as long as Kimbrel continues to show signs of fading.

Hudson (2-0) earned the win over Minnesota on Wednesday, allowing three runs on two hits and three walks while striking out seven batters over seven innings.

Hudson has spent most of the season in a long-relief role, but he was moved into the rotation after St. Louis traded starters Jordan Montgomery and Jack Flaherty. Hudson excelled Wednesday, getting through six scoreless frames before Matt Wallner tagged him for a three-run homer in the seventh. The right-handed hurler still managed to complete that inning and finished with a quality start and a victory. Hudson was a starter all of last season, posting a 4.45 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and poor 78:61 K:BB over 139.2 frames while compiling an 8-7 record.

Doval pitched a perfect inning to earn the save in Wednesday's 4-2 win over the Diamondbacks.

Doval was efficient, throwing eight pitches (six strikes) in the outing. He's tossed three scoreless innings over the last four days, which brings into question his availability for a potential save situation in Thursday's day game. Doval is 32-for-35 in save chances with a 2.52 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 67:19 K:BB through 50 innings as one of the top closers in the majors.

Alexander will start Thursday's game against Arizona, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Alexander has fallen into a somewhat regular role as an opener recently, as Thursday will mark his third start since July 24. The 34-year-old lefty holds a solid 3.13 ERA and 0.98 WHIP through 31.2 innings on the year but will likely only remain on the mound for an inning or two.

The Dodgers designated Miller for assignment Wednesday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Miller gave up two runs over two innings during his lone appearance with the Dodgers. He's fared much better in Triple-A this season with a 3.45 ERA and 1.40 WHIP through 28.2 frames, giving him a chance to be claimed off waivers by another club looking for bullpen depth.

The Reds recalled Duarte from Triple-A Louisville on Wednesday.

With Ben Lively (pectoral) landing on the injured list Wednesday, Duarte will come up from Triple-A one day after being demoted to clear a spot for Sam Moll. The 26-year-old righty has been unimpressive in middle relief, putting up a 4.30 ERA and 1.57 WHIP through 14.2 innings in the majors this season.

The Mets optioned Nittoli to Triple-A Syracuse on Wednesday.

Nittoli was not called on to make an appearance during his three-day stint in the Mets' bullpen. The 32-year-old right-hander has logged only 4.2 career innings at the major-league level.