MLB Player News

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.

Alvarado (elbow) was reinstated from the 15-day injured list and called up from Double-A Reading on Friday.

Alvarado will return to the big-league roster after missing just under one month while nursing a left elbow injury. The 28-year-old appeared in two games with Reading, allowing two runs on four hits while striking out a batter over two innings. The left-hander has produced a sparkling 0.63 ERA and 0.63 WHIP with 24 punchouts over 14.1 frames in 14 appearances with the Phillies in 2023, and he should step right back into a high-leverage role. In a corresponding move, right-hander Connor Brogdon was optioned to Triple-A.

Philadelphia optioned Brogdon to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Friday, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Jose Alvarado (elbow) has been activated off the injured list in a corresponding move. Brogdon gave up two earned runs in one inning of relief in his most recent appearance and holds a 4.03 ERA and 1.45 WHIP in 29 major-league innings this year.