MLB Player News

Rogers worked a scoreless ninth inning Friday to record his 27th save of the season in a 4-1 win over the Mets.

He did hit a batter with a pitch but otherwise Rogers was sharp, tossing 11 of 15 pitches for strikes. The southpaw may be over his early July struggles, as he's converted four straight save chances and turned in three straight scoreless appearances. On the season, Rogers sports a 3.72 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 44:7 K:BB through 38.2 innings.

Hudson (neck) threw a pain-free bullpen session Thursday, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Hudson's next step is likely to be a rehab assignment, though a date for that has yet to be announced. If all goes well, he could be activated for next weekend's series versus the Nationals. The Cardinals are expected to get by with a four-man rotation next week since they have both Monday and Thursday off.

Long (1-3) took the loss Friday versus the Dodgers. He allowed four unearned runs on two hits, a walk and a hit batter while striking out one in one inning.

Long had some control issues, as evidenced by a wild pitch and his plunking of Jake Lamb before serving up a grand slam to Cody Bellinger. While this mess wasn't his alone, it was the third time Long's allowed multiple runs in his last five outings. The southpaw has a 2.92 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 26:12 K:BB through 37 innings in 23 appearances (six starts). With Jakob Junis back from the injured list and ready to rejoin the rotation, Long is likely to serve as a middle reliever capable of working multiple innings.

Arano (knee) allowed three runs (one earned) on two hits and two walks without recording a strikeout in one inning during Friday's 10-1 loss to the Diamondbacks.

Arano's return after more than a six-week absence wasn't a great one, though an error by Maikel Franco extended the Diamondbacks' eighth-inning rally. Arano allowed only one baserunner while striking out five over three innings in three appearances with Triple-A Rochester after his rehab progressed past rookie ball. The right-hander has a 5.18 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 25:6 K:BB in 24.1 innings this year, but he'll likely handle mostly low-leverage work for now.

Graterol (shoulder) played catch from 90 feet Thursday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Graterol was reportedly pain-free prior to the session and hasn't felt any discomfort since. He'll continue to ramp up and a return in early-to-mid August appears realistic, barring any setbacks.

Treinen (shoulder) will throw a bullpen session Saturday, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Treinen threw 36 pitches in a bullpen session July 13 and threw off flat ground during the All-Star break. Assuming all goes according to plan, Treinen will face hitters in live batting practice by the close of July. He'll likely need at least a brief rehab appearance, putting him in line for a mid-August return.

Holderman was traded to the Pirates in exchange for Daniel Vogelbach on Friday, Evan Webeck of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Holderman will head to Pittsburgh after producing a 2.04 ERA and 1.02 WHIP with 18 punchouts over 17.2 innings in 15 appearances with the Mets this season. He'll likely fill a middle relief role with the Pirates, but the rookie could slip into a high-leverage spot if the Bucs trade some veteran relievers at the deadline.

May (triceps) is expected to begin a rehab assignment in the near future, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

Manager Buck Showalter said Friday that he believes May is close to starting a rehab assignment. The reliever has been out since early May while nursing a stress reaction in the lower portion of his humerus. Prior to getting hurt, May had struggled to a 8.64 ERA and 1.92 WHIP over 8.1 innings in eight appearances.

Rodriguez (elbow) has resumed throwing bullpens, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Rodriguez landed on the injured list April 14 due to a right elbow strain and doesn't yet have a timetable to return. Whether the right-hander joins the major-league roster when fully healthy likely depends on whether the Cubs deal some relievers at the trade deadline.

Alzolay (lat) has been throwing bullpen sessions at the Cubs' extended spring training facility in Arizona, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Alzolay has been on the injured list since late March due to a right lat strain that he sustained during spring training. While it's encouraging that the right-hander has resumed mound work, he doesn't yet have a timetable to return to game action. Alzolay will presumably require several rehab appearances before he's cleared to rejoin the Cubs.