MLB Player News

Williams gave up three hits and struck out two in a scoreless seventh inning Tuesday to record his second save of the season in the first game of a doubleheader against the Cubs.

The right-hander loaded the bases on three singles, but Williams rebounded to fan Patrick Wisdom and Greg Deichmann to end the matinee. Both of Williams' saves have come in his last three appearances as he extended his scoreless streak to 12 innings and 13 games, and he should remain the Brewers' top closing option while Josh Hader (COVID-19) is sidelined.

The Dodgers placed Kelly on the injured list Monday without a designation, implying he's been deactivated due to COVID-19-related reasons.

Due to privacy reasons, the Dodgers can't disclose whether Kelly has tested positive for the coronavirus, or if he's merely considered a close contact of an infected person or persons. Regardless, Kelly's move to the IL clears a spot on the 40-man roster and 26-man active roster for fellow reliever Corey Knebel (lat), who was reinstated from the 60-day IL.

Hudson (COVID-19 protocols) will likely be activated Wednesday or Thursday, per the Associated Press.

The Padres acquired Hudson from Washington on July 29, but he has been unable to pitch for San Diego while waiting to clear COVID-19 protocols. The right-hander threw live batting practice to five hitters Monday and appears to be only a day or two away from a return. When Hudson is activated, he figures to immediately slot in near the top of the team's bullpen hierarchy, joining Drew Pomeranz and Emilio Pagan as the primary bridges to closer Mark Melancon.

Double-A Springfield placed Quezada on the COVID-19 injured list Tuesday.

Springfield is dealing with a COVID-19 outbreak among its roster, as six players were placed on the injured list Tuesday. The affiliate hasn't announced whether Quezada's placement on the IL is the result of him testing positive for the coronavirus, or if he was merely identified as a close contact of an infected person or persons. Quezada has made six appearances this season for Springfield, posting a 12.91 ERA and 2.64 WHIP across 7.2 innings.

Cousins (illness) was activated off the COVID-19 injured list Tuesday.

Cousins tested positive for the virus at the end of July, but his battle with the illness evidently wasn't a particularly long one. The Brewers will be quite happy to see him back in the bullpen, as he's had a dominant start to his big-league career, striking out 20 batters in 14.1 scoreless innings of work while allowing just four hits and five walks.

Minter was recalled by Atlanta on Tuesday.

Minter cruised to a 0.83 ERA last season but recorded a 4.86 ERA in 33.1 innings this year before being sent down in mid-July. He's clearly too good for the Triple-A level, however, as he didn't allow a single hit in 7.1 scoreless innings of work before earning his trip back to the big leagues. He should fill a mid-leverage role for now. Shane Greene was designated for assignment in a corresponding move.

Cousins could be reinstated from the COVID-19 injured list as early as Tuesday, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Cousins landed on the COVID-19 IL at the end of July after he tested positive for the virus, but he's now cleared re-entry testing. While the righty won't return for Monday's series opener against the Cubs, he has a strong chance to rejoin the bullpen ahead of Tuesday's contest.

Hudson (COVID-19 protocols) threw live batting practice Monday, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Hudson threw a light bullpen session Saturday, and he took another step in his recovery by facing hitters Monday. The right-hander has been on the COVID-19 injured list since July 29 but is close to returning to game action. Hudson was traded from the Nationals to the Padres ahead of the trade deadline and will have a prominent role in the bullpen once he makes his team debut.

Ponce de Leon (shoulder) was reinstated from the 10-day injured list Monday.

Ponce de Leon made four appearances during his rehab assignment and allowed three runs on five hits and five walks while striking out seven in 7.2 innings. The right-hander will attempt to improve upon his 7.03 ERA and 1.64 WHIP in 24.1 innings across 17 appearances (two starts) with the major-league club to begin the season.

Reyes (5-5) took the loss Sunday against the Royals, allowing an unearned run on two hits while recording two strikeouts over one inning.

Charged with preserving a 5-5 tie upon entering in the ninth, Reyes ultimately faltered despite not allowing anything more impactful than a single. The right-hander's cause wasn't helped by a throwing error on the part of Paul Goldschmidt, either, and the outing ultimately resulted in Reyes' third straight losing decision. Despite the hiccup, the 26-year-old has proven reliable more often than not while converting an outstanding 25 of 26 save chances.