MLB Player News

The Phillies optioned Howard to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Tuesday.

The righty has been able to pitch neither effectively nor deep into games, as he has a 5.82 ERA and has lasted no longer than four innings in any outing this season. Howard had been serving as the Phillies' sixth starter, but the return of Jean Segura (groin) required a demotion somewhere on the roster.

The Mets recalled Szapucki from Triple-A Syracuse on Tuesday, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

One of the organization's higher-ranked pitching prospects, Szapucki has a 4.41 ERA through 34.2 innings at Triple-A this season after allowing at least three runs in three consecutive outings. The lefty is built up as a starter, so he'll likely temporarily fill the fifth spot in the Mets' rotation, which had been occupied by Jerad Eickhoff, who was demoted in a corresponding move. He likely won't be around for long -- just until Marcus Stroman (bereavement) is ready to return.

Johnson (triceps) was activated from the 10-day injured list ahead of Tuesday's game against the Reds.

Johnson was placed on the IL with triceps inflammation June 19 but was able to throw a bullpen a week later. He's now set to rejoin the San Diego bullpen after a minimal stay on the IL. The right-hander holds a 3.57 ERA and 32:9 K:BB across 22.2 innings this season.

Pomeranz (lat) was reinstated from the 10-day injured list prior to Tuesday's game against the Reds.

The southpaw threw a live batting practice session Saturday. Despite Pomeranz being out since May 9 with lat tightness, the Friars will opt to skip sending the reliever on a rehab assignment. Pomeranz struck out 20 while posting a 1.98 ERA across 13.2 innings before the injury, and he shouldn't take long to resume working in high-leverage situations going forward.

Young was optioned to Triple-A Reno following Monday's loss to St. Louis.

Young struggled in his last three outings (two starts) with the Diamondbacks, most recently allowing six runs on seven hits across three relief innings Monday. He'll head to Reno for the first time since 2019, where the club could opt to stretch him out for starter innings. Young, who holds a 5.82 ERA while serving primarily as a reliever across 29 appearances, should have a strong chance to return to the majors later this season. Infielder Andrew Young was recalled in a corresponding roster move.

The Nationals placed Rainey on the 10-day injured list Tuesday with a stress reaction in his right tibia, Dan Kolko of MASN Sports reports.

The righty felt discomfort in that right leg, his push-off leg, while pitching Sunday, Jessica Camerato of MLB.com reports. Despite having a hefty 6.93 ERA on the season, Rainey has held opponents scoreless in nine of his last 10 appearances and has been one of the Nationals' most trusted late-inning relievers. Wander Suero and Austin Voth are likely to earn more high-leverage opportunities during Rainey's absence. His return timeline is currently unclear.

Guzman (elbow) will begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A New Orleans this week, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Guzman has been working his way back from elbow inflammation that initially arose during spring training. He most recently threw approximately five innings in a simulated game last Thursday, which appears to have gone well, as he'll now head to New Orleans on a rehab stint. Guzman will likely stay in Triple-A when the rehab assignment expires, though where he ends up will likely depend on the state of the Miami starting rotation.

The Marlins recalled Okert from Triple-A Jacksonville on Tuesday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

The lefty reliever has impressed at Triple-A this season, pitching to a 1.80 ERA in 20 innings while striking out 29 batters and walking just one while allowing just a single homer. He last appeared in the majors in 2018, when he pitched in seven games for the Giants and posted a 1.23 ERA.

Gonzalez earned a hold against the Giants on Monday with a scoreless inning during which he gave up one hit and struck out one batter.

The left-hander came on in the seventh inning with the Dodgers protecting a one-run lead. He hit LaMonte Wade Jr. to begin the frame and surrendered a one-out single to Buster Posey, but the lefty managed to escape the inning without allowing any runs. Gonzalez and teammate Blake Treinen -- who also notched a hold in the contest -- have been running neck-and-neck for the team lead in holds, with Gonzalez establishing a narrow 16-to-15 advantage. They both rank among the top five in the category leaguewide.

Phillies manager Joe Girardi said Moore will start Saturday's game against the Padres in Philadelphia, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

At least temporarily, Philadelphia will go with a six-man rotation, as both Moore and Spencer Howard are picking up starts this week. Howard lasted just 2.1 innings in Monday's 12-4 loss to the Reds and is now sitting on a 5.82 ERA and 1.57 WHIP across nine outings with the big club, so Moore could put himself in position to stick in the rotation over the youngster if the Phillies elect to move back to a five-man starting staff at some point. After struggling in his first three starts of the season, Moore was moved to the bullpen in late April, but he impressed in a spot start last week against the Mets. He worked five scoreless frames in that outing while limiting New York to three hits and one walk.