MLB Player News

Uceta was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Thursday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Uceta's latest stint in the big-league bullpen lasted nearly three weeks. He allowed six runs (three earned) in 8.1 innings over that stretch, striking out 10 batters while walking just two.

Nelson (forearm) was activated off the injured list Thursday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Nelson has battled more than his fair share of injuries in recent seasons, but his latest wasn't a particularly worrisome one, as he'll wind up missing just two weeks due to right forearm inflammation. He was pitching quite well prior to the injury, posting a 2.41 ERA and 1.18 WHIP while striking out 39.0 percent of opposing batters in his 18.2 innings of work. He should handle a fairly high-leverage role upon his return but is unlikely to be in the mix for a ninth-inning role.

Hernandez (biceps) is expected to be activated from the 60-day injured list to start Thursday's game against the Pirates, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Manager Don Mattingly hasn't been willing to definitively say that Hernandez will start Thursday's game, but it will be a foregone conclusion if the right-hander is activated ahead of the 7:05 p.m. ET opening pitch, as anticipated. Hernandez recently wrapped up a three-start rehab assignment at Triple-A Jacksonville, which culminated in him throwing 4.2 innings (79 pitches) on May 28. The Marlins aren't likely to have Hernandez throw more than 100 pitches if he returns Thursday, but he shouldn't be subject to significant restrictions with his workload in any case. The 26-year-old was sharp in his six starts with Miami in 2020, posting a 3.16 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 34:5 K:BB in 25.2 innings.

Minter (1-2) took the loss Wednesday as Atlanta fell 5-3 to the Nationals, giving up one run on one hit over one inning.

The left-hander made only one real mistake while working the eighth inning in a 3-3 tie, but Yan Gomes put it over the fence. Minter has been struggling lately, coughing up eight runs (five earned) over his last seven appearances and 4.2 innings, and on the season he sports a 4.35 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 23:10 K:BB with 11 holds through 20.2 frames.

Hudson (4-1) picked up the win after blowing the save Wednesday, giving up one hit and striking out three over 1.1 scoreless innings.

While the right-hander didn't get charged with any runs himself, Hudson allowed two runners inherited from Tanner Rainey to score in the seventh inning, tying the game at 3-3. Hudson's window to get a shot at closing duties may have slammed shut with Brad Hand having converted six straight saves, but the right-hander has still been the most reliable arm in the Nats' bullpen this season, posting a 2.49 ERA, 0.88 WHIP and 30:7 K:BB over 21.2 innings with 11 holds in 21 appearances.

Hand struck out one in a perfect ninth inning Wednesday to record his ninth save of the season in a 5-3 win over Atlanta.

The veteran closer threw only six of 13 pitches for strikes, but the left-hander still got the Job done. He's converted six straight saves and nine of 11 on the season, but Hand's 3.54 ERA and 1.28 WHIP still bear the scars of his struggles in May.

Garcia (3-4) took the loss and blew a save Wednesday as the Marlins were downed 6-5 by the Blue Jays, coughing up three runs on three hits and two walks over only one-third of an inning.

Entrusted with a 5-3 lead in the ninth inning, Garcia gave up three straight hits to tie the game, and his only out came after he intentionally walked Vladimir Guerrero and Teoscar Hernandez to load the bases and create a force play at the plate. The right-hander had converted five straight saves prior to Wednesday, and on the season Garcia is 9-for-11 on save chances with a 2.86 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 23:7 K:BB through 22 innings.

Bard fired a perfect ninth inning, striking out two to earn the save in the win over the Rangers on Wednesday.

Bard retired the side to end Wednesday's game and he's now 6-for-9 in save opportunities. The 36-year-old has a 4.09 ERA and a 1.55 WHIP in 22 innings. Those aren't the numbers you'd typically want from a closer, but the lowly Rockies don't have many options. He will receive the majority of Colorado's save chances, but those situations will be limited. On a good note, he has struck out multiple batters in his last six appearances.

Davidson will be recalled to start Thursday's game against the Nationals, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Atlanta will turn to Davidson for a spot start in their series finale. In such an opportunity May 18, the lefty logged a quality start, striking out five and yielding three runs in six innings. Davidson has excelled as a starter in the minors and may work his way into Atlanta's rotation at some point if that success continues to translate to the major-league level.

Gsellman allowed two hits and struck out one in 3.2 scoreless innings in Wednesday's 7-6 win over Arizona.

Starter David Peterson was only able to record one out, but Gsellman provided the Mets with solid innings in long relief. The 27-year-old has often seen multi-inning assignments this year. He's posted solid ratios with a 2.42 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 14:6 K:BB across 22.1 innings in 13 appearances. Gsellman also has one hold, but he's unlikely to see much high-leverage work.