MLB Player News

Howard's fastball velocity diminished with each inning of Monday's win against the Nationals, yet he has not complained of physical issues, according to manager Joe Girardi, Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports. "We're kind of digging into that to find out because it's not something that he's experienced in the past," Girardi said Tuesday. "We're trying to figure it out."

The Phillies' top pitching prospect averaged 95.3 mph and touched 96.5 mph with his heater when he struck out the side in the first inning, but his average fastball velocity dipped to 94.6 mph in the second inning, 93.7 in the third, 92.2 in the fourth and 91.9 in the fifth. He didn't reach 95 mph with a fastball after the second inning. Howard's secondary pitches are good enough for him to have success while leaning on them, but his mid-90s fastball is still a critical part of his frontline starter ceiling. Girardi said the team is looking at everything from diet, conditioning and the shorter spring training 2.0. Injury is often the root cause of a pitcher's velocity declining, so if this issue persists in his start Saturday against the Mets, Howard could be sent for some tests.

Young (1-2) allowed four runs (two earned) on six hits and five walks across five innings in a loss to the Dodgers on Tuesday. He struck out four.

Young was a bit too wild in this appearance. Coupled with an error by Eduardo Escobar in the fifth, it was enough for Young to take his second loss of the year. The 26-year-old left-hander has a 4.50 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 28 strikeouts through 28 innings this season. He's shown better control, walking just one batter in each of his previous three starts. Young will try to regain that form Sunday in San Francisco.

Jensen struck out the only batter he faced to earn the save in Tuesday's 6-3 win over the Diamondbacks.

The Dodgers turned to Scott Alexander with a five-run lead to begin the ninth inning, but he gave up a two-run homer to Nick Ahmed. Jansen then entered the contest after Alexander walked Andy Young. Jansen whiffed Daulton Varsho on five pitches to end the threat while earning his NL-leading 10th save. Jansen has a 1.20 ERA, 0.80 WHIP and 22 strikeouts across 15 innings this season.

Jurado allowed five earned runs on nine hits and no walks while striking out two across four innings Tuesday against the Mets. He did not factor into the decision.

Jurado gave up all five of his earned runs in the first two innings, surrendering a three-run homer in the first frame. He did manage to settle in from there, retiring six of the last eight batters he faced. The outing was his debut with the Mets, and he was needed as a starter after the Mets played a doubleheader Sunday against the Yankees. It's unclear how the team will utilize him going forward.

Hernandez exited Tuesday's start against the Blue Jays with right lat soreness, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

The 25-year-old finished two innings and returned for his third frame, but he called the training staff to the mound and exited after throwing some warmup pitches. According to Craig Mish of SportsGrid.com, Hernandez will undergo an MRI and is expected to miss at least one start. A trip to the injured list is also possible.

Before Tuesday's game against the Cardinals, manager David Bell reaffirmed that Iglesias would remain the Reds' closer despite the acquisition of Archie Bradley, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Bell is the rare manager that gave us a pretty clear idea of where this is going. "I don't see anything changing with Iggy's role," Bell said. "This is truthfully how I see it. Like, we're winning a lot of games, other guys are going to get an opportunity to close games. We need to get the lead and challenge our bullpen, because we're set up for it. We're set up to do really well with it. I'm not getting too caught up or concerned with particular roles. But with Iggy, nothing's going to change for him." The only way this might change is if Iglesias suffers a badly blown save or two, but for now he's solid.

Hernandez was removed before the start of the third inning during Tuesday's game against the Blue Jays, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

The 25-year-old allowed one run on two hits with two strikeouts and one walk through two innings and came out to warm up for his third frame, but something was wrong as he called for the training staff and left the field. Hernandez's status for his next turn through the rotation will be up in the air until more is known on the injury.

Smith was outrighted to the Marlins' alternate training site Tuesday.

Smith went unclaimed on waivers after being designated for assignment by the Marlins on Saturday, and he'll remain in the organization. The southpaw made two appearances in the majors this year, allowing two runs on two hits while striking out four over 1.2 innings.

De Leon was optioned to the Reds' alternate training site Tuesday.

De Leon spent several extra days in the majors after serving as the 29th man during Thursday's doubleheader, but he had a rough outing Sunday. During that appearance, he allowed four runs on one hit and four walks while striking out two over two-thirds of an inning. He'll attempt to right the ship at the team's alternate training site.

Jurado was recalled by the Mets prior to his scheduled start against the Orioles on Tuesday, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

Jurado joined the Mets via trade in early August and will make his debut with the team Tuesday. The right-hander carries a 5.85 ERA and 1.51 WHIP over 177 innings in the majors, so he wouldn't seem to carry much fantasy upside heading into his first appearance with the Mets.