MLB Player News

Alvarado was removed from Tuesday's game against the Cubs with mid-back spasms, Charlotte Varnes of The Athletic reports.

Alvarado gave up one earned run on two hits and a walk in one-third of an inning before his back forced him to come out of the game. It's unknown if he will have to spend time on the IL, though the Phillies could sit him down for a few days as a precaution, regardless of the severity of his injury.

Harvey (triceps) will restart his throwing program Friday, Patrick Mooney of The Athletic reports.

Harvey has been on the 15-day injured list since April 12 due to triceps inflammation, but he hadn't pitched for a week prior to the transaction. With the right-hander restarting his throwing program Friday, it probably pushes his return past the end of April.

Maton (knee) threw a live batting practice session Tuesday and is mulling how to proceed, Patrick Mooney of The Athletic reports.

Maton was placed on the 15-day injured list April 10 with right knee tendinitis. It appears the reliever has made progress, but a return timetable is still up in the air at this point.

Manager Craig Counsell said Tuesday that Palencia underwent an MRI that revealed a lat strain, Patrick Mooney of The Athletic reports.

Palencia initially landed on the injured list Friday with a left oblique strain, but imaging has since confirmed that he's dealing with a lat issue. Counsell noted that the 26-year-old reliever is responding very well to treatment and could begin throwing by the time the Cubs begin their weekend series in Los Angeles. If his rehab continues to progress smoothly, he may be cleared to return to Chicago's bullpen in about two weeks.

An MRI on Iglesias's right shoulder Tuesday confirmed that he is not dealing with structural damage, Chad Bishop of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Iglesias first experienced right shoulder discomfort over the weekend and on Tuesday was placed on the 15-day injured list. The good news is he's merely dealing with inflammation, which could give him a chance to return when eligible in early May or shortly thereafter. Robert Suarez will handle the closer role for Atlanta while Iglesias is sidelined.

The Phillies recalled Rangel from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Tuesday.

Rangel has made four starts for Lehigh Valley this season, turning in a 1.66 ERA and 18:10 K:BB over 21.2 frames. The right-hander will offer the Phillies' bullpen some protection, but his stay in the big leagues could be brief.

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

Johnson made two scoreless appearances during his most recent stint in the majors. However, he pitched each of the previous two days, so the Phillies will replace him with a fresh bullpen arm.

The Rockies designated Peralta for assignment Tuesday.

The left-hander missed out on Colorado's Opening Day roster and is now losing his place on the 40-man roster after surrendering 14 earned runs with a 14:13 K:BB over 7.1 innings with Triple-A Albuquerque this season. Peralta also struggled in the big leagues last year with a 9.47 ERA and 2.32 WHIP in 22 appearances.

The Rockies will deploy Herget as an opener Tuesday against the Padres, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

The right-hander will pick up his third start of the season as an opener Tuesday, with Chase Dollander expected to follow in the bulk role. Herget has primary worked as a high-leverage arm for Colorado this season with three holds and a save, and he's been effective with a 1.64 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 8:2 K:BB over 11 innings. He won't have any fantasy relevance Tuesday while working as an opener, however.

Fairbanks struck out two and gave up one run on one hit in the ninth inning Monday to record his fourth save of the season in a 5-3 win over the Cardinals.

A leadoff triple by Masyn Winn made things interesting, but Fairbanks locked in after a Ramon Urias sacrifice fly brought him home. The right-hander has converted four of five save chances to begin the season, but a couple shaky appearances have left him with a 7.88 ERA through eight innings despite a sharp 1.13 WHIP and 12:1 K:BB. Fairbanks has a firm hold of the closing job for Miami.