MLB Player News

Hudson will start Thursday's game against the Reds.

Hudson was scheduled to toe the rubber Wednesday before the contest was postponed due to inclement weather. The Cardinals simply elected to push all their starters back a day, so Hudson won't have his turn in the rotation skipped. The right-hander owns a 3.94 ERA, 1.58 WHIP and 42:27 K:BB across 59.1 innings this season.

Rainey gave up a hit and struck out one in two-thirds of an inning Wednesday to record his first hold of the season in a win over the White Sox.

He entered the game in the sixth inning after Anibal Sanchez has served up a solo homer to Yoan Moncada and got the job done, fanning Eloy Jimenez to end the frame and keep the Nats' 2-1 lead intact. Rainey's been sharp since his promotion, posting a 2.25 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 14:4 K:BB through eight innings, but as yet he isn't seeing many high-leverage opportunities. Given the shape of the team's setup crew in front of closer Sean Doolittle, though, that could change quickly if he continues shutting down the opposition.

Melancon owns a 2.31 ERA and 2.4 K/BB through 23.1 innings this season.

Melancon has quietly got his career back on track after struggling with both performance and health through his first two seasons in San Francisco. The 34-year-old isn't as untouchable (7.3 K/9 and 1.24 WHIP) as he used to be when he was one of the league's top closers from 2013 to 2016, but the results are certainly a step back in the right direction. Will Smith is firmly entrenched as the Giants' closer, but Melancon -- and his seemingly unmovable contract -- could be a candidate to close if the former is dealt at the trade deadline.

Neris recorded his 12th save of the season in a 7-5 victory against the Padres on Wednesday, firing 1.2 scoreless innings in which he allowed a walk and recorded two strikeouts.

With runners on first and second in the eighth and clinging to a two-run lead, the Phillies turned to Neris. He promptly walked the first batter he faced, but he then retired the next two to escape the bases-loaded jam. Neris subsequently set down the Padres in order during the ninth, keeping him perfect (12-for-12) in save opportunities for the season. He also has a 2.03 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and 38 strikeouts in 26.2 innings.

Beede (0-2) took the loss Wednesday, giving up six runs (five earned) on five hits and four walks over five innings while striking out five as the Giants were downed 7-0 by the Mets.

While the right-hander had no chance at picking up a win with Jason Vargas firing a five-hit shutout for the Mets, Beede didn't do himself any favors by serving up a pair of fourth-inning homers to Amed Rosario and Michael Conforto. Beede is currently scheduled to take the mound again Tuesday, but given his 8.15 ERA and 15 walks in 17.2 innings (against 19 strikeouts), the Giants may end up considering other rotation options.

Nelson (0-1) allowed five runs (four earned) on four hits and three walks while striking out two across three innings to take the loss Wednesday against the Marlins.

Nelson made his long-awaited return to the Brewers' rotation, but he struggled with his command in the short start. He surrendered two free passes and a double to begin the third inning, which was followed by a grand slam off the bat of Brian Anderson that accounted for all of Nelson's earned runs. The slow start was understandable given that Nelson was making his first major-league start since September 8, 2017. Most important, he appears to have come out of the start healthy. He'll have the chance to continue building back up in his next outing, which is currently scheduled for Tuesday at Houston.

Hudson won't make his scheduled start Wednesday against the Reds after the game was postponed due to inclement weather, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.

Hudson may simply be pushed back a day to start Thursday versus the Reds, but the Cardinals have yet to announce their adjusted plans for the starting rotation.

Manager Gabe Kapler said Dominguez showed symptoms of a mild elbow sprain and will undergo an MRI on Thursday, Bob Brookover of The Philadephia Inquirer reports.

Dominguez was apparently having some issues with his right elbow and was removed from Wednesday's game after recording one out and allowing two runners to reach base. It's difficult to imagine the 24-year-old being cleared to pitch Friday's series opener against the Reds, but more information should be available after the MRI.

Kimbrel agreed to sign a contract with the Cubs on Wednesday, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

It was reported earlier Wednesday that the Cubs were "pushing hard" for Kimbrel now that he's no longer tied to draft-pick compensation, and it didn't take long for the two sides to reach an agreement. The Cubs have already blown 11 saves this season, so the addition of the veteran right-hander will be a welcome sight to the north side of Chicago. According to Jeff Passan of ESPN.com, the agreement is a three-year deal worth about $43 million and includes a fourth-year option. Kimbrel will likely require a bit of time before joining the team, but Passan indicates he could do so by June 20.

Burdi (biceps) has yet to resume throwing, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

Burdi has been shut down from throwing since suffering a strained biceps tendon back in mid-April. Until he picks up a throwing program, the right-hander will remain without a timetable for his return.