MLB Player News

Jansen struck out two in 1.1 perfect innings Friday to pick up his 30th save of the season in a 4-1 win over the Braves.

He's now hit the 30-save mark for the fifth straight season. After a rough start to the year, Jansen has looked more like his old self in July, posting a 2.03 ERA and 20:4 K:BB in 13.1 innings.

Leone (biceps) threw a bullpen session earlier in the week, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.

It's the first confirmed report of Leone having returned to throwing off a mound, certainly a welcome development in what has been a prolonged recovery period. The right-hander spent several weeks waiting on nerve regeneration in his throwing arm before beginning a strengthening program in mid-June. He's apparently made steady progress since then, and a minor-league rehab assignment may not be far off as a result.

Poncedeleon will pitch out of the bullpen for the Cardinals, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.

While he tossed seven no-hit innings in his big-league debut earlier this month, the Cardinals seem to prefer him as a reliever, at least in the short term. That said, he could join the rotation if the Cardinals have a need in the coming weeks.

Hudson will pitch out of the bullpen initially for the Cardinals, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.

He is set to make his big-league debut, but despite posting a 2.50 ERA in 19 starts at Triple-A, Hudson's first big-league exposure will come in relief. While the 23-year-old righty has a shiny ERA and plenty of pedigree (No. 34 overall pick in 2016), he lacks the stuff to generate a ton of whiffs in the big leagues, and relies primarily on keeping the ball on the ground (57.5 percent groundball rate at Triple-A).

Phillips was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett on Friday.

The Braves needed to clear a roster spot for the newly-acquired Jonny Venters, and Phillips is the casualty. He allowed six earned runs while striking out three in 6.1 innings with the big club and will continue to serve as organizational depth at Triple-A.

Crockett was designated for assignment on Friday.

The 26-year-old lefty has a 5.79 ERA, 1.93 WHIP and 11 strikeouts in 9.1 innings with the big club. He will likely pass through waivers and head to Triple-A.

Peralta was recalled from Triple-A Louisville on Friday.

The 27-year-old lefty has a 6.14 ERA, 1.91 WHIP and 21 strikeouts in 29.1 innings (37 appearances) out of the big-league bullpen this season. He should work as a lefty specialist in lower-leverage spots.

Webb was called up from Triple-A Memphis on Friday.

Webb spent the past month with Memphis after joining the Cardinals' organization in late June. Over six appearances with the Triple-A club, he's posted a 2.19 ERA and 0.74 WHIP with 13 strikeouts in 12.1 innings of relief. Look for him to be utilized in low-leverage spots while with the team.

Poncedeleon was recalled from Triple-A Memphis on Friday.

Poncedeleon was optioned to the minors after pitching seven no-ht innings versus Cincinnati on Monday in order to make room for another fresh arm. Following a flurry of moves by the Cardinals on Friday, the right-hander will return to the big leagues, though whether he will be deployed as a starter or reliever remains to be determined. For the time being, expect him to be available out of the bullpen.

Hudson will have his contract selected from Triple-A Memphis and join the Cardinals prior to Friday's game against the Cubs, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports.

It became apparent that Hudson was headed for his first taste of the majors when he was pulled early from his start at Memphis on Wednesday. Through 19 starts with the Triple-A club this year, he's logged an impressive 2.50 ERA and 1.30 WHIP with a 7.0 K/9 across 111.2 innings. Look for Hudson to join the rotation in the near future, though the date for his big-league debut has yet to be determined.