MLB Player News

Alvarez pitched 1.1 perfect innings of relief Tuesday against the Phillies, striking out all four batters he faced.

The four strikeouts brought Alvarez's total to an astonishing 19 over just 8.2 innings since being called up less than a month ago. He's allowed just a single run over that span and figures to continue to see more big league innings if he keeps mowing down hitters at his current rate.

Iglesias threw three scoreless innings in relief Tuesday against the Cubs. He topped out at 98.4 mph with his fastball and 88.6 mph with his slider, the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Iglesias has thrived in relief, throwing a 0.87 ERA there since returning from the DL. Reds manager Bryan Price suggested that his ability to pitch in short outings has made his repertoire more dynamic. "What we are seeing right now is his very best stuff in shorter spurts," Price said.

Melancon worked around a hit and struck out two to record his 25th save Tuesday against the Cardinals.

Melancon extended his consecutive save streak to 21 with the effort and has allowed just two earned runs over 25.2 innings (0.70 ERA) in that span. His 25 saves moves him into a tie for second in the league with Kenley Jansen.

Ottavino (elbow) was activated from the disabled list Tuesday, Jenny Cavnar of Root Sports reports

There were reports that Ottavino could return before the All-Star break, as he had progressed to throwing on back-to-back days while on a rehab assignment, and he is indeed back almost 14 months to the day after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Ottavino was in the closing mix for Colorado when he went down with the injury, but manager Walt Weiss seems content with Carlos Estevez in the ninth and Jake McGee as the primary setup option for now. Ottavino may be eased back in with work in the middle innings.

Hudson was placed on the Bereavement List on Tuesday.

The reason for the decision isn't clear, but per the rules of the Bereavement List, Hudson will have to miss at least three games and a maximum of seven games. As a result, he'll sit out Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday before a potential return Saturday in San Francisco. In a corresponding move, the Diamondbacks recalled righty Zach Godley to start Tuesday's matchup with San Diego.

Ottavino (elbow) traveled with the Rockies to San Francisco on Monday and could return to the bullpen before the All-Star break, Nick Groke of the Denver Post reports.

Ottavino, who had Tommy John surgery last year, was initially expected to use the full 30 days allowed for rehab assignments, but after throwing in back-to-back games over the weekend, the right-hander may be able to make his 2016 debut slightly ahead of schedule. The Rockies naturally won't want to rush him considering the severity of his injury, but manager Walt Weiss did acknowledge that the early return is possible since his rehab assignment went so well. Colorado does have room for Ottavino on the 40-man roster after Yohan Flande was designated for assignment Saturday, meaning the Rockies would only need to option someone to Triple-A to make room for the 30-year-old reliever. Either way, it seems that Ottavino's long journey back to baseball will reach its conclusion very soon as long as no complications arise in the meantime.

Edwards retired the only two batters he faced Monday, his fifth straight scoreless appearance.

Edwards gave up a solo homer in his first game with the Cubs this year, but otherwise has not given up any runs. In six appearances, covering 7.2 innings, he's given up two hits and has a 10:1 K:BB. If he keeps pitching so well, he could start appearing in high-leverage situations soon.

Jansen picked up the save with a perfect ninth inning in Monday's win over the Orioles.

Since blowing a save June 11 against San Francisco, Jansen has been absolutely dominant. He has struck out 21 batters with just two hits and one walk allowed in 11.1 innings and with nine saves in his 11 appearances since. Jansen has a 1.30 ERA and 24 saves and seems destined for his first All-Star appearance.

Pivetta was placed on the disabled list at Double-A Reading retroactive to July 1 with a groin strain.

Pivetta left his last start after three innings with what was originally called groin tightness. He is 7-4 with a 3.31 ERA and an 80:32 K:BB in 89.2 innings this season.

Maurer should be in line for saves with Fernando Rodney in Miami, the San Diego Union Tribune reports.

Maurer's overall numbers are poor, but he has settled down in the last couple weeks and will likely get the first shot whenever the team finds itself in a save situation. Should he struggle, Ryan Buchter, Kevin Quackenbush or Carlos Villanueva could see some chances, too.