MLB Player News

Johnson (elbow) is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Louisville on Thursday, MLB.com reports.

Johnson threw a simulated game/live batting practice session Monday and is ready for the next step. The reliever isn't expected to need much time in the minors and could be activated Friday.

Soto recorded a save against the Athletics on Tuesday, allowing two hits and striking out two batters over one scoreless inning.

Pittsburgh took its first lead on a Brandon Lowe solo homer in the top of the ninth inning, and then turned the ball over to Soto to close out the comeback. It wasn't an entirely smooth outing for the left-hander, as he allowed a pair of one-out singles to put the tying and winning runs on base. However, Soto struck out Tyler Soderstrom before getting Jacob Wilson to line out to end the game. Soto picked up his third save over the past seven days and is now 11-for-14 in save chances on the campaign. He's established himself as the Pirates' clear-cut closer and already has his most saves since recording 30 for the Tigers in 2022.

Scott struck out two in a perfect inning to earn the save in Tuesday's 1-0 win over the Rays.

Scott retired the side on 11 pitches (nine strikes) to preserve the narrow lead. This was his third scoreless outing in a row, and he's earned a save in each of them, giving him nine saves in 10 chances this season. The trusty southpaw has added a 2.32 ERA, 0.71 WHIP and 38:3 K:BB through 31 innings. He has pitched two days in a row, so Alex Vesia or Blake Treinen could be called upon for a save chance if one surfaces Wednesday.

Santillan struck out two while allowing one hit over one inning to get his fourth save of the season Tuesday night against the Mets.

Santillan has converted the Reds' last two saves and now has six consecutive scoreless outings. He credits seeing a clip from him from two years ago that inspired him to clean up his delivery, Charlie Goldsmith reports. On a team hurting for reliable relievers, Santillan looks to be its best healthy reliever and likely to get most of the Reds' saves until Emilio Pagan returns.

Hill earned a save against the Cubs on Tuesday by tossing a perfect ninth inning.

With Colorado up by three runs heading into the bottom of the ninth inning, manager Warren Schaeffer turned to Hill to close things out. The right-hander did so without any drama, setting the side down in order on 12 pitches. It was the first save of Hill's career in his 67th outing, all of which have been out of the bullpen. Hill does have a career-high 11 holds on the campaign, so he's been given more high-leverage duties this year. The back of Colorado's bullpen is highly unsettled, and no pitcher on the squad has more than four saves this season, so it's certainly possible that Hill will get more save chances moving forward given his effectiveness Tuesday.

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

Lazar has given up four earned runs over five innings at Lehigh Valley since the beginning of June, but he'll end up back in the majors following Brad Keller's (forearm) move to the injured list. The 27-year-old righty has yet to appear in a big-league game this season, though he owns a 4.75 ERA in 55 career innings and will likely be limited to middle relief as long as he's with the Phillies.

The Phillies placed Keller on the 15-day injured list Tuesday, retroactive to Sunday, with right forearm tendinitis.

Keller appears to have picked up his forearm injury following his last outing Saturday in Milwaukee, during which he gave up three earned runs in one inning out of the bullpen. He'll now spend at least the next couple of weeks on the shelf, and Max Lazar will come up from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to fill the vacancy in Philadelphia's bullpen.

The Cubs recalled Hollowell from Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Hollowell was knocked around for two runs on two hits and four walks over 1.2 innings in his lone appearance with the Cubs earlier this season. He will likely be utilized in low-leverage situations.

The Cubs placed Palencia on the 15-day injured list Tuesday with right elbow inflammation, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Palencia picked up the win Monday versus the Rockies, tossing a scoreless top of the ninth inning before the Cubs walked it off in the bottom of the frame. However, he's now on the IL for the second time this season after missing time earlier this year with a lat strain. The Cubs could lean on a committee approach at closer while Palencia is sidelined, with Caleb Thielbar, Phil Maton and Jacob Webb all in the mix.

The Marlins recalled Fulton from Triple-A Jacksonville on Tuesday.

The left-hander was in the majors for one day in early May and was set back to Triple-A after giving up two runs across four innings of long relief. Fulton, who has primarily been working out of the rotation for Jacksonville, will now get another look in the big leagues and is likely to work as a long reliever.