MLB Player News

Alexander (ribs) fired a scoreless seventh inning in Triple-A Las Vegas' win over El Paso on Tuesday, recording a strikeout.

The left-hander had failed to record an out while giving up five total runs in his most recent rehab outing Friday, so the scoreless frame Tuesday was a particularly welcome sight. Alexander might be ready to return from his long IL stint at any moment, and perhaps Tuesday's clean outing will qualify as the final box that needed checking before the Athletics deem him ready for activation.

Yarbrough could be available to cover multiple innings in relief for Wednesday's game in San Francisco while the Dodgers treat the series finale as a bullpen day, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

After Tuesday's 10-2 win, manager Dave Roberts said that no pitcher is "en route" from the minors to fill the hole in the rotation Wednesday, so the team will turn to a number of relievers to cover the innings. Yarbrough wasn't used in either of the first two games of the series in San Francisco and has covered three-plus innings on six other occasions this season, so he appears to be the Dodgers pitcher most likely to see heavy usage Wednesday.

Martinez is a candidate to start or work in bulk relief in Thursday's game against the Dodgers, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Nick Lodolo (groin) was placed on the 15-day injured list Wednesday, leaving an opening in the rotation for Thursday. Unless the Reds choose to bring aboard a starter from the minors, Martinez would be the likely to choice to cover the bulk of the innings Thursday. He would be available on three days' rest after he had a 1.1-inning relief appearance Sunday. He remains relatively stretched out, having made four starts for the Reds this season, with the last one coming April 30.

The Reds recalled Moll from Triple-A Louisville on Wednesday.

Moll has made five scoreless appearances during his time with the big club this season. He will provide manager David Bell with another left-hander in the bullpen.

The Pirates recalled Mlodzinski from Triple-A Indianapolis on Wednesday.

Mlodzinsk has posted an unappealing 6.43 ERA and 13:7 K:BB over 14 innings this season with Indianapolis. However, he fared well with the Pirates in 2023 with a 2.25 ERA in 35 outings and the club will hope to get something closer to that version during this stint.

Scott (2-4) picked up the win in Tuesday's extra-inning victory over the Tigers, giving up a hit and a walk in a scoreless ninth inning. He struck out two.

Rather than being held back for a possible save situation in extra innings on the road, Scott got the call in the ninth with the score tied 0-0 and was able to escape the jam he created. The southpaw hasn't allowed an earned run in 10 straight appearances, but Scott's been far from sharp during that time, posting an 11:7 K:BB in 9.1 innings. That's still an improvement on his early-season performance, and his 2.12 ERA on the year isn't supported by his 1.53 WHIP or 18:17 K:BB in 17 frames. Scott is still the Marlins' closer and has converted four of five save chances, but A.J. Puk got the save in the 10th inning Tuesday and could be a threat to take the job now that he's moved back into the bullpen.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said that Smith won't be activated from the 15-day injured list Wednesday after recently experiencing a "pinch" in his right shoulder, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

He will have his return pushed back a second time because the Mets need length from their bullpen and Smith isn't ready to provide that yet. Smith is still able to continue throwing in spite of the setback, so he may not be ruled out for a return from the IL for Thursday's series finale in Philadelphia or at some point this weekend.

The Mets recalled Hartwig from Triple-A Syracuse on Wednesday.

Hartwig has yielded two runs over three innings covering two relief appearances with the Mets this season. He'll provide the bullpen with a fresh arm.

The Mets designated Ramirez for assignment Wednesday.

Ramirez has now been designated for assignment on three occasions this season, with the Mets making the move two of those times. He had thrown three scoreless innings in his most recent stint with the Mets but will nonetheless go through the waiver process again.

Kelly (2-1) took the extra-inning loss against the Astros on Tuesday, allowing an unearned run on one hit over one-third of an inning.

With closer Mason Miller having worked both the eighth and ninth innings, Kelly was tasked with preserving the 1-1 tie in the 10th. Jake Meyers immediately moved over inning-opening runner Trey Cabbage to third with a flyout before Kelly surrendered a walk-off single to Victor Caratini, putting a quick end to the right-hander's unsuccessful high-leverage scenario. Kelly has now allowed a total of four runs (three earned) in two of his last four outings, but he's otherwise been a fairly reliable option for manager Mark Kotsay with a 3.00 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and a pair of holds in addition to his two wins.