MLB Player News

Hughes (knee) threw a 32-pitch bullpen session Wednesday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Hughes said he felt good during and after the workout, and the Cubs are expected to provide an update Thursday on the next step forward for the rehabbing reliever. He's made only five major-league appearances this season due to lingering left knee inflammation.

Triple-A Worcester placed Mata on its 7-day injured list Wednesday with right shoulder inflammation, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Mata picked up the injury in his most recent start versus Rochester on Tuesday, when he labored through 2.1 innings while giving up six runs (four earned) on six hits and three walks while striking out five. Though the injury doesn't sound too significant, it's another setback on the medical front for Mata nonetheless after he previously missed all of the 2021 campaign and the first two months of the 2022 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery. Mata has struggled to a 5.61 ERA, 2.10 WHIP and 26:27 K:BB in 25.2 innings through his seven starts with Worcester this season.

The Red Sox designated Littell for assignment Wednesday, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

Littell has lost his roster spot to James Paxton (hamstring), who was activated from the 15-day injured list in advance of his season debut Friday versus the Cardinals. The 27-year-old allowed three earned runs in three innings (two relief appearances) during his brief stay with Boston.

The White Sox designated Colome for assignment Wednesday.

Colome gave up two runs over three innings across four appearances after having his contract selected by the White Sox earlier this month. The right-hander will now hit waivers, and he could report back to Triple-A Charlotte if another team isn't willing to put in a claim for him.

The White Sox recalled Padilla from Triple-A Charlotte on Wednesday.

Padilla had forged a 3.86 ERA over 14 innings with Charlotte. The right-hander will join the bullpen as a replacement for Alex Colome, who was designated for assignment in a corresponding transaction.

Lee will serve as Atlanta's opening pitcher for Wednesday's game against the Red Sox, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Lee will pitch the first inning or two for Atlanta as the club navigates its first turn through the rotation without Max Fried (forearm), who was placed on the 15-day injured list Tuesday. In 17 appearances thus far, Lee has pitched well with a 2.81 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 19:5 K:BB over 16 innings. Atlanta doesn't have a clear designated bulk reliever to work behind Lee, but Collin McHugh and Michael Tonkin should both be able to give the club multiple innings, if necessary.

Tate (forearm) allowed a hit and a walk in one scoreless inning in a rehab appearance Wednesday with Triple-A Norfolk.

Tate will make at least one more rehab appearance for Norfolk after his scoreless outing Wednesday. The right-hander will likely need to be able to work in back-to-back contests before he's activated from the 15-day injured list, but Tate doesn't look to be far away from making his season debut with Baltimore after missing the first six weeks with a forearm strain.

Diekman finalized a one-year contract with the Rays on Wednesday.

Tampa Bay designated right-hander Chase Anderson for assignment to clear a spot on the 40-man roster and 26-man active roster for Diekman. The 36-year-old will provide the Rays with another left-handed relief option in the wake of Garrett Cleavinger's (knee) season-ending injury. Diekman had posted a 7.94 ERA and 2.12 WHIP in 11.1 innings with the White Sox before being released over the weekend.

Alvarado, who was placed on the 15-day injured list Wednesday with left elbow inflammation, underwent an MRI that is currently being reviewed, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

More clarity on Alvarado's condition is expected to be available soon, but Phillies manager Rob Thomson admitted that he's "a little concerned, for sure," about the closer's health. Alvarado has been arguably the best reliever in baseball this season with a 1.88 ERA and 24:0 K:BB over 14.1 innings. Craig Kimbrel looks like the top candidate to close for the Phillies while Alvarado is away, with perhaps Seranthony Dominguez, Gregory Soto and Matt Strahm also in the mix.

The Brewers optioned Sousa to Triple-A Nashville on Tuesday.

Sousa's demotion came one day after he was tagged for two earned runs on two hits and one walk over 1.2 innings out of the bullpen in his Brewers debut in Monday's 9-3 win over the Dodgers. Though he'll now head back to Triple-A, Sousa should be near the top of the list for a promotion the next time the Brewers are in need of another lefty arm in the bullpen.