MLB Player News

Howard (2-2) allowed three hits and struck out five over five innings to earn the win Thursday over the Angels. He did not issue a walk.

Nathaniel Lowe's solo home run in the fourth inning was all the run support Howard and the Rangers needed to get the win. Considering the right-hander had surrendered 12 runs (11 earned), including four home runs, in his previous four outings, Thursday's effort was a massive success. He trimmed his ERA to 5.93 with a 1.58 WHIP and 26:12 K:BB across 30.1 innings in eight appearances (six starts). Howard's next outing is projected to be a home start versus the Orioles next week.

Alexander (2-4) allowed three runs (two earned) on five hits across four innings to take the loss Thursday against the Blue Jays. He walked one and struck out one.

Alexander was making his fifth start of the season and first since April 29. The lefty pitched decently against a strong Toronto lineup, but he was limited to just 69 pitches across four innings of work. With Michael Pineda (triceps) hitting the injured list last weekend, Alexander will likely stick in the rotation for the time being and might be able to build up his pitch count moving forward. He's tentatively lines up to take the mound again Wednesday against the Twins.

Castillo struck out one and issued a walk in a scoreless inning of relief during Tuesday's 10-3 win over the Cardinals.

Castillo had made two turns through the rotation as the Blue Jays' No. 5 starter heading into the All-Star break, but he was moved to the bullpen in advance of Yusei Kikuchi's (neck) return from the 15-day injured list Thursday. The rookie right-hander will likely be ticketed for lower-leverage work in relief, at least initially.

Alzolay (lat) is expected to throw live batting practice in about a week, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Alzolay has been throwing bullpen sessions during the past week at the Cubs' extended spring training facility. He's nearing the next stage in his recovery but will need a few rehab assignments before being activated from the injured list. If things stay on track, Alzolay could return to make a few starts prior to the close of the regular season.

Barlow (finger) will begin a rehab assignment over the weekend, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Barlow was placed on the injured list July 13 due to a blister. He's set to miss slightly more than the minimum 15 days but should return in early August, barring a setback. Barlow's role will be worth monitoring, as he was removed as closer shortly before suffering the injury. However, Brett Martin has struggled of late, which could open up save chances in Texas.

Silseth will be recalled from Double-A Rocket City to start Sunday's game against the Rangers, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

The right-hander was sent down July 10 but will draw a start Saturday to give Reid Detmers and Noah Syndergaard additional rest. Over his last two major-league starts, Silseth has allowed seven runs on 11 hits and a walk while striking out eight in 8.1 innings.

Treinen (shoulder) will face hitters Thursday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Manager Dave Roberts said Tuesday that Treinen wouldn't face live hitters for at least a couple more weeks, but the right-hander has ultimately been cleared to make that step Friday. The team is still targeting a return sometime in late August, so he'll likely require a rehab assignment prior to rejoining the Dodgers' bullpen.

Littell (oblique) will begin a rehab assignment at Single-A San Jose on Friday, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Littell has been on the injured list since early July due to his left oblique strain but is closing in on a return. It's not yet clear how many rehab appearances the right-hander will require before he's able to rejoin the Giants' bullpen, but it's possible that he'll be activated as early as next week.

Manager Scott Servais said Thursday that Giles (shoulder) will throw a live BP session soon, Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle reports.

Giles has been on the injured list since July 9 due to tightness behind his right shoulder but has been cleared to face hitters. Since the right-hander has dealt with various injuries over the last few years, it wouldn't be surprising to see him require a rehab assignment before he's cleared to rejoin the Mariners.

Kahnle (forearm) isn't expected to be back with the Dodgers until at least September, the Associated Press reports.

Kahnle went on the injured list with a right forearm strain May 17. He was able to resume throwing in late June but isn't close to getting back with the big-league club. Kahnle has pitched only five major-league innings since 2019, so Los Angeles will likely be cautious in bringing him back from his latest injury.