MLB Player News

Kittredge (neck) threw from 60 feet off flat ground Wednesday, the Associated Press reports.

The veteran reliever is hoping to spend a minimal amount of time on the injured list with the neck tightness that landed him there, and Wednesday's activity level was encouraging in that regard. Kittredge is eligible to return as early as Monday, and if he's able to continue upping his activity level without setbacks over the next few days, he could have a good chance of a minimum stay on the shelf.

Howard will start a bullpen game for the Pirates on Friday against the Phillies, Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic reports.

Howard has not thrown multiple innings in any of his last four outings and has not completed more than two frames across the entire season. Given that, he will likely be in for a very short outing. Miguel Yajure -- originally projected to start the game -- could serve as a bulk reliever after Howard's exit, though no official plans have been announced by the team.

Hatch exited Thursday's game against the Twins with right hamstring tightness.

Hatch exited Thursday's game after 30 pitches, with beat reporters suggesting that he looked uncomfortable throughout the outing. The results indicated the same, as he allowed three earned runs on one hit and three walks. The positive news is that he avoided an injury to his arm, so he should be ready for the 2022 season if he is sidelined for the remainder of the 2021 campaign.

Sewald allowed one earned run on one hit and struck out two Thursday against the Athletics to earn the save.

Sewald entered the game with a two-run lead. He surrendered a solo home run to Matt Olson to cut the lead in half, but he ultimately shut the door to earn to his 10th save. Sewald and Drew Steckenrider have split saves evenly for much of September, with Sewald collecting three and Steckenrider four.

Finnegan allowed two earned runs on two hits while striking out one across one inning, earning the save in the win over the Reds on Thursday.

Finnegan entered the ninth inning with a three-run lead. He almost blew the lead, allowing three batters to reach base safely, including a triple by Max Schrock. However, he was able to strike out Tyler Stephenson to end the game. He has two blown saves in his last four appearances. The 29-year-old has a 3.57 ERA and 1.46 WHIP with 63 strikeouts in 63 innings this season.

Baumann was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk on Thursday, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Baumann was called up on Sept. 7 to make his major-league debut and pitched 10 innings since, allowing 11 earned runs and maintaining a 5:6 K:BB. Though he's well-regarded within the Orioles' farm system, Baumann appeared to be overmatched in his first stint in the majors.

Foster was returned to Triple-A Charlotte after Thursday's doubleheader against Cleveland.

Foster was up as the 29th man for the doubleheader, so this move was procedural. He threw 1.1 innings Thursday, surrendering two earned runs on a walk and two hits. For the season, Foster has a 6.32 ERA with a 40:13 K:BB across 37 innings with the White Sox.

Hatch exited Thursday's game against the Twins after being visited on the mound by a trainer, Gregor Chisholm of the Toronto Star reports.

Hatch was seen grimacing after throwing a pitch, and he was visited by trainers immediately after. There are no details on the nature of the injury at this time, but it is clear that Hatch was in a fair amount of discomfort.

Treinen allowed one walk with no hits and no strikeouts across a scoreless 10th inning to earn the save Thursday against the Rockies.

Treinen was called upon to earn his fourth save of the season after Kenley Jansen threw a scoreless ninth inning to send the game to extra innings. With a runner starting on second base, Treinen walked the second batter he faced but induced a game-ending double play. Treinen has been an excellent high-leverage arm out of the Dodgers' bullpen, tallying 31 holds as well as maintaining a 1.95 ERA and 81:22 K:BB across 69.1 frames this season.

Ponce de Leon was released by the Cardinals on Thursday.

Ponce de Leon was designated for assignment Monday and outrighted to Triple-A Memphis on Wednesday after he went unclaimed on waivers. He'll try to resurrect his career with a new team after posting a 6.21 ERA across 33.1 innings in the majors this season.