MLB Player News

Alcala (biceps) threw a bullpen session Saturday and could be activated from the injured list for this week's series in Boston, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

His right biceps tendinitis was described as "mild," but it's still surprising he may not need a rehabilitation assignment. Even if he is sent to the minors, it sounds like he'll be activated from the injured list soon, barring a setback.

Nolin (0-2) allowed three runs on six hits and three walks over four innings Sunday, striking out five and taking a loss against Milwaukee.

Nolin's rough afternoon started right out of the gate with Kolten Wong taking him deep for a leadoff homer on Nolin's second pitch of the game. The 31-year-old southpaw then gave up a two-run triple to Wong in the fourth. In his two big-league appearances this season, Nolin's been tagged with seven runs in as many innings while taking a loss in both. For now, it's unclear if he'll get another turn in the rotation.

Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak said Sunday that he doesn't expect Hicks (elbow) to return from the 60-day injured list before the end of the season, but the right-hander could be cleared to pick up innings during winter ball, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Hicks took an important step forward last week in his recovery from the right elbow injury that has kept him on the shelf since the beginning of May, as he was cleared to throw off a mound for the first time in more than four and a half months. Though Hicks finally looks to be progressing after his rehab program stalled out for much of the summer, the Cardinals aren't counting him on providing a late-season boost to the bullpen. If Hicks is able to test out his arm over the winter and avoids any further setbacks, he should head into spring training with few restrictions, if any.

Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak said Sunday that he expects Hudson (elbow) to begin a minor-league rehab assignment within the next week or so, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Hudson looked to have little chance of making an appearance at any level in 2021 after undergoing Tommy John surgery Sept. 28 of last year, but not only is he nearing a return to minor-league action, but the organization is also leaving the door open for him to join the Cardinals next month. Before a rehab assignment is mapped out, Hudson will likely continue to build up the intensity of his live batting-practice sessions over the next few days at the Cardinals' training facility in Florida. The 26-year-old doesn't realistically have enough time to get his arm conditioned for a starting role at this stage of the season, so he'll almost certainly be deployed out of the bullpen if the Cardinals bring him back from the 60-day injured list at any point.

Weathers (4-6) allowed two earned runs on five hits while striking out two across two innings, taking the loss to the Phillies on Sunday.

Working as a primary pitcher out of the bullpen behind Craig Stammen rather than in a starting role as he had in his most recent outings, Weathers didn't notice dramatically better results. He served up a solo home run to Rhys Hoskins in the fourth inning and surrendered three more hits on the day, resulting in an additional two runs allowed.The 22-year-old has been horrendous lately, allowing 28 runs over his last 17.2 innings. On the season, he has a 5.27 ERA and 1.39 WHIP with 61 strikeouts in 80.1 innings.

Hearn is scheduled to make his next start Tuesday against Cleveland at Globe Life Field.

Hearn will be awarded a second turn through the rotation after he held the Mariners to two earned runs over five innings Aug. 17 in his fifth career MLB start. He gets a favorable draw against a Cleveland offense that ranks 20th in the majors with a collective 98 wRC+ since the All-Star break.

The Orioles outrighted Valdez to Triple-A Norfolk on Sunday after he cleared waivers, Dan Connolly of The Athletic reports.

Unsurprisingly, none of MLB's other 29 teams were willing to put in a waiver claim for a 36-year-old journeyman reliever who submitted a 5.76 ERA and 1.63 WHIP across 45.1 innings in the big leagues before Baltimore designated him for assignment last week. Since he no longer possesses a 40-man roster spot, Valdez will face an uphill battle to earn another call-up to Baltimore before the season ends.

Hader recorded one out and earned a save over Washington on Sunday.

Hader entered a 7-3 game with two outs and two runners on base and managed to escape the jam, forcing Juan Soto to ground into a fielder's choice. The 27-year-old southpaw has converted six straight save opportunities, making him 26-for-27 on the year. He's sporting a 1.61 ERA and a77:16 K:BB through 44.2 innings.

Bazardo (lat) began a rehab assignment in the rookie-level Florida Complex League on Aug. 13 and has struck out seven in three scoreless innings across two appearances.

Despite being shut down since mid-May with a right lat strain, Bazardo has looked strong in his first two outings back from the three-plus-month layoff. Bazardo currently resides on the Red Sox's 60-day injured list, but he'll most likely be optioned to Triple-A Worcester when he's activated at the conclusion of his rehab assignment.

Ramirez recorded two outs, including one strikeout, to earn a save over Houston on Sunday.

Ramirez continues to shuffle between Seattle and Triple-A Tacoma but made good use of his time in the bigs this weekend. Over the last two games, he tossed 2.1 perfect innings with five strikeouts and a save. The 6-foot-4 righty could head back to the minors once Casey Sadler (paternity leave) returns to the Mariners.