MLB Player News

Ponce de Leon (shoulder) will throw a side session Saturday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Ponce de Leon recently made three rehab starts at Triple-A Memphis, and he built up to three innings during his most recent appearance. Based on how he feels after Saturday's throwing session, the Cardinals will determine whether the right-hander will resume his rehab assignment or throw an additional live BP prior to rejoining the major-league club. However, Ponce de Leon is expected to remain on the injured list until at least next weekend.

Moore will be a reliever for the Phillies going forward, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

The veteran had pitched fairly well before allowing six runs in his last two starts, which ballooned his ERA to 6.46 in 46 innings this season. Given his struggles, Moore doesn't figure to get any high-leverage opportunities out of the bullpen. Ranger Suarez will serve as Moore's replacement in the starting rotation.

White will get the start Saturday against the Diamondbacks, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.

White has plenty of starting experience in his career and has reached four innings in a major-league appearance and five in the minors this season, but he might not be asked to pitch too deep into this contest after throwing two innings against the Giants on Wednesday. White owns a 3.54 ERA in 20.1 innings at the highest level this season.

The Orioles plan to activate Akin (COVID-19 protocols) on Sunday, Joe Trezza of MLB.com reports.

Akin was eligible to return Wednesday, but he has required a bit of work to get back in pitching shape. Manager Brandon Hyde said the lefty will pitch out of Baltimore's bullpen going forward.

Wilson was activated by the Pirates on Saturday, Alex Stumpf of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

Wilson was dealt from Atlanta to Pittsburgh on Friday as part of the package for Richard Rodriguez, and he'll claim a major-league roster spot. The 23-year-old served as a starter in each of his eight big-league appearances with Atlanta this year and posted a 5.88 ERA and 1.69 WHIP in 33.2 innings. The Pirates haven't specified how they'll use Wilson, but he could be utilized as a long reliever for now.

Thompson was added to the Nationals' 26-man roster Saturday and will be available to pitch against the Cubs, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

One of several prospects acquired in the Nationals' trade deadline teardown, Thompson will be available to debut with his new club after appearing in only four games for the Padres this season, the most recent of which was July 1.

Weathers (4-3) took the loss against Colorado on Friday, pitching four innings and allowing eight runs on eight hits and three walks while striking out two.

A grand slam off the bat of Ryan McMahon put Weathers and the Padres in an early hole, and Colorado tacked on four more runs by way of two two-run homers in the fourth frame to blow things open. The eight runs allowed by Weathers were double his previous 2021 single-game season high. The left-hander's ERA jumped from 2.73 to 3.65 as a result of the poor outing, but he'll try to bounce back in his next start, which is expected to come at home against Arizona next weekend.

Helsley (6-4) was credited with the win in a victory over the Twins on Friday, allowing two hits and recording two strikeouts over 1.1 scoreless innings.

Helsley served as the bridge to the eighth inning after taking over for starter Wade LeBlanc with two outs in the sixth. The 27-year-old right-hander has encountered some rough patches this season, but he's been in a nice groove for quite some time -- factoring in Friday's scoreless effort, Helsley now boasts a 3-0 record, 1.89 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and three holds over the 19 innings covering his last nine appearances.

Chargois fired a perfect seventh inning in a win over the Red Sox on Friday, recording a strikeout.

The reliever was put right to work following his trade from the Mariners and displayed top-notch efficiency, getting first-pitch strikes on all three batters he faced and recording three outs on just 12 pitches. The Rays thought highly enough of Chargois to deal away closer Diego Castillo for him, so it's likely the right-hander sees a steady flow of work moving forward.

McHugh (arm) threw a bullpen session Friday, the Associated Press reports.

The veteran is trying to work back as quickly as possible from a bit of a dead arm. McHugh has been an elite component of a strong Rays relief corps while forging a 1.51 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 12.7 K/9, and the team's official site reports there's hope he can return to action sooner than several fellow sidelined bullpen mates.