MLB Player News

Alzolay (4-10) allowed three runs across six innings and took the loss Thursday against the Cardinals. He gave up four hits and three walks while striking out eight.

Alzolay pitched pretty well, as he set a season high in strikeouts, but the Cubs' offense didn't provide much support in the 3-2 defeat. The righty was done in by two home runs, including a two-run bomb by Nolan Arenado, which accounted for all three runs against him. Alzolay now has a 4.58 ERA this season and is scheduled to take the mound again Tuesday against the Reds.

Alexander allowed one run across 3.2 innings and did not factor into the decision Thursday against the Rangers. He gave up three hits and a walk while striking out four.

Alexander made his fourth start of the season and second in a row, but he was still limited to just 59 pitches and was unable to qualify for the win in a game the Tigers captured 7-5. The lefty figures to stick in the rotation moving forward with the likes of Jose Urena (groin), Matthew Boyd (triceps) and Spencer Turnbull (forearm) all on the injured list. Expect Alexander to build his pitch count up a bit more in his next scheduled start, which is set for Tuesday against the Twins.

Soto pitched a clean ninth inning to record the save in Thursday's win over the Rangers. He walked one and struck out two.

Soto registered a save for the third straight day, bringing him to 11 for the season. The Tigers have now won seven straight games coming out of the All-Star break, and Soto has benefitted, as he has saves in four of those seven victories. Michael Fulmer (neck) began a rehab assignment Thursday and should be back soon, but Soto should still see plenty of save chances the rest of the way, making him a useful fantasy asset.

Nelson (back) could be activated either Sunday or Tuesday, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Nelson was set to throw live batting practice Thursday. How he responds to that work will dictate when he returns, according to manager Dave Roberts. Regardless, it appears that Nelson likely won't need a rehab assignment prior to being activated from the injured list.

Ramirez was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma on Thursday.

Ramirez has been with the big-league club since late June and pitched on four occasions since. In that span, he worked 5.1 frames and delivered a solid 3.38 ERA and 0.94 WHIP. Ramirez will likely be in consideration for a promotion if the Mariners are in need of extra bullpen arms later in the season.

Nelson (back) will throw live batting practice at Dodger Stadium on Thursday, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Nelson resumed mound work at the beginning of the week, and he'll face live hitters for the first time several days later. The right-hander has been on the 10-day injured list since July 9 due to a left lumbar strain, but he appears to be making good progress in his recovery. It's not yet clear whether Nelson will require a rehab assignment before he's cleared to rejoin the Dodgers.

Ramirez (shoulder) will begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A El Paso on Friday.

Ramirez has been on the 10-day injured list with left rotator cuff inflammation since July 8, but he could be nearing his return to the Padres. Since the southpaw serves as a reliever and has only been sidelined two weeks, he likely won't require a lengthy rehab stint before he's activated.

Hearn is expected to be stretched out to a longer role in the near future, Chris Halicke of SI.com reports.

Hearn has pitched more than two innings in a given outing twice this season, but he could be used as a long reliever going forward. The Rangers haven't said whether the southpaw will be used as a traditional starter in 2021, but he could claim a spot in the starting rotation if Kyle Gibson is traded away prior to the end of July.

Feyereisen (shoulder) underwent an MRI on Thursday that revealed no structural damage to his shoulder, though he is dealing with some biceps tendinitis, Steve Carney of Sports Radio 620 WDAE reports.

The right-hander landed on the injured list Wednesday with right shoulder discomfort, but his shoulder actually checked out fine. Feyereisen is expected to be sidelined beyond the 10-day minimum, though he should not face an extended absence.

Bender will serve as the Marlins' opening pitcher in Thursday's game against the Padres, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

The newly recalled Jordan Holloway is expected to serve as the Marlins' primary bulk reliever behind Bender, who will be making his first career start in the big leagues. The 26-year-old rookie has only one save to his name, but he's arguably been the Marlins' most reliable reliever this season. Through 31 appearances spanning 31.2 innings, Bender has posted a 2.27 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 40:8 K:BB.