MLB Player News

Hoffman (3-5) took the loss Wednesday as the Reds were routed 7-0 by the Mets, giving up five runs on seven hits and three walks over four innings. He failed to strike out a batter.

The right-hander wasn't really fooling anyone in his first appearance since May 26, as he tossed only 44 of 82 pitches for strikes and served up two homers. Hoffman hadn't allowed multiple homers in any of his 10 starts prior to landing on the IL with a shoulder impingement, but his control and command were both shaky prior to the injury. On the season, he sports a 5.20 ERA and 39:30 K:BB through 45 innings.

Scott (3-4) allowed two runs on three hits and a walk, striking out two in two-thirds of an inning and taking the loss in Wednesday's 5-4 defeat at the hands of the Rays.

With a one-run lead, Scott loaded the bases before striking out Vidal Brujan and getting Austin Meadows in an 0-2 hole. Meadows lined a two-run, game-winning single to center field, though, pinning Scott with both a blown save and a loss. Entering Wednesday, the hard-throwing lefty had held opponents scoreless in 17 of his last 20 appearances and hadn't allowed multiple runs in a game since May 24. Despite his poor performance Wednesday, Scott still boasts a 3.08 ERA and 13.0 K/9 in 38 innings and has been a bright spot in a tough season for Baltimore's bullpen.

McHugh (3-1) allowed one hit and a walk in two scoreless innings, striking out three and earning the victory in Wednesday's 5-4 win over the Orioles.

The veteran righty has now held opponents scoreless in 13 consecutive appearances, striking out 38 and issuing only three free passes in that 27-inning span. After missing the 2020 season, McHugh has settled in with the Rays and become an incredibly valuable and versatile weapon capable of short starts and high-leverage relief appearances alike. His 1.51 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, three wins and five holds make him an intriguing fantasy option for the remainder of the season.

Wells allowed three runs on five hits, walking two and striking out seven in 5.2 innings of Wednesday's 5-4 loss to the Rays. He did not factor into the decision.

The rookie was one out shy of a quality start, but he had thrown 93 pitches and was pulled with two gone in the fifth. Wells' outing would've been even better if not for a pair of poorly located pitches, one a curveball and the other a fastball, that Randy Arozarena crushed for solo home runs. His K/9 was a modest 7.7 in 43 minor-league innings this year, so it remains to be seen whether his stuff truly plays in the big leagues or if Wednesday was an anomaly against the Rays, which strike out more than any team in baseball. It's unclear whether Wells will become a mainstay in Baltimore's rotation, or if he'll be either relegated to the bullpen or optioned to Triple-A once Keegan Akin (COVID-19) returns.

Brasier (concussion) has been cleared to increase baseball activities, Bill Koch of The Providence Journal reports.

Brasier had been dealing with restrictions from the concussion protocol since early June, but he was able to resume some baseball activities in late June. Although the right-hander doesn't yet have a timetable to return to game action, his clearance to increase his workload represents a clear step forward in his recovery process.

Fulmer (neck) will begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Toledo on Thursday, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

Fulmer progressed to throwing bullpen sessions and live batting practice recently, and he'll now be able to return to game action with the minor-league club. The right-hander has been on the injured list since June 27 due to a right cervical spine strain in his neck, but he could return after a relatively brief rehab stint. Once Fulmer is cleared to rejoin the Tigers, he could reclaim a late-inning relief role with the major-league squad.

Ponce de Leon (shoulder) will start a rehab assignment and throw an inning for Triple-A Memphis on Thursday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

A right shoulder injury has sidelined Ponce de Leon since June 23, at which point he had pitched to a 7.03 ERA in 24.1 innings. It's unclear how many appearances he'll make before being activated, but the Cardinals' desperate need for starting pitching suggests they'll stretch the 29-year-old out a bit to make him a viable option for the rotation.

Merryweather (oblique) doesn't yet have a timetable to return to mound work, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Merryweather had a minor setback in his recovery in early July, but he's still been able to play catch recently. A better timetable for the right-hander's return could be revealed once he resumes mound work, but it appears as though he could be sidelined until at least mid-August.

Garza was optioned to Triple-A Columbus on Wednesday, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports.

Garza served as a bulk reliever Wednesday and allowed a run on four hits and no walks while striking out one in 3.1 innings. He'll now return to the minors after first baseman Yu Chang was recalled in a corresponding move.

The Dodgers designated Reed for assignment Wednesday.

Los Angeles will swap Reed off its 40-man roster for outfielder Billy McKinney, whom the Dodgers acquired via trade from the Mets. Reed worked 5.1 innings and gave up two earned runs over his six appearances for the Dodgers before being optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City two days ago.