MLB Player News

The Tigers recalled Lange from Triple-A Toledo prior to Game 2 of Saturday's doubleheader against the Twins, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

The Tigers may have a couple bullpen games while Jose Urena (groin) misses time, so Lange will be called upon for additional pitching depth. He's certainly struggled with Detroit this year, posting a 7.31 ERA in 16 innings of work. Lange's performance at Triple-A has been better, though, as he's pitched four scoreless innings with six strikeouts across his last three appearances.

Brogdon was reinstated from the COVID-19 injured list Saturday.

Brogdon hit the injured list on the final day before the All-Star break but was merely there due to contact tracing and evidently didn't test positive for the virus himself. He's been a passable relief option for the Phillies this season, but his 4.19 ERA is nothing special and comes with just a 21.0 percent strikeout rate, a number which comes nowhere near his 38.6 percent strikeout rate from his 11.1-inning debut last season. Mauricio Llovera was optioned in a corresponding move.

The Phillies optioned Llovera to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Saturday.

The righty pitched Friday in his only big-league appearance thus far in 2021, recording one strikeout in a scoreless inning while allowing a hit and hitting a batter. He was optioned to clear a roster spot for Connor Brogdon (COVID-19) to be activated Saturday.

Hoffman (shoulder) confirmed Saturday that he's set to return from the injured list to start Wednesday against the Mets, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Reds manager David Bell hinted earlier in the day that the team was looking at temporarily going to a six-man rotation, and it appears that will indeed be the case. It's not clear whether Hoffman will be in line for multiple starts or if he'll make just one before retreating to the bullpen. It's also possible he sticks around as a starter while Vladimir Gutierrez loses his place, though Gutierrez's 4.29 ERA in nine starts this season beats Hoffman's 4.61 mark in 10 trips to the mound.

The Reds will consider going with a temporary six-man rotation when Hoffman (shoulder) comes off the IL next week, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Manager David Bell wants to give Tyler Mahle and Luis Castillo a couple of extra days given that they didn't get much more than their usual rest after last weekend's series in Milwaukee. "There is a chance we would add (Hoffman) in for a couple of reasons," Bell said. "Some of our starters with (Tyler) Mahle pitching tonight, Luis (Castillo) pitching tomorrow, they're getting an extra day or two, but not an extra four days. There was only so many guys we could do that with, where we could give them a larger break."

Vest was returned to the Tigers organization Saturday after going unclaimed on waivers.

The Rule 5 pick was designated for assignment Monday, resulting in his return to Detroit. Vest had a 6.17 ERA in 35 innings with the Mariners this season but could get an opportunity with the Tigers at some point in the second half.

Sewald picked up the one-out save Friday in the win over the Angels.

Sewald earned his third save of the season and second in back-to-back games. Kendall Graveman was unable to finish out the ninth inning and Seattle decided to call on Sewald to finish the game. The Mariners have been flexible this season with their closing situation as they have mixed and matched save opportunities. The 31-year-old has not allowed an earned run since June 1. During that stretch, he has fired 17 scoreless innings while striking out 29 and picking up three saves and five holds. He could be in line for more saves, especially if the Mariners decide to trade some arms before the trade deadline.

Lopez (bereavement) will start Saturday's game in Kansas City, Rich Dubroff of BaltimoreBaseball.com reports.

Having gone on the bereavement list during the All-Star break, Lopez will not end up missing a start. The righty got hit hard last time out, but only yielded one walk and two runs in this July 9 start. He'll look to continue improving his command in his first second-half start.

Chaves (0-2) allowed an unearned run on one hit and a walk while striking out two over an inning as he took the loss against the Rays on Friday.

Chavez entered to begin extra innings and ended up allowing an RBI single to Austin Meadows to give the Rays a 7-6 lead. Atlanta was unable to extend or end the game in the bottom half of the frame, leaving Chavez in line for his second loss of the year. Since debuting with Atlanta on June 24, the 37-year-old has posted a 2.08 ERA, 0.81 WHIP and 14:3 K:BB over 8.2 innings.

Bednar collected his seventh hold in Friday's 4-1 win over the Mets, walking one batter in a scoreless eighth inning. He struck out one batter.

Bednar, who threw 14 of 21 pitches for strikes, appeared in a spot typically reserved for Kyle Crick (who did not pitch). The right-hander figures to get an opportunity to close games out if and when the team trades Richard Rodriguez by the deadline.