MLB Player News

Baker (elbow) has tossed 8.2 scoreless innings across seven appearances for Triple-A Buffalo this season, notching two saves while striking out 13.

Baker missed a good chunk of spring training due to a Grade 1 right elbow strain, but he was cleared for game action ahead of the Triple-A season, which began earlier this month. The 26-year-old has looked good thus far in the closing role for Buffalo, converting both of his save opportunities and holding opposing hitters to a .133 average. If he continues to thrive in the late innings for Buffalo, he should earn his first MLB call-up later in 2021.

The Cubs activated Miller from the 10-day injured list Wednesday and designated him for assignment, Russell Dorsey of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Despite having pitched only two innings this season, Miller and his astronomical 31.50 ERA no longer have a place on the Cubs' pitching staff, which has improved significantly since the veteran landed on the injured list April 23. The righty has not pitched well the past three seasons, but it wouldn't be a surprise to see a pitching-needy team add him to provide innings out of the bullpen.

Puk (biceps) allowed four earned runs on four hits over 1.1 innings while also recording four strikeouts in Triple-A Las Vegas' loss to Salt Lake on Tuesday.

Puk allowed a two-run home run to Brennon Lund in the sixth inning and then opened the seventh by putting a pair of runners on that eventually came around to score after the left-hander had exited. Puk has now allowed seven runs over two innings covering his last two rehab appearances, although his four strikeouts Tuesday were a bright spot. It appears likely Puk will make at least one more appearance for the Aviators in an attempt to have him return to the majors with some momentum.

Martin wasn't available to pitch Tuesday due to side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Manager Brian Snitker didn't sound too concerned about Martin's status following Tuesday's game but said that the right-hander wasn't available. It's not yet clear whether Martin will be available out of the bullpen for Wednesday's series finale against Boston.

Hildenberger was outrighted to Triple-A Sacramento after clearing waivers Wednesday, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Hildenberger was claimed off waivers by the Giants on May 18 but was designated for assignment Friday. He'll now head to the minors to serve as organizational depth going forward.

Mears was recalled by the Pirates on Wednesday.

Mears began the 2021 campaign with Triple-A Indianapolis after he was sent down in mid-March. He made four relief appearances in the minors and allowed six runs on seven hits and four walks while striking out seven in 3.2 innings. Mears should serve mainly as a low-leverage reliever in the majors.

Rainey (COVID-19 protocols) threw an extended bullpen session Wednesday, Matt Weyrich of NBC Sports Washington reports.

Rainey had been on the COVID-19 injured list since May 19, but he was cleared to return to the team's clubhouse Tuesday. Manager Dave Martinez said that Rainey will be reinstated from the injured list Thursday if the right-hander continues to feel good following his throwing session.

Rodriguez (shoulder) is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Salt Lake on Friday, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

The Angels haven't revealed a target date for Rodriguez's return from the 10-day injured list, but he'll likely need to make at least two appearances at Triple-A before getting activated. The hard-throwing right-hander has been on the shelf for the past three weeks with a sore shoulder.

Baumann (elbow) was activated from the injured list and sent to Double-A Bowie on Tuesday.

Baumann's appearance for Bowie lasted just two-thirds of an inning Tuesday, as he allowed four runs on two hits and a walk while also recording a strikeout and hitting a batter. The right-hander figures to get some more time at the Double-A level before potentially earning a promotion to Triple-A Norfolk later in the summer.

Akin will rejoin the starting rotation after Dean Kremer was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk on Wednesday, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Kremer was initially listed as the starter Sunday's game against the White Sox, so Akin tentatively lines up to make his first start of the season in that contest. The southpaw has made four relief appearances to begin the year, posting a 6.10 ERA and 1.26 WHIP in 10.1 innings.