MLB Player News

Miller allowed four earned runs on two hits and three walks without recording an out in Wednesday's loss to the Brewers.

After having his contract selected by the Cubs earlier in the day, this certainly wasn't the season debut Miller was hoping for. Adbert Alzolay was optioned to the team's alternate site to make room, but he should return over the weekend, which could bump Miller from the roster once again.

Rogers pitched a scoreless eighth inning with one walk to earn a hold in Wednesday's 3-0 win over the Reds.

Rogers is flourishing as setup man to closer Jake McGee. The 30-year-old Rogers collected his fourth hold in the last five days, so he could see his workload managed in the near future. He's pitched to a 1.13 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 7:3 K:BB and six holds across eight innings overall. The sidearm pitcher won't blow batters away with velocity, but he's been effective nonetheless.

Alzolay will likely be recalled when the Cubs need a fifth starter next weekend against the Brewers, Bruce Levine of 670TheScore.com reports.

The Cubs have an odd setup at the moment, with the date of Kyle Hendricks' (illness) next start to be determined while Alec Mills hangs around the rotation picture, at least in the short term. Alzolay will pitch at the alternate site Sunday, so he would likely slot back into the rotation Friday or Saturday of next week at home against Milwaukee, if he does indeed get slotted back into the rotation. He has only faced the Brewers this season, so it will be a familiar matchup, but Milwaukee has gotten the better of him so far, scoring seven earned runs in 10.1 innings.

Staumont pitched two scoreless innings, allowing one hit and striking out one to earn a hold in Wednesday's 6-1 win over the Angels.

Staumont entered the game with a one-run lead to protect. The Royals added four runs while Staumont was in the game, giving the right-hander a larger cushion, not that he needed it. He's allowed just one hit and one walk with four strikeouts in 5.2 innings this season, and he's yet to allow a run. He should be good to go after spending Tuesday on the COVID-19-related injured list.

Johnson (groin) was reinstated from the injured list prior to Wednesday's game against the Pirates.

Johnson broke out last season, logging a 2.70 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 27 strikeouts in 20 innings (24 appearances). Unfortunately, in this bullpen, he is closer to middle relief than the closer's role.

Abreu was optioned to the alternate training site Wednesday.

He gave up one run while striking out three in two innings over two appearances while up with the big club. Look for Abreu to be up and down between the majors and Triple-A all season long.

Burdi was recalled prior to Wednesday's game against Cleveland, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

He takes the place of Dylan Cease (COVID) in the short term to provide the White Sox with some extra bullpen depth. Burdi can miss bats with the best of them, but throwing strikes and staying healthy have been major hurdles in the past.

Martin (shoulder) has not begun throwing and does not have a timetable for return, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

He has been rehabbing his shoulder inflammation, but it is unclear when he will be able to start a throwing program. Will Smith hasn't necessarily been lights out as Atlanta's closer -- he is 2-for-2 on save chances but also has two losses and a 5.40 ERA through six appearances. Nobody appears ready to challenge Smith for saves at this juncture, however.

Lakins was recalled from the Orioles' alternate training site Wednesday.

Lakins was sent down by the Orioles after he served as the 27th man for Tuesday's doubleheader against Seattle, but he'll now rejoin the club after right-hander Mac Sceroler (shoulder) was placed on the 10-day injured list Wednesday. Lakins made his season debut against the Mariners on Tuesday and struck out two in one clean relief inning.

The Reds officially moved Jose De Leon to the bullpen Wednesday, which means that Hoffman will remain in the rotation, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Neither Hoffman nor De Leon pitched well over the weekend against the Diamondbacks, but the presumed favorite prior to the weekend was Hoffman. The decision was necessitated by the return of Sonny Gray from the IL. Hoffman could have some security in the role with Michael Lorenzen being placed on the 60-day DL, but it's still also possible that Tejay Antone, who threw 60 pitches in his last relief outing, could ultimately start.