MLB Player News

Atlanta manager Walt Weiss said Friday that Ritchie will remain in the majors for now because "we wanted him to be an option in the picture moving forward," Chad Bishop of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Ritchie was dynamite in his major-league debut Thursday versus the Nationals, yielding two runs over seven innings while notching seven strikeouts. Spencer Strider (oblique) is tentatively lined up to rejoin Atlanta next week, which could leave Ritchie without a spot in the rotation. It's unclear whether the club is considering a six-man rotation for a turn, or if Ritchie could be used out of the bullpen. More clarity on the rookie's usage should be revealed in the coming days.

General manager Ross Atkins said Friday that the Blue Jays are still discussing whether Yesavage (shoulder) will need another minor-league rehab start or if he'll be activated from the 15-day injured list to make his next start in the majors, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

The right-hander has already made five rehab starts in the minor leagues, though in his last outing Tuesday with Triple-A Buffalo, he covered just 2.1 frames and 64 pitches. The Blue Jays were hoping to get Yesavage built up to about 75 pitches before adding him to the big-league rotation, so he seems likely to need another game in the minors. If that's the case, the 22-year-old could still make his season debut as early as next weekend in Minnesota.

Peterson is slated to pitch Wednesday versus the Nationals, either as a traditional starting pitcher or bulk reliever, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Peterson has posted a 6.41 ERA in four starts this season, but he pitched better his last two times out. While working behind an opener this past Sunday against the Cubs and then pitching in long relief in Thursday's win over the Twins, Peterson covered seven innings and gave up one earned run on seven hits and one walk. The left-hander will likely be on a short leash Wednesday, but Peterson will be afforded another opportunity to restate his case for a rotation spot.

The Brewers recalled Drohan from Triple-A Nashville on Friday, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Drohan was ineffective in a spot start earlier this month, allowing three runs on three hits and four walks over 2.2 innings. The left-hander will operate as a long reliever during this stint in the big leagues.

The Brewers optioned Rodriguez to Triple-A Nashville on Friday, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Rodriguez has allowed one run with a 5:0 K:BB across two two-inning relief outings with the big club. His spot on the roster and in the bullpen will be absorbed by Shane Drohan.

The Rockies placed Feltner on the 15-day injured list Friday with right ulnar nerve inflammation.

Feltner was removed from his start against the Padres on Thursday due to what was called right triceps tightness at the time, but upon a more thorough exam, it turns out he has a nerve issue in his pitching elbow. The Rockies have not revealed a timetable for the righty's return, but it's an injury that could result in an extended absence.

Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins announced Friday that Varland will be part of Toronto's closer committee with Jeff Hoffman being demoted as the club's primary closer, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Hoffman, who recorded 37 saves during the 2025 regular season, could still get some usage in the ninth inning, but Varland now appears to be the favorite for saves in Toronto. The right-hander's fantasy upside is still likely to be more limited than a traditional closer, however, with the Blue Jays expected to mix in other relievers for saves in addition to Varland and Hoffman. That being said, Varland has yet to allow an earned run and has a 19:3 K:BB across 13 innings this season, so he could take full reins of the job if he continues that level of dominance.

Brown (shoulder) began a throwing program Tuesday, playing catching from 75 feet, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

It's a significant step in Brown's rehab from a shoulder strain. Sidelined since throwing six innings of one-run ball with eight strikeouts against the Red Sox on March 31, Brown is expected to be sidelined through late May, according to GM Dana Brown. Once he builds his arm back up, Brown will likely require a multi-start rehab assignment.

The Phillies recalled McFarlane from Double-A Reading on Friday.

McFarlane has moved to the bullpen this season with Reading and posted a 1.42 ERA and 10:4 K:BB over his first 6.1 innings. The hard-throwing right-hander will provide manager Rob Thomson with a fresh bullpen arm, and while he has the upside to eventually work late innings, the 24-year-old will likely be used in lower-leverage spots initially.

The Nationals recalled Cornelio from Triple-A Rochester on Friday.

Cornelio earned his first promotion to the big leagues after putting up a 2.45 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 27:8 K:BB through 18.1 innings with Rochester. The right-hander will likely be broken in as a long reliever, but given the lackluster performance of the Nationals' rotation, Cornelio could earn some starts if he pitches well.