MLB Player News

Watkins was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk on Sunday, Nathan Ruiz of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Watkins was charged with his seventh loss of the season Sunday when he allowed six runs on seven hits and a walk while striking out four in five innings against the Rays. The right-hander had posted a 1.65 ERA in 16.1 innings across his first four major-league appearances of the season, but he recorded a 10.57 ERA in 30.2 innings across his last seven outings. It's not yet clear who will take his place in the rotation.

Manager Gabe Kapler said DeSclafani (11-6), who took the loss Sunday against Atlanta, isn't dealing with any physical issues after exiting during the fourth inning, John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle reports. The right-hander gave up three runs on six hits with four strikeouts and zero walks across three innings.

DeSclafani received a visit from the athletic trainer before being pulled during the fourth inning, but his early departure was apparently a strategic decision to piggyback him with reliever Sammy Long, per Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic. DeSclafani did manage a bit of ankle discomfort in his first start back from the injured list, but according to the skipper, that was unrelated to his departure. The 31-year-old tentatively lines up for his next turn through the rotation Friday against the Dodgers.

DeSclanfani left Sunday's start against Atlanta during the third inning with an athletic trainer due to an apparent injury, Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic reports.

The right-hander delivered three scoreless frames to open the contest, but he was pulled after surrendering three runs on two homers to open the fourth inning. He left in line for the loss after allowing three runs on six hits with four strikeouts and zero walks in three innings. DeSclafani was activated from the injured list Sunday after a brief absence due to ankle inflammation, and it remains unclear what exactly caused his exit in Atlanta.

Rogers (personal) completed his second rehab start with Low-A Jupiter on Sunday and threw 71 pitches over five innings, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Rogers has been sidelined since late July due to a family medical situation, but he may be able to rejoin Miami's starting rotation this week. The left-hander was only expected to require two rehab starts in the minors, and if he remains on a five-day pitching schedule, he could pitch Friday against the Phillies. The fact he reached 71 pitches in Sunday's outing will likely mean he won't face significant workload limitations in his first start back.

Cobb (wrist) threw a light bullpen session Wednesday, per MLB.com.

Initial tests revealed no structural damage to Cobb's right (pitching) wrist, but his recovery has been much slower than expected. The veteran hurler's last game action took place July 23, so he'll likely need considerable time to ramp back into shape before a potential return. Cobb has indicated that he is hopeful he can make it back before the end of the campaign.

Irvin (hip) threw a bullpen session Saturday and remains on track to make his next scheduled start Tuesday against the Tigers, the Associated Press reports.

Irvin appeared to get through the session without any setbacks, keeping the left-hander on pace to not miss a start with the hip discomfort that led to his early exit from his Tuesday outing versus Seattle. The 27-year-old will be looking to bounce back from a rough stretch if he does take the hill against Detroit, as he's pitched to a 5.79 ERA and 2.07 WHIP across 14 innings over his last three starts.

Anderson was released by the Phillies on Sunday, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Anderson was designated for assignment by the Phillies on Thursday and has now parted ways with the team. The veteran right-hander struggled as both a starter and reliver this season with a 6.75 ERA, 1.48 WHIP and 35:20 K:BB across 48 innings (14 appearances).

DeSclafani (ankle) was activated from the 10-day injured list to start Sunday's game in Atlanta, John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

The right-hander will rejoin the rotation Sunday after spending the 10-day minimum on the shelf with right ankle inflammation. DeSclafani has a 5.68 ERA, 1.46 WHIP and 24:7 K:BB in six starts since the All-Star break, and he'll attempt to get back on track versus Atlanta.

Syndergaard (elbow) tested positive for COVID-19 and won't make his scheduled rehab appearance with High-A Brooklyn on Sunday, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

Syndergaard was poised to make his second rehab outing and cover one-plus innings, but his rehab program will instead be stalled following the positive test. The right-hander, who also turns 29 years old Sunday, likely won't be able to return from the injured list until at least mid-September since he'll still need more appearances after clearing the health and safety protocols. According to Jon Heyman of MLB Network, Syndergaard is fully vaccinated, which will hopefully help mitigate the effects of any symptoms he might be experiencing.

Perez allowed one unearned run on one walk and a hit batsman while striking out one over a third of inning in Saturday's 5-3 extra-inning win over Cleveland.

Perez was called on to pitch the bottom of the 10th inning, after Boston plated three in the top half of the inning courtesy of a J.D. Martinez three-run home run. The left-hander walked a batter then hit Bradley Zimmer before striking out Bobby Bradley. Once his three-batter minimum was reached, manager Alex Cora had Adam Ottavino close out the win. Perez, who was moved from the starting rotation to the bullpen earlier this month, was initially effective as a reliever, yet things have gone south since. He had a 2.70 ERA in first five relief outings, but Perez has since permitted eight runs (four earned) over 3.2 innings (9.82 ERA).