MLB Player News

The Nationals placed Poulin on the 15-day injured list Sunday due to a left flexor strain.

Poulin hadn't pitched in either of the Nationals' first two games following the All-Star break, so it's unclear when or how he sustained the forearm strain. He'll be eligible for activation July 31, but given the nature of his injury, Poulin seems likely to miss more than the minimum 15 days. Washington re-signed left-hander Matt Krook to a one-year deal Sunday to take Poulin's spot in the bullpen and on the 26-man active roster.

Valdez went 1-for-3 with a home run, two walks and two RBI in Sunday's 7-1 win over the Guardians.

Valdez had a classic three-true-outcomes game, walking twice and striking out twice before launching a two-run shot in the ninth inning. The 22-year-old is now riding a seven-game hitting streak, going deep six times with 15 RBI and eight runs scored during that span. He's slashing a ridiculous .305/.373/.733 with 12 homers, 32 RBI and 23 runs scored across his first 118 major-league plate appearances.

The Nationals transferred Lovelady (triceps) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Sunday.

Since landing on the IL on June 29 due to a left triceps strain, Lovelady has made limited progress in his recovery. Per MLB.com, Lovelady has been able to take part in strengthening work but has yet to resume a throwing program nearly three weeks after suffering the injury. The Nationals apparently weren't confident that Lovelady would be ready to return in the next five weeks, so he was moved to the 60-day IL in order to free up a spot on the 40-man roster for lefty Matt Krook, who re-signed with the organization on a one-year deal.

The Nationals re-signed Krook to a major-league contract prior to Sunday's game against the Athletics.

Krook had elected free agency after rejecting an outright assignment to Triple-A Rochester when Washington removed him from its 40-man roster a week ago, but he quickly ended up returning to the Nationals on a new deal. The 31-year-old will give Washington another left-handed option in its bullpen after PJ Poulin (forearm) was placed on the 15-day injured list Sunday.

Skenes (9-8) earned the win against the Guardians on Sunday, allowing one run on seven hits and two walks with eight strikeouts over seven innings.

Skenes allowed a run in the third inning but was impressive otherwise, generating 18 whiffs on 100 pitches en route to his third straight win. After surrendering seven earned runs in his first July start, the All-Star has yielded just five over his three victories since. He owns a 3.43 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 138:26 K:BB across 115.1 innings this season and lines up for a home matchup with the Cubs next weekend.

Edman is not in the starting lineup for Game 2 of Sunday's doubleheader against the Yankees, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Edman will get a breather in the nightcap after he went 2-for-4 with three runs scored in the team's 8-2 matinee victory Sunday. Miguel Rojas will take over at second base and bat sixth in the series finale.

Rushing is not in the starting lineup for Sunday's nightcap against the Yankees, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Rushing will head to the bench after he went 0-for-2 with three walks and a run scored in the team's 8-2 win over New York in Game 1 of the doubleheader. Eliezer Alfonzo will take over behind the plate as Los Angeles goes for the series sweep.

The Dodgers recalled Hurt from Triple-A Oklahoma City to serve as their 27th man for the second game of Sunday's doubleheader with the Yankees, Maddie Lee of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Hurt could be called upon to cover an inning or two in relief while the Dodgers treat the final contest of the twin bill as a bullpen game. Over 32 appearances with Los Angeles this season, 28-year-old Hurt has posted a 4.88 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 38:16 K:BB in 31.1 innings.

Klein will serve as the Dodgers' opening pitcher Sunday in the second game of their doubleheader against the Yankees, Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Klein will make his third start of the campaign but is expected to be limited to one or two innings before turning the game over to the bullpen. The 26-year-old right-hander has posted a 2.41 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 43:16 K:BB in 37.1 innings over 32 appearances with Los Angeles.

Church is not in the lineup for Sunday's matchup against the Diamondbacks.

After going a combined 0-for-8 with a strikeout in his first two games back since the midseason break, Church will get a breather for the series finale. Jose Fermin will start in center field and bat seventh.