MLB Player News

Phillips didn't factor into the decision Friday against the A's after allowing five runs on seven hits and two walks across 3.1 innings. He struck out two.

Phillips allowed just two baserunners in the first two innings, but he gave up a two-run homer to Nick Kurtz in the third and three more runs in the fourth before being lifted. This was a step back for the 28-year-old right-hander, who had given up two runs or fewer while pitching at least six frames in his previous two appearances. Phillips, who owns a 5.93 ERA and 1.52 WHIP in six outings since the beginning of June, will look to bounce back in his next start, which should come against the Mariners at home.

Stratton was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis on Saturday, Colin Beazley of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Stratton has struck out seven over 5.1 scoreless innings at Triple-A since the Pirates acquired him from Atlanta on June 18. Evan Sisk (elbow inflammation) was placed on the injured list in a corresponding move.

Sisk was placed on the 15-day injured list Saturday with left elbow inflammation, Colin Beazley of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

The 29-year-old southpaw has a 2.23 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 43 strikeouts in 36.1 innings out of the Pirates' bullpen this year. Hunter Stratton was recalled from Triple-A to take Sisk's place in the bullpen.

Rodriguez is out of the lineup Saturday against the Nationals.

Rodriguez is hitting .273 with two home runs and a 10:5 K:BB in his last 10 games. Henry Davis will start behind the dish and bat ninth.

Ruiz is out of the lineup Saturday against the Pirates.

Ruiz, who has started four of the last seven games, is hitting .265 with zero home runs and one steal in his last 10 games. Drew Millas is starting behind the dish and batting eighth.

Palmquist will serve as the Nationals' opening pitcher in front of Zack Littell during Saturday's game against the Pirates, Mark Zuckerman of NatsJournal.com reports.

Palmquist, who was recalled from Triple-A Rochester earlier this week, most recently logged an inning of relief in Boston on Wednesday. He'll likely be capped at an inning or two once again Saturday before giving way to Littell.

Littell will work in bulk relief during Saturday's game against the Pirates, Mark Zuckerman of NatsJournal.com reports.

Carson Palmquist will open the game for the Nationals but is likely to cover an inning or two before Littell takes over. Littell has notched a 3.42 ERA and 1.18 WHIP in 23.2 innings following an opener this season and a 6.07 ERA and 1.42 WHIP in 56.1 innings as a traditional starter.

De La Cruz went 1-for-3 with two walks and two stolen bases in Friday's 3-0 loss to Baltimore.

De La Cruz continued to put a three-week absence due to a hamstring injury behind him, hitting safely in a sixth consecutive game (8-for-25). More promising are the two steals, his first since being activated off the injured list June 23. He's up to 12 stolen bases through 68 games this season.

Hayes (back) will stick with High-A Dayton this weekend and then have his rehab moved to Triple-A Louisville next week, MLB.com reports.

Hayes opened a rehab assignment with the Dragons on Friday, going 1-for-3 with a run scored while playing five innings at third base. He'll play an unspecified number of games for Louisville before rejoining the Reds. Given how close it is to the All-Star break, the organization may wait until after the Midsummer Classic to activate Hayes.

McCann (quadriceps) will play Saturday and Sunday for Triple-A Reno and could then rejoin the Diamondbacks, MLB.com reports.

McCann began a rehab assignment Thursday for Aces, going 0-for-4 while catching seven innings. The back-to-back games this weekend set McCann up to rejoin Arizona for Monday's game in San Diego.