MLB Player News

Alvardo got the call to protect a two-run lead in the final frame after Jeff Hoffman worked a flawless eighth inning and needed just 10 pitches (seven strikes) to notch his first save since May 21. There isn’t a ton of clarity regarding the pecking order for Phillies manager Rob Thomson, but it appears Hoffman and Alvarado will continue splitting save opportunities depending on matchups.

Winder will come up and pitch out of the bullpen. He’s taking the spot of David Festa, who allowed a combined 12 runs in his two starts with the Twins. Winder had a 4.78 ERA in 15 appearances at Triple-A this year.

Rosario was released by the Nationals to clear the way for top prospect James Wood. He cleared waivers and the Braves will stash him at Triple-A Gwinnett in case they need another outfielder at some point this season. Rosario hit just .183 with seven home runs and 26 RBI in 67 games with the Nationals this season. He was the Most Valuable Player in the 2021 NLCS for Atlanta and they went on to win the World Series that year.

Meadows struggled mightily with the Tigers earlier this year. He hit .096 with two home runs in 32 games with Detroit. Meadows hit .298 with eight home runs and 19 stolen bases in 47 games with Triple-A Toledo. The average could continue to be a problem, but if he can just get on base he should be a good source of steals.

Bogaerts, who was at designated hitter on Thursday in his rehab assignment debut, is working his way back from a fractured left shoulder that sent him to the injured list back on May 20. The 31-year-old figures to return as San Diego’s primary option at the keystone, but could wind up bouncing around between several positions moving forward. He’s going to require additional rehab contests to get back up to speed before returning to San Diego’s lineup.

Ray struck out three and only issued one walk. He gave up only two hits, but one of them wound up leaving the yard. The 32-year-old southpaw is in the closing stages of his recovery from last year’s Tommy John surgery and figures to be ready to make his San Francisco debut right around the All-Star break.

Márquez struck out two and only issued one walk. The 29-year-old righty, who is in the final stages of his lengthy rehabilitation process from last year’s Tommy John surgery, is expected to return to Colorado’s starting rotation following the All-Star break in a couple weeks.

Garcia allowed three hits, including a pair of homers, while striking out two and only issuing one walk. He threw 31 pitches (21 strikes) in his first rehab outing. The 27-year-old righty is working his way back from last year’s Tommy John surgery and will presumably be an option for Houston’s injury-depleted starting rotation at some point in early August.

Heyward was hurt on the landing after trying and failing to rob Joc Pederson of a homer. If it’s a significant injury, the Dodgers could recall James Outman to play against right-handers.

Walker also homered twice Thursday. He has nine homers in nine games against the Dodgers this season, compared to 12 in 78 games against everyone else. With his OPS having climbed from .780 on Friday to .871 now, he’d seem to have a pretty good shot of finally landing his first All-Star berth.

The results weren’t great, but Gallen’s velocity tonight was even better in his first start back from the IL; he averaged 95.9 mph on his fastball, up from 95.2 mph last time out and 92.9 mph in the 11 starts before he went on the IL. Because of the diminished velocity, we were a bit down on him before his hamstring injury. He seems like a better bet now, though.