MLB Player News

Ekness (calf) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Jacksonville on Thursday, Kevin Barral of FishonFirst.com reports.

Ekness has been on the shelf since June 1 due to a right calf injury, which was severe enough for him to shift to the 60-day injured list three weeks later. He's progressed enough in his recovery to start a rehab assignment, and given the length of his IL stint, he'll likely need at least a few minor-league games under his belt before he's cleared to return to the Marlins.

Holmes (fibula) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Syracuse on Thursday, Max Goodman of NJ.com reports.

Holmes is slated to throw three innings in what will be his first game appearance since he suffered a fractured right fibula in mid-May. Mets interim manager Andy Green noted that Holmes will likely require an additional rehab outing after Thursday, though it will depend on how the righty feels during and after his start with Syracuse. Holmes has posted a 2.39 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 45:18 K:BB through 52.2 innings this season and is a candidate to be traded at the deadline.

The Cardinals designated Blewett for assignment Wednesday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Blewett made his Cardinals debut Tuesday against the Angels with two scoreless innings but now finds himself removed from the 26-man and 40-man rosters. The 30-year-old has been outrighted previously, so he could elect free agency if he passes through waivers.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts intimated Tuesday that Diaz (elbow) is likelier to be activated from the 60-day injured list next week than this weekend, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

A return for Diaz this weekend hasn't been totally ruled out, but rather than activate the closer for one series on the east coast this weekend versus the Mets, the Dodgers will likely wait until they begin a homestand next Tuesday. Out since late April following surgery to remove loose bodies in his right elbow, Diaz has tossed four scoreless innings with a 7:1 K:BB in four rehab outings.

Scott gave up two hits and struck out two over 1.2 scoreless innings Tuesday to record his 15th save of the season in a 2-1 win over the Phillies.

The southpaw continues to be effective in the closer role while the Dodgers wait for Edwin Diaz (elbow) to get cleared to return from the IL, something that could happen as soon as this weekend. Scott has been scored upon just once in his last 13 appearances dating back to June 11, posting a 1.98 ERA, 0.73 WHIP and 21:2 K:BB in 13.2 innings over that stretch.

The Pirates recalled Murdock from Triple-A Indianapolis ahead of Wednesday's doubleheader versus the Yankees.

Pittsburgh has designated Murdock as its 27th man for the twin bill, so he'll likely be headed back to Indianapolis on Thursday. The 27-year-old righty has turned in a 3.24 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 26:5 K:BB in 16.2 innings out of the Triple-A bullpen this season.

Estrada (knee) moved his rehab assignment up to Triple-A El Paso, walking two and allowing one hit over one-third of an inning in an appearance Tuesday.

Working his way back from right knee inflammation, Estrada began a rehab assignment last week in the rookie-level Arizona Complex League. He's been shelved since early June, so Estrada could be asked to make another rehab appearance or two before being reinstated to the Padres' active roster.

Sewald allowed two runs on two hits and struck out two without walking a batter over one inning to take a blown save versus the Athletics on Tuesday.

Sewald served up a two-run home run to Jacob Wilson in the ninth inning, squandering the Diamondbacks' lead. Arizona went on to win in the 10th. Given his recent form, it was only a matter of time before Sewald took a blown save -- he's been scored upon in seven of his last 11 outings, giving up 11 runs over 10 innings in that span. For the season, he's 23-for-25 in save conversions while posting a 4.95 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 42:9 K:BB across 36.1 innings. Sewald's not in danger of losing the closer job yet, but his performance over the last month isn't inspiring confidence.

Pagan struck out one in a perfect inning to earn the save in Tuesday's 4-2 win over the Mariners.

This was Pagan's second save in five outings since he returned from a hamstring injury. He's allowed two runs while posting an 8:2 K:BB over 4.1 innings in that span. The right-hander is at a 5.89 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 19:8 K:BB with eight saves in 11 chances over 18.1 innings this season. Pagan is still the Reds' top closing option due to the absences of Tony Santillan (oblique) and Graham Ashcraft (elbow), but the team's last-place status makes it tough to expect many saves.

Mikolas allowed three runs on six hits and no walks while striking out one batter over 3.2 relief innings in a no-decision against Colorado on Tuesday.

Mikolas inherited a 4-2 deficit when he entered with two outs and a runner on first base in the second inning. The right-hander got out of that frame without allowing the inherited runner to cross the plate, but Washington scored in three of the remaining four innings in which he appeared. Mikolas has been better this season as a bulk reliever than as a traditional starter, but his overall 5.60 ERA and 4.7 K/9 make him an unappealing fantasy asset in all but the deepest of leagues. He's projected to make his next appearance -- either as a starter or in bulk relief -- at home versus Toronto.