MLB Player News

Cruz (shoulder) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Louisville on Sunday, Bobby Nightengale of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Cruz could be activated as soon as May 26 for the start of the Reds' next road trip. He's been out since late April with a right shoulder strain.

The Dodgers transferred Nelson (elbow) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Wednesday.

Since Nelson has been on the shelf all season, he'll be eligible for activation as soon as May 29 after shifting to the 60-day IL, but he doesn't look as though he'll be ready to go by that date. After undergoing Tommy John surgery in August 2021, Nelson was eased along slowly in spring training before he was cleared to begin a minor-league rehab assignment in late April. However, Nelson made just one appearance in the minors before he was shut down from throwing after experiencing an apparent setback in his recovery from elbow surgery, per Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports. The Dodgers haven't provided an update regarding when Nelson might be ready to resume a throwing progression.

The Dodgers optioned Bruihl to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Wednesday.

Bruihl's demotion is a case of the Dodgers needing a fresh arm out of the bullpen after the right-hander had appeared in three straight games, including a two-inning outing Tuesday. Dylan Covey was called up from Triple-A to take Bruihl's spot in the bullpen.

The Giants moved Manaea to the bullpen prior to Tuesday's 4-3 win over the Phillies, John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Manaea was spotted warming up while the Giants were nursing a 4-2 lead in the eighth inning, but he ultimately went unused. At least in the short term, the Giants are likely to limit Manaea's usage to lower-leverage spots or lefty-on-lefty matchups after he's stumbled to a 7.96 ERA and 1.77 WHIP across 26 innings in his first eight outings (six starts) since signing a two-year, $25 million deal during the offseason. Ross Stripling will stick in the rotation over Manaea now that the Giants have five healthy starters again following Alex Wood's recent return from the injured list.

The Dodgers selected Covey's contract from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Wednesday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Covey has made seven appearances for Oklahoma City in 2023, logging a 4.22 ERA and 1.44 WHIP over 32 innings. The right-hander will provide a fresh arm for the Dodgers' bullpen with the ability to work multiple innings.

Arizona recalled Frias from Triple-A Reno on Wednesday.

Frias has struggled mightily thus far at the major-league level, holding a 10.23 ERA with 23 walks over 23 innings covering 20 appearances from 2021 through 2023. He's had a dominant season at Reno, however, and will give Arizona a fresh bullpen arm.

Strzelecki tossed 1.1 scoreless innings and picked up his 10th hold of the season in Tuesday's victory over the Cardinals.

Strzelecki allowed three runners to reach base, but he also kept the opponent off the scoreboard for the 17th time in 20 appearances this season. Save for an outing in early May in which he allowed five earned runs, Strzelecki has been outstanding out of the Brewers' bullpen, and he will continue holding down the setup role in front of closer Devin Williams.

Payamps tossed 1.2 scoreless innings of relief and picked up the win in Tuesday's victory over the Cardinals. He allowed two hits and posted a 4:1 K:BB in the outing.

The Brewers were forced to extend their bullpen after starter Wade Miley (lat) left the game in the second inning, and Payamps was summoned in the fifth frame for the first time all season. He kept the opponent off the scoreboard, and when the Brewers took the lead in the top of the sixth, Payamps was put in position to pick up his second win of the season. He has been about as effective as can be of late, posting a 1.50 ERA, 0.83 WHIP and 16:1 K:BB in 12 innings over his last 10 appearances.

Williams picked up the save in Tuesday's 3-2 win over the Cardinals on Tuesday. He allowed one hit and a walk while striking out two over 1.2 innings.

Williams was called upon to get the Brewers out of some trouble in the eighth inning after coming in to replace Peter Strzelecki with runners on first and second and one out. The 28-year-old recorded his first save of more than an inning this season and is now a perfect 6-for-6 in save chances. He owns a 0.64 ERA, 0.79 WHIP and 19:4 K:BB over 14 innings.

McGough (0-4) took the loss in Tuesday's 9-8 extra-innings loss to the Athletics. He allowed one unearned run on two hits and three walks (two intentional) while striking out four over 2.1 innings.

McGough worked the extra frames for Arizona, throwing a career high in innings and pitches (49). After escaping jams in the 10th and 11th, the right hander was unable to wriggle out of one in the 12th. McGough has a 4.50 ERA (5.48 FIP) with 22 strikeouts and eight walks over 22 innings.