MLB Player News

Peters (elbow) threw in Philadelphia on Friday, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports.

It's not yet clear whether Peters threw off a mound, but this is confirmation he's been cleared to resume a throwing program. A timetable for his return isn't yet known, but manager Derek Shelton hopes that the southpaw will be able to rejoin the Pirates' bullpen prior to the end of the regular season.

Bednar (back) threw Friday in Philadelphia, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports.

Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said in mid-August that Bednar was close to starting a throwing program, and the right-hander has now been cleared to make that step. He'll likely have to ramp up his intensity before he's in the mix to rejoin the Pirates, but manager Derek Shelton hopes that Bednar will be able to return prior to the end of the regular season.

Long was recalled from Triple-A Sacramento and placed on the 60-day injured list Friday due to a right oblique strain.

Long was sent to the minors in early August but will be forced to miss the remainder of the 2022 season due to his oblique injury. The team planned to stretch him out as a starter following his demotion, so it's not yet clear what role he'll play if he's deemed healthy in time for spring training 2023.

Szapucki was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento on Friday.

Szapucki was called up by the Giants in mid-August, and he posted a 2.25 ERA and 1.50 WHIP while striking out seven in four innings over three relief appearances during this stint with the major-league club. However, he'll cede his spot in the bullpen to Scott Alexander, whose contract was selected Friday.

Alexander's contract was selected from Triple-A Sacramento on Friday.

Alexander joined the Giants on a minor-league contract in early May and struck out eight in 7.2 scoreless innings over seven relief appearances at Sacramento. He hasn't pitched in the majors since 2021 but will join the Giants' bullpen after Thomas Szapucki was sent down.

Gott (forearm) started playing catch Friday, Sophia Minnaert of Bally Sports Wisconsin reports.

Gott has been out for just over two weeks with a right forearm strain, but he's taking steps in the right direction. It's unclear if he'll require a rehab assignment before being activated from the injured list.

Castillo was optioned to Triple-A El Paso on Friday.

Castillo was called up by the Padres on Tuesday and allowed a run on a hit and a walk while striking out one in a relief inning Wednesday against the Guardians. However, he'll head back to the minors as part of a move after Yu Darvish was reinstated from the paternity list.

Rodriguez (elbow) was activated off the 60-day injured list Friday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Rodriguez looked like he had an outside shot to close games for the Cubs back in March, but he wound up failing to make the Opening Day roster and suffered a strained elbow after making just two minor-league appearances. He's ready to go after allowing one run while striking out 12 batters across six rehab innings and could theoretically move into a high-leverage role in a wide-open Cubs bullpen if his first few appearances go well.

Naughton was optioned to Triple-A Memphis on Friday.

Naughton has been up with the big-league club since late June, but he'll head back to the minors after recording only one out in each of his past two outings. The 26-year-old has a 5.14 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 28:6 K:BB over 28 innings this season.

Helsley (personal) was activated from the restricted list Friday.

The 28-year-old has been away from the team for the past week following the birth of his first child, but he's back with the Cardinals ahead of Friday's series opener versus Atlanta. Helsley has converted 12 of 15 save chances with a 0.91 ERA, 0.66 WHIP and 72:13 K:BB across 49.2 innings this year, and he should reclaim the closer role now that he's back on the active roster.