MLB Player News

Nelson (hamstring) was activated from the 15-day injured list Thursday and optioned to Double-A Reading.

Nelson is fully recovered from the left hamstring strain that he suffered in mid-March, but the Phillies don't have a spot for him right now on their active roster. He had been getting stretched out for a starting role on his minor-league rehab assignment, so he'll likely step into Reading's rotation.

McArthur was designated for assignment by the Phillies on Thursday.

This move clears out a 40-man roster spot for Jeff Hoffman, who is joining the Phillies' bullpen. McArthur posted a 7.31 ERA in 16 innings (four starts, one relief appearance) this season at Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Marte was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Thursday.

With the promotion of Jeff Hoffman to the major-league squad, Marte will head to the minors to make room on the roster. Marte hasn't found much success in the majors this season, allowing 10 earned runs through just five innings of work, and he will likely remain in Triple-A until he shows signs of improvement.

Hoffman had his contract selected by the Phillies on Thursday.

Hoffman triggered the opt-out clause in his minor-league contract with Philly earlier this week, forcing the hand of the reigning NL champs. He racked up 16 strikeouts through nine innings of relief this season at Triple-A Lehigh Valley but was holding an overall 7.00 ERA. The right-hander figures to operate in a low-leverage bullpen role.

Hoffman exercised the opt-out clause in his minor-league contract with the Phillies earlier this week, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Hoffman has yet to be officially released, so perhaps the two sides were able to come to a new agreement. If not, he will soon become a free agent. The 30-year-old right-hander has flashed improved velocity this season with Triple-A Lehigh Valley but was sporting an ugly 7.00 ERA through nine innings of relief in the International League.

Finnegan (1-1) earned the win Thursday against the Cubs after he allowed a hit and a walk in a scoreless ninth inning. He struck out two.

Finnegan entered for the top of the ninth inning with the game tied 3-3 and gave up a walk and a double to Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki, respectively, to start the frame, but the righty retired the next three batters to preserve the tie. Alex Call then led off the bottom of the frame with a walkoff home run. Finnegan pitched each of the past three days -- notching two saves in addition to Thursday's win -- so he may not be available for Friday's series opener against the Diamondbacks. Carl Edwards and Mason Thompson are likely the next men up should a save chance arise Friday, since Hunter Harvey also pitched the past three days.

Boxberger (0-1) was charged with the loss Thursday against the Nationals after he gave up a walkoff home run to the first batter he faced.

The veteran right-hander entered for the bottom of the ninth inning with the game tied 3-3, and Alex Call took him deep on the first pitch to end the game. It's just the third time in 13 outings that Boxberger has been scored upon, and he has a 4.09 ERA and a 9:6 K:BB in 11 frames. He's tallied just two saves but should still have a clear leg up on Michael Fulmer for closing duties.

Lambert was recalled Thursday from Triple-A Albuquerque.

He will replace Dinelson Lamet (back) in the Rockies' bullpen ahead of Thursday's series finale against the visiting Brewers. Lambert spent some time in the majors last month but did not make an appearance.

Lamet was placed on the 15-day injured list Thursday with lower-back stiffness.

Lamet has been hammered for 16 runs -- 15 earned -- on 14 hits and 12 walks through 10.2 innings of relief this season with the Rockies. He'll likely head on a minor-league rehab assignment before returning to try to get into a better groove.

Banda cleared waivers and was outrighted Thursday to Triple-A Rochester, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

Banda was designated for assignment by the Nationals on Sunday after allowing five earned runs on nine hits and five walks through seven innings of relief to begin the 2023 season. The 29-year-old will remain part of the organization for now but is no longer on the 40-man roster.