MLB Player News

Hoffman was placed on the injured list for an unspecified reason Friday.

Since the Reds didn't provide an injury designation for Hoffman on Friday, it seems likely that he's on the COVID-19 injured list. Assuming that's the case, he'll be eligible to return as soon as he clears the league's health and safety protocols, but his return timetable depends on whether he's tested positive for the virus. Right-hander Jared Solomon was recalled to take Hoffman's place in the rotation.

Naughton was recalled by the Cardinals on Friday.

Naughton has already spent four separate stints on the major-league roster. His numbers haven't necessarily justified a permanent stay, as he owns a 5.40 ERA in 13.1 innings of work, though his 1.8 percent walk rate at least demonstrates strong control. He'll replace Drew VerHagen in the bullpen, who hit the injured list with a shoulder issue Friday.

VerHagen (shoulder) was placed on the 15-day injured list Friday.

While it's not yet clear how long VerHagen has been dealing with his shoulder injury, he hasn't been particularly effective recently, as he's allowed 10 runs (nine earned) on 13 hits and four walks while striking out seven in 5.2 innings over his last seven appearances. The right-hander will be forced to miss at least two weeks due to his injury, while Packy Naughton was recalled to take VerHagen's place in the bullpen.

Hudson (5-4) took the loss against Milwaukee on Thursday, allowing five runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out two batters in 4.1 innings.

Home runs were responsible for most of the damage against Hudson in the loss, as a three-run shot by Tyrone Taylor in the fourth inning and a solo blast by Willy Adames in the fifth largely did him in. The right-hander was somewhat fortunate that things didn't get further out of hand, as Milwaukee failed to capitalize on a no-out, bases-loaded situation in the third frame. Hudson also continued to struggle with his control, issuing multiple walks for the 11th time in 14 outings this season. His 3.72 ERA isn't terrible, but fantasy managers should be wary of his 1.35 WHIP and 35 walks, which are third-most in the majors.

Hader picked up a save against the Cardinals on Thursday, striking out two batters in a perfect ninth inning.

Hader's dominance has come to be expected at this point, so the impressive two-strikeout perfect inning feels merely run-of-the-mill. In fact, the left-hander has struck out multiple batters in five of his past seven outings -- each of which has been exactly one inning in length. Hader has left no doubt about his status as the league's best closer, tying for the MLB lead with 21 saves while posting a minuscule 0.83 ERA and 0.60 WHIP along with an absurd 36:6 K:BB across 21.2 innings.

Scott allowed one hit but struck out three across a scoreless ninth inning to earn the save Thursday against the Rockies.

Scott allowed a one-out single but otherwise looked dominant to pick up his seventh save of the season. He has tallied each of Miami's last six saves and has allowed three earned runs -- all in one appearance -- across 8.2 innings as the closer. Scott's 16 walks across 28 total frames remain a concern, but his 45 strikeouts indicate he has the stuff to succeed in a ninth-inning role.

Jansen allowed a solo home run and struck out one to earn his 19th save of the season Thursday against the Giants.

Jansen entered the game with a two-run lead and retired the first two batters he faced without incident. He coughed up a solo home run to Joc Pederson but was still able to secure his 18th save of the season. Jansen has allowed only two earned runs across nine innings in June, also maintaining a 12:0 K:BB.

Robertson allowed one run on one hit across an inning of work to blow the save in Thursday's extra-inning loss to the Pirates.

With the Cubs up 7-6 heading into the bottom of the eighth inning, Robertson got the call from the bullpen, but he promptly allowed a game-tying home run to Michael Chavis to start the frame. It was the third blown save of the season for the veteran in 11 opportunities. Despite those hiccups, Robertson has been solid with a 2.03 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 36 strikeouts across 26.2 innings.

Coonrod (shoulder) will throw a bullpen session Saturday, Alex Coffey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Coonrod was diagnosed with a shoulder strain in late March and has yet to appear in a game this season. He'll likely throw several bullpen sessions before going out on a rehab assignment, so he may not return until mid-July.

Morejon was placed on the 15-day injured list with left shoulder inflammation Thursday.

Morejon returned from Tommy John surgery in early June and also spent time on the COVID-19 injured list. He's been effective when available, allowing only two earned runs across 4.2 frames while picking up a win Wednesday. Given his already significant history of arm injuries, this is a concerning development.