MLB Player News

Bickford was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Tuesday, Eric Stephen of SBNation.com reports.

Bickford was sent down by the Dodgers on May 27, but he'll rejoin the major-league club to provide bullpen depth after Craig Kimbrel was placed on the paternity list Tuesday. Over 17 relief appearances in the majors this year, Bickford has posted a 3.45 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in 15.2 innings.

The Dodgers placed Kimbrel on the paternity list Tuesday, Eric Stephen of SBNation.com reports.

Phil Bickford was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City to take Kimbrel's spot in the bullpen, but Daniel Hudson likely represents the top option for saves out of the Dodgers' bullpen while the veteran closer is away from the team. According to MLB rules, players placed on the paternity list have to miss at least 1-to-3 games, so Kimbrel could sit out the Dodgers' entire three-game series with the White Sox that begins Tuesday.

McHugh was placed on the injured list Tuesday after testing positive for COVID-19, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

The reported positive test aligns with the fact that Atlanta declined to specify a reason for McHugh's absence or which particular injured list he landed on. The veteran reliever is reportedly vaccinated, which means he'll be eligible to return whenever the illness has run its course, though it's difficult to say exactly when that will happen. Jacob Webb was acquired from the Diamondbacks for cash considerations and will take McHugh's place on the roster for now.

Atlanta acquired Webb from Arizona on Tuesday in exchange for cash considerations.

Atlanta placed reliever Collin McHugh on the COVID-19-related injured list to open up room on the 40-man roster and 26-man active roster for Webb, who is back with the organization after he was previously waived and claimed by the Diamondbacks in April. Webb has pitched exclusively at the Triple-A level this season, but he supplied a 4.19 ERA and 1.51 WHIP in 34.1 innings with Atlanta in 2021.

Miami optioned Pop to Triple-A Jacksonville on Thursday.

Pop was returned to the minors one day after he was called up to serve as the Marlins' 27th man in the team's doubleheader with the Rockies. He appeared in relief during the Marlins' 14-1 win in Game 1, working two innings and striking out three while giving up an earned run on two hits.

The Pirates placed Peters on the 15-day injured list Monday, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. According to Alex Stumpf of DKPittsburghSports.com, Peters was deactivated due to a back muscle spasm.

The transaction is retroactive to June 3, he'll be eligible to rejoin the Pirates on June 18 if the back problem has subsided by then. Over 16 appearances (four starts) covering 25.2 innings this season, Peters has picked up four wins and three holds while logging a 3.86 ERA and 1.17 WHIP.

Bukauskas (shoulder) had his rehab program paused due to hamstring tightness, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

Bukauskas recently moved from throwing at distance to a bullpen session but may need to restart the process with a new injury.

Hill (1-0) was credited with the win against Milwaukee on Sunday as a result of pitching 1.1 scoreless innings. He allowed one hit and struck out one batter.

The game was tied 3-3 when Hill entered in the eighth inning, but Milwaukee had the bases loaded with two outs. Hill retired Jace Peterson to end the threat, then remained in the game for the ninth frame and set down three straight batters following a leadoff single. Hill earned his first win of the campaign when San Diego pulled ahead in the 10th. The left-hander has notched five holds this season while compiling a 5.40 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 5:3 K:BB across 11.2 innings.

Avila cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A El Paso on Monday.

Avila was sent down after serving as the 27th man during a doubleheader in early May, and he'll now lose his spot on the 40-man roster while remaining in the organization. Over seven appearances (five starts) in El Paso, he's posted an 8.10 ERA and 1.77 WHIP in 23.1 innings.

Morejon (elbow) was reinstated from the 60-day injured list and optioned to Triple-A El Paso on Monday.

Morejon began a rehab assignment May 10 and allowed five runs (four earned) in 10.1 innings over seven appearances (two starts). While the left-hander is now healthy, he'll remain in the minors for now. Morejon has big-league experience as a starter and as a reliever, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him join the Padres at some point this year.