MLB Player News

Doval allowed a hit and struck out three in a scoreless inning to earn the save in Thursday's 4-2 win over the Cubs.

This was Doval's second appearance since the All-Star break -- the Giants' seven-game losing streak entering Thursday had limited the need for manager Gabe Kapler to deploy the closer. Through 8.1 innings in July, Doval's been a little shaky, allowing four runs (two earned), eight hits and four walks while racking up 12 strikeouts. He's 13-for-15 in save chances with a 2.81 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 52:17 K:BB across 41.2 innings this season. This was the 25-year-old's first save in a month.

Dominguez recorded two outs without allowing a baserunner to earn his sixth save of the season Thursday against the Pirates.

The Phillies entered the ninth inning with a comfortable 8-2 lead, but Jeurys Familia allowed five earned runs on four hits and a walk to make the game interesting. Dominguez managed to get the last two outs of the contest without incident to record his sixth save of the season. Though the Phillies have used a committee to fill the closer role, Dominguez has converted three of the team's last four saves. He's been in good form across the last month, maintaining a 2.00 ERA with a 9:4 K:BB in nine innings.

Alzolay (lat) is expected to throw live batting practice in about a week, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Alzolay has been throwing bullpen sessions during the past week at the Cubs' extended spring training facility. He's nearing the next stage in his recovery but will need a few rehab assignments before being activated from the injured list. If things stay on track, Alzolay could return to make a few starts prior to the close of the regular season.

Treinen (shoulder) will face hitters Thursday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Manager Dave Roberts said Tuesday that Treinen wouldn't face live hitters for at least a couple more weeks, but the right-hander has ultimately been cleared to make that step Friday. The team is still targeting a return sometime in late August, so he'll likely require a rehab assignment prior to rejoining the Dodgers' bullpen.

Littell (oblique) will begin a rehab assignment at Single-A San Jose on Friday, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Littell has been on the injured list since early July due to his left oblique strain but is closing in on a return. It's not yet clear how many rehab appearances the right-hander will require before he's able to rejoin the Giants' bullpen, but it's possible that he'll be activated as early as next week.

Kahnle (forearm) isn't expected to be back with the Dodgers until at least September, the Associated Press reports.

Kahnle went on the injured list with a right forearm strain May 17. He was able to resume throwing in late June but isn't close to getting back with the big-league club. Kahnle has pitched only five major-league innings since 2019, so Los Angeles will likely be cautious in bringing him back from his latest injury.

Graterol (shoulder) will throw a bullpen session in Colorado this weekend, Matthew Moreno of Dodger Blue reports.

Graterol has been on the injured list with right shoulder inflammation since July 14, and he began playing catch last week. The right-hander has apparently progressed enough to soon throw from a mound, and a rehab stint may come soon thereafter. Graterol will likely retain a prominent place in the bullpen pecking order upon his return to the Dodgers.

Castano (concussion) underwent a CT scan after Thursday's start against the Reds that came back normal, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Castano has been diagnosed with a mild concussion and a forehead contusion after being hit by a comebacker in the first inning of Thursday's matchup. It wouldn't be surprising to see him at least require a trip to the 7-day injured list, but the fact his CT scan was normal is certainly encouraging. The Marlins' rotation has been shorthanded in recent weeks, but it's possible that Jesus Luzardo (forearm) will be able to rejoin the team next week.

Smith (lat) was placed on the 15-day injured list Thursday, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

Smith underwent an MRI on Wednesday that revealed a right lat strain and will be forced to miss at least two weeks due to his injury. It's not yet clear whether the Mets expect him to spend more than the minimum of 15 days on the IL, but it wouldn't be surprising to see the team seek out additional bullpen depth ahead of the Aug. 2 trade deadline.

Smith was diagnosed with a right lat strain after undergoing an MRI on Wednesday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Smith will be headed to the 15-day injured list, but since the Mets are off Thursday, the transaction likely won't be made official until Friday. The right-hander will be eligible to return from the IL on Aug. 9, though injuries of these sort typically necessitate a longer recovery timeline. With that in mind, the Mets could be eager to add extra bullpen depth ahead of the Aug. 2 trade deadline, as Smith had been one of the team's most-trusted relief arms this season with a 3.51 ERA and 14 holds across 41 innings.