MLB Player News

Cousins (elbow) was transferred to the 60-day injured list Wednesday.

Cousins has been on the shelf nearly a month since being diagnosed with a UCL injury in his right elbow, and the shift to the 60-day IL won't affect his return timeline. The 27-year-old has opted against Tommy John surgery and received a PRP injection a couple weeks ago, and he's in Arizona going through his rest and rehab work before progressing to a throwing program.

Hudson is likely to serve as the Dodgers' fill-in closer for any potential save situation Wednesday versus Pittsburgh since Craig Kimbrel is unavailable while addressing his mechanics, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Hudson picked up a save during his previous appearance Saturday against the Diamondbacks, and he'll likely be called upon Wednesday should another opportunity arise. The right-hander has three saves and six holds along with a 2.25 ERA, 0.81 WHIP and 18:3 K:BB across 16 innings this season. Kimbrel is expected to be available again Thursday, so it'll be a brief window as the fill-in closer for Hudson.

Wittgren recorded the last out of Wednesday's 5-2 win over the Padres, earning a save.

Kodi Whitley allowed a solo home run to Luke Voit and then loaded the bases with two outs. Wittgren entered the game and got Robinson Cano to fly out to end the threat. While this was his first save of the season, Wittgren's seen some high-leverage work with four holds in 22 appearances. He's been shaky with a 5.30 ERA, 1.61 WHIP and 9:8 K:BB in 18.2 innings -- Giovanny Gallegos and Ryan Helsley are most likely to see the closing assignments going forward, but both of them had pitched Monday and Tuesday.

Manager Dave Roberts said Kimbrel is unavailable Wednesday against the Pirates while attempting to clean up some of his mechanics, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Kimbrel last pitched Monday and blew the save against the Pirates, and he's given up runs in each of his past three outings. The right-hander's delivery has become too rotational, according to Roberts, so the veteran closer is taking a couple days off in an attempt to right the ship. Kimbrel is expected back on the mound by at least Friday, so he could also be available for any potential save situation Thursday versus the Mets. Daniel Hudson is the likely bet to step in for a save chance Wednesday, should one arise.

Hudson (4-2) allowed a run on four hits and a walk with three strikeouts in seven innings, earning the win Wednesday over the Padres.

Hudson had missed the five-inning mark in three of his last four starts, but he bounced back with his longest outing of the year Wednesday. The lone run on his line came from a Manny Machado RBI single in the first inning. This was also just the second time in 10 starts that Hudson's issued less than two walks -- the first time was in his season debut. He's done fairly well despite the shaky command, posting a 2.96 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 28:24 K:BB through 51.2 innings this year. He'll look to build off of this strong outing next week in a road start versus the Rays.

Rucker (toe) was reinstated from the 15-day injured list Wednesday.

Rucker was on the injured list since May 19, but he recently made a rehab appearance at Triple-A Iowa and allowed a hit and a walk while striking out one in a scoreless inning. The right-hander should reclaim his role as a low-leverage reliever in the Cubs' bullpen.

Rodriguez (elbow) was recalled from Triple-A Iowa and placed on the 60-day injured list Wednesday.

Rodriguez has been on the 7-day minor-league injured list with a right elbow strain since April 14, and Wednesday's move will clear a spot on the Cubs' 40-man roster. The right-hander will be eligible to return in mid-June, but it seems likely that he'll head back to the minors once he's cleared for game action.

Long was recalled from Triple-A Sacramento on Wednesday.

Long was sent to the minors in early May, and he posted a 4.91 ERA and 1.55 WHIP in 7.1 innings over five relief appearances in Sacramento. He's made nine appearances (three starts) for the Giants this year and should take on a bullpen role during his current stint with the major-league club.

Pop was recalled from Triple-A Jacksonville to serve as the 27th man in Wednesday's doubleheader against the Rockies, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Pop was sent to the minors in early May, and he posted a 4.70 ERA and 1.70 WHIP in 7.2 innings over seven relief appearances in Jacksonville since then. The right-hander will provide additional bullpen depth during Wednesday's twin bill before likely heading back to the minors.

Rolison (shoulder) hasn't made as much progress in his recovery as the Rockies had hoped, so he'll visit a specialist next week, Danielle Allentuck of The Denver Gazette reports.

Rolison was placed on the 60-day injured list with a left shoulder strain at the end of spring training, but his injury hasn't improved much over the last several weeks. A better idea of the left-hander's status will likely come into focus after he's examined by a specialist.