MLB Player News

Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said Wednesday that Mlodzinski (shoulder) has resumed his throwing program and is close to facing live hitters in batting practice and simulated games, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.

The 22-year-old right-hander has been out of action at High-A Greensboro since June 10 with a right shoulder injury. He appears to be trending well in his recovery, but he'll still have a few more hurdles to clear before Greensboro activates him from the 7-day injured list. Assuming he avoids any further setbacks, Mlodzinski could slot back into the Greensboro rotation as early as the second half of August.

Kranick was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Wednesday, Jake Crouse of MLB.com reports.

Kranick made two starts in his most recent major-league stint, and he allowed nine runs on 15 hits and four walks while striking out seven in nine innings. The right-hander will attempt to sort things out in the minors after Steven Brault (lat) was reinstated from the 60-day IL on Wednesday.

Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said Wednesday that Howard (oblique) has started slope and mound progression as he works his way through a throwing program, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.

Howard incurred no setbacks with his right oblique strain while increasing his throwing distance off flat ground over the past couple weeks, so he'll take the next step forward in his rehab process. Once Howard completes a few higher-intensity bullpen sessions featuring his full arsenal, he'll then advance to facing hitters in live batting practice or simulated games before heading out on a rehab assignment. The lefty reliever appears unlikely to come off the 10-day injured list until the second half of August.

Axford is dealing with significant structural damage in his elbow and won't pitch again in 2021, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Axford made his first major-league appearance since 2018 against the Pirates on Monday, but he was forced to exit the outing. The 38-year-old underwent an MRI that revealed his diagnosis, and he's currently evaluating his treatment options. However, he won't be cleared to pitch again until at least sometime in 2022.

Patterson had Tommy John surgery during spring training and will be out until sometime next summer, Kyle Glaser of Baseball America reports.

While Patterson was invited to the alternate training site last season, he isn't really a prospect of note for dynasty leagues. The 26-year-old lefty profiles as a reliever long term.

Bednar (3-1) threw two hitless innings of relief in an 8-5, 10-inning win over Milwaukee on Tuesday. He struck out two batters without issuing a walk.

The hard-throwing righty entered the game in the ninth inning of a 5-5 tie. Bednar followed Chris Stratton, who failed to protect a seventh-inning lead. Tuesday's slotting of relief pitchers gave some insight into how the Bucs might handle late-inning situations, with Stratton setting up for Bednar. Bednar and Stratton both threw more than 20 pitches Tuesday, however, so they'll likely be on a tight pitch-count Wednesday.

Floro gave up one run on two hits in the ninth inning Tuesday to record his fourth save of the season in a 5-4 win over the Mets. He didn't walk or strike out a batter.

The outing wasn't as clean as Monday's, perhaps not surprising considering he's pitched three days in a row, but Floro still got the job done as the Marlins' apparent new closer. The 30-year-old sports a 2.64 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 40:18 K:BB through 44.1 innings on the season.

Kranick allowed three earned runs on five hits and three walks while striking out four across four innings Tuesday against the Brewers. He did not factor into the decision.

Kranick labored throughout the start, as he allowed multiple baserunners in two innings and managed only one clean frame. He struggled to throw strikes consistently, with only 48 of his 82 pitches finding the zone, and he was fortunate the bases were empty when he served up a home run to Willy Adames. Since throwing five perfect innings in his major-league debut, Kranick has allowed 17 earned runs across 15 innings in four subsequent appearances.

Alvarado earned the save against the Nationals on Tuesday after tossing a perfect inning with a pair of strikeouts.

The left-hander turned in an effective outing, sending Tres Barrera and Riley Adams down on strikes while protecting a one-run lead. The Phillies have had their share of ninth-inning woes this season, and despite Alvarado's sharp performance Tuesday, the recently acquired Ian Kennedy is expected to get the bulk of the save opportunities moving forward. On the year, Alvarado has compiled a 4.58 ERA and 1.70 WHIP with four saves.

Jackson will make his Triple-A debut for Oklahoma City in Round Rock on Tuesday.

The right-hander was impressive at Double-A Tulsa this year, earning his promotion with a 3.27 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 75:20 K:BB over 63.1 innings. Jackson is unlikely to see the majors this season, given he's about to receive his first taste of Triple-A, but it remains a possibility if he continues to pitch well.