MLB Player News

Smith registered the save after allowing one hit in a scoreless inning during Game 1 of Monday's doubleheader against the Mets.

Smith allowed the tying run to step to the plate after a one-out single, but he induced a double play to slam the door in a 2-0 shoutout. The southpaw has successfully converted on each of his last four save chances and is 20-for-22 on the year. Smith owns a 3.40 ERA and 1.08 WHIP with a 50:12 K:BB across 39.2 frames in 2021.

Howard was removed in the fourth inning of Monday's game against the Nationals due to an apparent blister issue, Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports. He allowed three runs on six hits and struck out two over 3.2 innings prior to his departure.

Howard's velocity noticeably decreased in the fourth inning and he allowed all three of his runs in the frame prior to leaving with the team trainer. He'll be considered day-to-day until further notice.

Loup will start Game 2 of Monday's doubleheader versus Atlanta, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

Loup will make the second start of his big-league career after delivering two scoreless frames as an opener July 11 against the Pirates. The left-hander is unlikely to pitch much deeper than that Monday, and he has a 1.44 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 37:7 K:BB across 31.1 innings this season.

Dominguez (elbow) is hopeful that he could begin a rehab assignment next week, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Dominguez is nearly a year removed from Tommy John surgery, but his fastball velocity has returned to 93-94 mph. If the right-hander is able to begin his rehab assignment next week, he's hopeful that he could rejoin the Phillies in late August or early September.

Adams retired only one batter Sunday against Miami while allowing four runs on two hits and two walks.

The right-hander has been solid out of the bullpen this season, but he simply did not have his best stuff Sunday. Adams threw only seven of 16 pitches for strikes and walked a pair of batters in addition to giving up a double and a single. The four earned runs he allowed were his most in a single game this season and exceeded the total earned runs he had given up over his previous 41 outings combined. Adams' ERA jumped from 1.82 to 2.83 as a result of the poor performance.

Stephenson (back) was able to complete a long-toss session off flat ground in the outfield Sunday prior to the Rockies' 3-2 loss to the Dodgers, the Associated Press reports.

The right-handed reliever has been on the shelf since late June with upper-back tightness. He could be ready to get back on the mound for a bullpen session during the upcoming week.

Ponce de Leon (shoulder) started Triple-A Memphis' win over Louisville on Sunday, firing two scoreless innings during which he allowed two hits, issued two walks and recorded two strikeouts.

The rehabbing right-hander worked up to 39 pitches, 22 which found the strike zone. Ponce de Leon now has three scoreless frames with the Redbirds under his belt, and with the team's official site reporting the Cardinals would like him to build up to around 50 pitches before activation, it appears very likely the 29-year-old is due for at least one more rehab outing.

Estevez (2-2) was tagged with the loss in relief Sunday against the Dodgers after allowing one run on two hits across one inning.

Estevez hurled the eighth inning and was credited with the loss after allowing the decisive run of the game on a solo homer from star catcher Will Smith. Estevez has now allowed at least one run in three of his last five relief appearances and owns a 6.00 ERA across nine appearances this month.

Bickford (1-1) earned the win in relief Sunday against the Rockies after tossing a scoreless inning, allowing one hit.

Bickford pitched the eighth inning and while he allowed a single from Brendan Rodgers to begin the frame, he settled down quickly and needed just 11 pitches (eight strikes) to retire the side. This was Bickford's third straight scoreless outing, and he owns a 3.60 ERA with a 1.20 WHIP in 13 appearances (10 innings) this month.

Wilson was recalled as expected ahead of his scheduled start in the nightcap of Monday's doubleheader against the Mets.

Wilson will merely be the 27th man for the twin bill, so it's likely he heads right back to the minors following the game. He's still just 23 years old, but he's shown little reason to get excited this year or in any of his other three partial seasons in the big leagues, posting a 6.46 ERA in seven starts this season and a 6.14 ERA in 73.1 innings for his career.