MLB Player News

Howard allowed one hit and one walk while striking out two across three scoreless innings Wednesday against the Yankees. He did not factor into the decision.

Howard was slated to serve as an opener, and he worked efficiently to record 12 outs on only 42 pitches. He entered the game with a 5.82 ERA and 1.57 WHIP with 16 walks across 21.1 innings in the major leagues. Given those struggles, this was an encouraging outing for Howard and marked his longest scoreless effort of the campaign. Because Zach Eflin (kneed) is currently on the injured list, Howard could have a chance to take at least one more turn through the rotation.

Underwood (2-3) took the loss versus Arizona on Wednesday. He allowed two runs on three hits and struck out one in one inning.

Underwood was taken deep back-to-back by Pavin Smith and Daulton Varsho, and that was enough to stick the right-hander with the loss. Wednesday was the first time in 31 appearances Underwood allowed multiple homers. He's posted a 5.02 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 48:19 K:BB through 52 innings, but nine of the 29 earned runs he's allowed have come in his last three outings.

Kranick allowed four runs on seven hits and a walk while striking out three over three innings in a no-decision versus Arizona on Wednesday.

The 24-year-old has now made three starts this year, and the last two have been uninspiring. Kranick owns a 5.73 ERA and 1.36 WHIP through 11 innings this season, which suggests he'll be little more than a fill-in starter while Chase De Jong (knee) is on the injured list. Kranick lines up for a home start versus Milwaukee next week if he remains in the rotation.

Garcia did not allow a baserunner in a scoreless 10th inning to earn the save Wednesday against the Nationals.

Garcia was called upon to maintain a two-run lead in the 10th inning and needed only nine pitches to lock down his 14th save of the season. It was his first save since July 3, and he had been shaky in four outings since, allowing five earned runs, seven hits and four walks across just 3.1 innings. Therefore, this was a necessary clean outing for Garcia and may have been enough for him to hang onto the closer role. Anthony Bender picked up a save July 4, and he could be next in line for saves if the team decides to make a change. However, Bender had pitched three of the last four days so he was likely unavailable for this contest.

Hand (5-3) allowed two runs (one earned) on one hit and one walk while striking out none across two innings to take the loss Wednesday against the Marlins.

Hand was called upon to to keep the game tied at 1-1 in the ninth inning, and he did so without allowing a baserunner. However, he ran into trouble in the 10th, walking a batter with one out before allowing a double and subsequent sacrifice fly. Though his trouble originated with the inning-opening runner in extras, Hand has now allowed three earned runs across the 7.1 innings covering his last six appearances while also being tagged with a blown save in that span. Even so, he has a 2.63 ERA with a 40:16 K:BB across 41 innings on the season.

Melancon struck out two batters in a perfect inning, earning the save in Game 1 of Wednesday's doubleheader, a 3-2 win over Atlanta.

The veteran righty leaned heavily on his knuckle curve, throwing seven of them in an easy, 11-pitch seventh inning against the bottom of Atlanta's order. Despite having a couple of tough outings in the past month, Melancon still boasts a 2.20 ERA and has converted 28 of 32 save opportunities this season, maintaining his status as one of the most valuable closers in baseball and fantasy alike.

Hoffman (3-5) took the loss Wednesday as the Reds were routed 7-0 by the Mets, giving up five runs on seven hits and three walks over four innings. He failed to strike out a batter.

The right-hander wasn't really fooling anyone in his first appearance since May 26, as he tossed only 44 of 82 pitches for strikes and served up two homers. Hoffman hadn't allowed multiple homers in any of his 10 starts prior to landing on the IL with a shoulder impingement, but his control and command were both shaky prior to the injury. On the season, he sports a 5.20 ERA and 39:30 K:BB through 45 innings.

Ponce de Leon (shoulder) will start a rehab assignment and throw an inning for Triple-A Memphis on Thursday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

A right shoulder injury has sidelined Ponce de Leon since June 23, at which point he had pitched to a 7.03 ERA in 24.1 innings. It's unclear how many appearances he'll make before being activated, but the Cardinals' desperate need for starting pitching suggests they'll stretch the 29-year-old out a bit to make him a viable option for the rotation.

The Dodgers designated Reed for assignment Wednesday.

Los Angeles will swap Reed off its 40-man roster for outfielder Billy McKinney, whom the Dodgers acquired via trade from the Mets. Reed worked 5.1 innings and gave up two earned runs over his six appearances for the Dodgers before being optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City two days ago.

Howard will start Wednesday against the Yankees in what's expected to be a bullpen game for the Phillies, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Howard, who was recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley earlier in the day, will be pitching on three days' rest after he covered three innings in his most recent start in the minors. Since he only tossed 51 pitches in that outing, Howard should be able to give the Phillies three or four innings if he's efficient Wednesday, but he'll still face an uphill battle to qualify for a win. Cristopher Sanchez is a candidate to cover multiple innings after Howard exits.