MLB Player News

Beede allowed three runs on two hits and struck out two in one inning versus Washington on Saturday. He also hit a batter.

Making his first major-league appearance since March 2020 Tommy John surgery, Beede had some struggles with control. He allowed a single to Gerardo Parra and hit Tres Barrera with a pitch before getting his two strikeouts. The right-hander then gave up a triple to Alcides Escobar, who scored on a wild pitch. Beede posted a 6.56 ERA and 1.93 WHIP in 35.2 innings with Triple-A Sacramento while on his rehab assignment, and it may take him some time to settle in at the major-league level. As such, expect the 28-year-old to serve as a bulk reliever or spot starter in the second half of the season.

Manager Derek Shelton confirmed that Kranick will return to Triple-A Indianapolis after serving as the club's 27th man during Saturday's doubleheader, Jake Crouse of MLB.com reports. Kranick took the loss while starting Game 2, allowing three runs on four hits and three walks across three innings. He punched out five.

Kranick will return to Indianapolis for the time being, but it seems possible that he could be back with the big club to make a start soon after the All-Star break. The right-hander will likely make a start at some point with Indianapolis next week before Pittsburgh determines his next steps.

Manager Mike Shildt said Saturday that Hicks (elbow) has resumed playing catch but remains a ways away from full participation in baseball activities, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Shildt wouldn't rule out the possibility of Hicks not returning this season, though he didn't necessarily hint at that being the most likely scenario either. The right-hander still has a long way to go until he's even able to throw off a mound, so for the time being, a mid-to-late August return seems to be a best-case scenario.

Uceta was placed on the 10-day injured list Saturday with a left lumbar strain, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Uceta was recalled from Oklahoma City on July 4 and wound up allowing five earned runs across three appearances (2.1 innings). It's not entirely clear when or how the lumbar strain was suffered, but it will keep him on the shelf until at least July 20. Given the right-hander's struggles since being recalled, it's definitely possible that he's optioned back to the minors when he ready to return.

Gonzalez (foot) threw a bullpen session at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, J.P. Hoornstra of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.

Gonzalez will be eligible to return from a battle with plantar fasciitis when the Dodgers return from the All-Star break Friday. The club hasn't officially confirmed that he'll do so, but the fact that he's already throwing bullpens nearly a week before that date bodes well for his timeline.

Knehr was optioned to Triple-A El Paso on Saturday.

Knehr was recalled from Double-A San Antonio to start in place of Blake Snell (sick) on Friday. He did not factor in the decision while allowing two runs on three hits and four walks across 3.2 innings. He'll now get his first taste of Triple-A with El Paso, and he figures to be an option for another spot start with the Friars later this season.

Strahm (knee) threw a simulated game Saturday, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Strahm has been out all year while working his way back from October knee surgery. He appears to be closing in on a return, but he could need a handful of rehab appearances given the length of his absence.

The Pirates recalled Kranick from Triple-A Indianapolis to start Game 2 of Saturday's doubleheader against the Mets.

As expected, Kranick will pitch the nightcap in his second start for the Pirates this season. The first start was fantastic, as he lasted five perfect innings and struck out three before a rain delay ended his afternoon.

The Phillies recalled Hammer from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Saturday, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Hammer has a 1.74 ERA and 1.14 WHIP in 20.2 relief innings with the IronPigs this season. He last appeared in the big leagues in 2019, appearing in 20 games for the Phillies and posting a 3.79 ERA. Odubel Herrera (ankle) was placed on the injured list in a corresponding move Saturday.

The Mets recalled Hartlieb from Triple-A Syracuse to be the 27th man in Saturday's doubleheader.

Hartlieb, whom the Mets claimed off waivers Thursday, had a 7.71 ERA in 4.2 innings with the Pirates this season. He'll provide some added bullpen depth in Saturday's games before likely returning to the minors after the doubleheader.