MLB Player News

Helsley (4-4) struck out a batter in 1.1 perfect innings of relief, qualifying for the win in Wednesday's 1-0 victory over the Marlins.

Though his ERA, now 5.86, remains unimpressive, Helsley has now logged four consecutive scoreless relief appearances after yielding two runs in four of his previous six outings. The Cardinals have stuck with the righty as a late-inning option through his struggles and he's beginning to reward them with this string of effective performances. Interestingly, strikeouts have almost been a non-factor in Helsley's recent work, as he's fanned just two hitters in his last seven appearances.

Abbott was recalled from Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday, Maddie Lee of NBC Sports Chicago reports.

The righty has yielded one earned run in 3.1 innings of relief with the big-league club this season. Abbott has struggled at Triple-A, though, pitching to a 6.03 ERA in 31.1 innings. He's been plagued by the long ball, allowing eight at that level in 2021. Abbott may be called upon for some middle-relief work Wednesday, as spot starter Robert Stock is not expected to have an extended outing against the Mets.

The Cubs optioned Megill to Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday, Gordon Wittenmyer of NBC Sports Chicago reports.

The move was necessary to make room on the roster for Wednesday's spot starter Robert Stock. Megill has yet to allow a run in 2021, albeit in just three innings of relief work, so it wouldn't be surprising to see him back on the big-league roster in the near future, perhaps in the coming days if Stock's start isn't spectacular.

Davidson (forearm) will be shut down for 10 days before he's re-evaluated, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

Davidson recently underwent an MRI to determine the extent of his injury, but his test confirmed that he's only dealing with forearm inflammation. The southpaw appears to have avoided a significant injury, but he'll likely miss several turns through the rotation since he'll be idle for at least 10 days. A better idea of Davidson's return timetable could be known once he's able to resume throwing.

Weber was claimed off waivers by the Brewers on Wednesday.

Weber was designated for assignment by Boston on Monday, and he's now been assigned to Triple-A Nashville to begin his time with his new organization. The right-hander allowed 11 runs on 13 hits and two walks while striking out seven in 5.2 innings during his time with the Red Sox but could join Milwaukee's major-league bullpen at some point. Right-hander Chad Sobotka was outrighted to Triple-A Nashville to make room for Weber on the 40-man roster.

Hoffman (shoulder) has been throwing bullpen sessions at Triple-A Louisville this week and is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment with the affiliate next week, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Hoffman, who hasn't pitched since May 27 due to right shoulder soreness, will likely make one or two rehab starts for Louisville while the Reds weigh whether to bring him back as a member of the rotation or bullpen once he's activated. Before landing on the shelf, the right-hander was serviceable but unspectacular over his 10 starts, posting a 4.61 ERA and 1.59 WHIP over 41 innings. Meanwhile, Vladimir Gutierrez (2.74 ERA and 1.09 through four starts) has been impressive as Hoffman's replacement in the rotation, and his quality work may be enough to keep him ahead of Hoffman in the pecking order when both are healthy.

Soriano (elbow) underwent revision Tommy John surgery Tuesday, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.

Soriano underwent Tommy John surgery in February of 2020 and had been recovering since then. He began a rehab assignment in mid-May but suffered a setback in early June after he experienced some discomfort in his surgically repaired right elbow. The right-hander will now face a 16-month recovery timetable following Tuesday's procedure, so he'll likely miss the entire 2022 campaign.

Atlanta placed Davidson on the 10-day injured list Wednesday due to left forearm inflammation.

Davidson was removed from his start Tuesday against the Red Sox with an initial diagnosis of right forearm tightness, but the team wanted to send him in for an MRI to determine the extent of his injury. Based on Atlanta's updated injury designation, Davidson appears to have avoided a forearm strain, which would have required a longer recovery timeline than inflammation. While Davidson doesn't look to be in line for an extended absence, he'll still be idle for at least a few days while he waits for the inflammation to subside. Once Davidson is cleared to throw again, Atlanta should have a better idea on a timeline for his return from the IL.

The Padres optioned Weathers to Triple-A El Paso prior to Wednesday's game against the Rockies.

San Diego recently moved from a six-man to a five-man rotation, resulting in Weathers shifting to a bullpen role. Because the Padres are still keen on developing Weathers as a starter long term, he'll head to Triple-A for the time being so as to remain on a normal throwing schedule. Weathers is presumably the first pitcher in line to join the big-league rotation if one of the Padres' five starters should miss time at any point.

Long allowed four runs on five hits and a walk with three strikeouts in five innings in Tuesday's win over Arizona. He did not factor in the decision.

Long worked behind opener Zack Littell on Tuesday, but it was Long who recorded the first out for San Francisco's pitching staff. The 25-year-old wasn't very effective while on the mound, but he was not in line for a decision. Long threw 65 pitches (46 strikes) in the outing. He could continue to work behind an opener going forward, and he lines up to pitch again in some capacity this weekend versus Philadelphia.