MLB Player News

Cousins was placed on the COVID-19 injured list Saturday.

Per Adam McCalvy of MLB.com, Cousins has tested positive for the virus himself. That indicates he'll miss more than just a day or two, though exactly when he'll return is unclear.

Ponce de Leon (shoulder) will throw a side session Saturday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Ponce de Leon recently made three rehab starts at Triple-A Memphis, and he built up to three innings during his most recent appearance. Based on how he feels after Saturday's throwing session, the Cardinals will determine whether the right-hander will resume his rehab assignment or throw an additional live BP prior to rejoining the major-league club. However, Ponce de Leon is expected to remain on the injured list until at least next weekend.

Moore will be a reliever for the Phillies going forward, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

The veteran had pitched fairly well before allowing six runs in his last two starts, which ballooned his ERA to 6.46 in 46 innings this season. Given his struggles, Moore doesn't figure to get any high-leverage opportunities out of the bullpen. Ranger Suarez will serve as Moore's replacement in the starting rotation.

White will get the start Saturday against the Diamondbacks, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.

White has plenty of starting experience in his career and has reached four innings in a major-league appearance and five in the minors this season, but he might not be asked to pitch too deep into this contest after throwing two innings against the Giants on Wednesday. White owns a 3.54 ERA in 20.1 innings at the highest level this season.

Wilson was activated by the Pirates on Saturday, Alex Stumpf of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

Wilson was dealt from Atlanta to Pittsburgh on Friday as part of the package for Richard Rodriguez, and he'll claim a major-league roster spot. The 23-year-old served as a starter in each of his eight big-league appearances with Atlanta this year and posted a 5.88 ERA and 1.69 WHIP in 33.2 innings. The Pirates haven't specified how they'll use Wilson, but he could be utilized as a long reliever for now.

Thompson was added to the Nationals' 26-man roster Saturday and will be available to pitch against the Cubs, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

One of several prospects acquired in the Nationals' trade deadline teardown, Thompson will be available to debut with his new club after appearing in only four games for the Padres this season, the most recent of which was July 1.

Weathers (4-3) took the loss against Colorado on Friday, pitching four innings and allowing eight runs on eight hits and three walks while striking out two.

A grand slam off the bat of Ryan McMahon put Weathers and the Padres in an early hole, and Colorado tacked on four more runs by way of two two-run homers in the fourth frame to blow things open. The eight runs allowed by Weathers were double his previous 2021 single-game season high. The left-hander's ERA jumped from 2.73 to 3.65 as a result of the poor outing, but he'll try to bounce back in his next start, which is expected to come at home against Arizona next weekend.

Helsley (6-4) was credited with the win in a victory over the Twins on Friday, allowing two hits and recording two strikeouts over 1.1 scoreless innings.

Helsley served as the bridge to the eighth inning after taking over for starter Wade LeBlanc with two outs in the sixth. The 27-year-old right-hander has encountered some rough patches this season, but he's been in a nice groove for quite some time -- factoring in Friday's scoreless effort, Helsley now boasts a 3-0 record, 1.89 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and three holds over the 19 innings covering his last nine appearances.

Long was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento on Saturday, Kerry Crowley of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Long tossed two scoreless innings in his return from the 10-day injured list Wednesday, but he'll be sent to the minors after he gave up three runs (two earned) on a hit and a walk in a third of an inning Friday. His demotion will make room in the bullpen for Tony Watson, who was acquired via trade Friday.

Crowe (3-5) allowed one hit and four walks while striking out four in six scoreless innings to earn the win against the Phillies on Friday.

Crowe hadn't allowed fewer than two earned runs in any of his outings since April 25, but he worked through some command issues Friday to earn his second straight win. The righty only tossed 53 of his 92 pitches for strikes and got into some trouble when he issued three walks in the top of the fourth inning, but he still kept the Phillies from crossing the plate. Across three starts since the All-Star break, Crowe has recorded a 3.24 ERA and 1.14 WHIP in 16.2 innings. He tentatively lines up to make his next start on the road against Milwaukee on Wednesday.