MLB Player News

Howard allowed two runs on four hits and one walk while striking out one over 2.1 innings Monday against the Reds.

Howard made it through the first two innings unscathed, but the Reds struck for a pair in the third, resulting in his departure. The right-hander was added back into the starting rotation for Monday's contest, his first start since June 14, and he figures to stretch back out to a starting role after being temporarily used out of the bullpen. Howard owns a 5.82 ERA with a 27:16 K:BB across 21.2 frames in 2021.

Bard secured the save after giving up one hit in a scoreless inning Monday against Pittsburgh.

Bard was deployed in the ninth with a two-run lead, and after surrendering a leadoff single, he retired the next three batters to collect the save. It was a good sign to see the 36-year-old bounce back after blowing a save in his last outing Friday against Milwaukee, his fifth blown save of the campaign. Bard owns a 4.45 ERA and 1.58 WHIP with 41 punchouts across 32.1 innings on the season following Monday's outing.

Alexander (shoulder) is expected to be activated from the 60-day injured list in early July, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Alexander remains with Triple-A Oklahoma City for the time being, but manager Dave Roberts notes the southpaw will be ready for activation during the first week of July when he becomes eligible. He's been sidelined since May 1 due to left shoulder inflammation.

Megill was recalled from Triple-A Iowa on Monday, Tony Andracki of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Megill made three relief appearances with the Triple-A club after he was sent down in mid-June, and he allowed a run on four hits and a walk while striking out three in three innings. The right-hander will now rejoin the major-league bullpen as a low-leverage reliever after Tommy Nance was sent down Monday.

Nance was optioned to Triple-A Iowa on Monday, Tony Andracki of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Nance tossed 11.1 scoreless innings across his first 12 appearances with the major-league club this year, but he posted a 9.53 ERA in 5.2 innings across his last four appearances. He'll attempt to sort things out in the minors after right-hander Trevor Megill was recalled in a corresponding move.

Weber was optioned to Triple-A Nashville on Monday.

Weber spent just under a week in the Brewers' bullpen, and he tossed a scoreless inning in his lone relief appearance. The right-hander will now head back to the Triple-A level after Pablo Reyes was recalled in a corresponding move.

Hudson (elbow) played catch in the outfield ahead of Monday's game against the Mets, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Hudson played catch for the second time in the last five days, and manager Dave Martinez said that the right-hander is expected to resume mound work Wednesday. While the 34-year-old's progress has been encouraging so far, a better idea of his return timetable could be revealed once he's able to ramp up his throwing program.

Kranick was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Monday, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Kranick tossed five perfect innings in his major-league debut against the Cardinals on Sunday, and general manager Ben Cherington revealed Sunday that the team plans to proceed with a six-man rotation through at least the All-Star break. While the right-hander is a strong candidate to make another start in the near future, he'll head back to the minors after right-hander Cody Ponce was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis.

Reds manager David Bell said Monday that Hoffman (shoulder) will make a third rehab start for Triple-A Louisville later this week, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Hoffman's second rehab outing came Sunday, when he struck out six over four scoreless frames. He was capped at 49 pitches in that outing, so the Reds may want to see him increase his count to the 60-to-75 range before activating him from the 10-day injured list prior to the All-Star break. The Reds have yet to determine Hoffman's role upon returning from the IL, but he would have to settle for bullpen duties if the club opts to keep Vladimir Gutierrez in the rotation.

Gallegos has put together seven straight scoreless appearances during which he's allowed just two hits and forged an 8:0 K:BB across eight innings.

The hard-throwing right-hander also picked up his 12th hold in his most recent appearance Saturday, adding to his status as a key fantasy asset in formats that factor in that metric. Gallegos' 1.98 ERA and 0.66 WHIP are also elite, as is his 5.8 K/BB % across 41 innings.