MLB Player News

Stephenson (back) is with the Reds on the current road trip, and manager David Bell said he'll be activated soon, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

The 27-year-old wasn't activated for Sunday's series finale in St. Louis, but he seems likely to rejoin the active roster during the four-game set in Milwaukee, which begins Monday. Stephenson made one appearance before landing on the injured list in late July with the back strain.

Helsley (illness) played catch at Busch Stadium with Carlos Martinez (illness) on Friday and is set for a bullpen session Monday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Helsley was one of a multitude of Cardinals players to test positive for COVID-19 in the team's recent outbreak, and he's currently starting the build-up process after recently gaining clearance for baseball activities. Helsley notably threw what was described as an "aggressive" long-toss session Saturday, and the right-hander could play a critical late-inning role down the stretch once he's back in the fold.

Coonrod (lat) was activated off the 10-day injured list Sunday.

The 27-year-old went down with the right lat strain at the end of July, but he's now healthy after spending three-plus weeks on the shelf. Coonrod allowed three runs on four hits with a 2:3 K:BB over his first 3.2 innings of the season.

Mears was optioned to the Pirates' alternate training site Sunday, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

Mears rejoined the big-league club earlier in the week, but his stay in the majors was relatively short. The 23-year-old has allowed two runs on two hits with a 4:7 K:BB over 3.1 innings this season.

Perdomo was optioned to the Brewers' alternate training site Sunday.

The 26-year-old began the season on the injured list and was activated Aug. 11, but he struggled in three appearances with six runs allowed over 2.2 innings. Perdomo did record five strikeouts, but the seven walks were too much to overcome. He could rejoin the team later in the year if he can illustrate improved command at the alternate site.

Feyereisen was recalled from the Brewers' alternate training site Sunday.

Feyereisen cracked the Opening Day roster, but he was sent to the alternate training site in early August after allowing one run over one inning during his lone appearance. Angel Perdomo was optioned to the alternate site Sunday in a corresponding move.

Morejon will start Sunday's game against the Astros, Dennis Lin of The Athletic reports.

The lefty will get another turn through the San Diego rotation after striking out four in three no-hit innings during his 2020 debut Tuesday against the Rangers. Morejon tossed only 39 pitches in that outing, so he could be capped at around 50-to-60 pitches Sunday as the Padres look to manage the young southpaw's workload carefully. San Diego doesn't have a clear primary pitcher available to work behind Morejon, so expect the team to use multiple relievers once the 21-year-old exits the contest.

Melacon (2-0) blew his first save of the season but recorded the win in Saturday's 6-5 victory over the Phillies, allowing a run on two hits and a HBP in an inning of work. He struck out one.

Neither team's late-inning crew distinguished themselves in this one. After Atlanta rallied late to take a 5-4 lead in the bottom of the eighth, Melancon entered the game and loaded the bases with one out before Bryce Harper knotted the score with a sacrifice fly. Fortunately for his squad, they found another run in the ninth off Brandon Workman. Melancon's 2.00 ERA on the year looks good, but his 1.22 WHIP and 5:3 K:BB through nine innings highlight his lack of dominance in the closer role.

Neris got credit for his first hold of the season in Saturday's 6-5 loss to Atlanta. He was charged with three runs on two hits and a walk over one-third of an inning.

With Brandon Workman now on the roster, Neris entered the game in the eighth inning to protect a 4-2 lead, but he was no more effective in a setup role than he'd been as closer, coughing up a run on two hits and a walk before he managed to record his only out. Workman then came into the game and allowed both inherited runners to score when Matt Adams laced his first pitch for a double. Neris now has a ghastly 11.12 ERA, 2.65 WHIP and 7:5 K:BB through 5.2 innings and has blown three of his five save chances to begin the season, but Workman's disastrous first outing as a Phillie doesn't guarantee that he'll immediately displace the team's incumbent in the closer role. It wouldn't be surprising if the duo split save opportunities until one of them proves to manager Joe Girardi that they can be reliable in the ninth.

Grace (0-1) took the loss in Saturday's 5-1 loss to the Giants. He failed to retire a batter, giving up three runs on one hit and two walks.

Grace made his second appearance since his contract was selected. He entered a tied game in the seventh inning but couldn't locate, as only six of his 14 pitches were strikes. The left-hander walked Brandon Crawford before giving up a double and a second walk and left with the bases loaded. Grace then watched Junior Guerra walk in two runs, and a third run score on a groundout. He's the lone left-hander in the bullpen after Andrew Chafin (finger) landed on the injured list.