MLB Player News

Neris allowed three runs (none earned) on one hit and one walk while striking out one across one-third of an inning to blow the save and take the loss in the second game of the Phillies' doubleheader Thursday against the Blue Jays.

Neris entered the game in the sixth inning of a seven-inning contest, after the Phillies' lead was trimmed to one. Subsequently, two batters reached base on errors, which then crossed the plate on a wild pitch and a single. Though Neris was a bit wild, he was let down by his defense for the second time in his past four appearances. He'll still need to improve some things that are within his control -- he has a 6.8 BB/9 -- but he should remain the Phillies' primary closing option for now.

Stephenson (back) faced hitters at the Reds' alternate training site Wednesday and is nearing a return, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Stephenson was placed on the injured list July 28 with a back strain. His lone appearance came July 25 when he gave up two runs on in one-third of an inning against Detroit.

Strop (groin) faced hitters at the Reds' alternate training site Wednesday and is nearing a return from the injured list, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Strop was placed on the injured list Aug. 11, retroactive to Aug. 8. The right-hander has appeared in four games this season, allowing one run while striking out three over 2.1 innings.

Sborz was recalled from the Dodgers' alternate training site Thursday.

Sborz spent time with the big club earlier in the season but failed to make an appearance. He'll take the roster spot of the injured Pedro Baez (groin). Across seven appearances with the Dodgers last season, Sborz allowed eight earned runs across nine innings of relief.

Howard allowed one run on five hits and two walks across 3.2 innings in the 3-2 loss to the Blue Jays in Game 1 of Thursday's doubleheader. He struck out five and did not factor in the decision.

Howard was able to take the ball Thursday despite exiting his last start early due to a blister on his middle finger. Although his day was capped at 3.2 innings and 67 pitches, the right-hander's five strikeouts demonstrate why he is considered Philadelphia's top prospect. The 24-year-old will look to work deeper into the game when he toes the rubber next week against Washington.

Harvey exited Thursday's game against the Astros with an apparent injury, Nick Groke of The Athletic reports.

Harvey immediately waived to the dugout following a pitch in the sixth inning and subsequently exited the game with a trainer. He'll undergo further evaluation following the game, at which point more specifics regarding the injury should be known.

Castano's scheduled start vs. the Mets on Thursday was has been postponed due to a positive COVID-19 test, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.

The Mets apparently produced a pair of positive test results, resulting in the postponement of Thursday's series finale. The Marlins have yet to announce how they will adjust their rotation following the postponement, leaving Castano's next start up in the air.

Martin (neck) was activated from the injured list Thursday.

Martin wound up missing two weeks with an esophageal constriction. Prior to landing on the shelf, the right-hander allowed one run across four innings of relief. Kyle Wright was sent to the team's alternate training site to make room on the roster for Martin.

Venditte was placed on the 10-day injured list Thursday with a strained right oblique.

Venditte suffered the injury earlier in the week, and an MRI on Wednesday confirmed the severity of the issue. The Marlins have not offered up a timetable for Venditte's return, though he'll be eligible for activation at the end of August should he prove ready. Miguel Rojas was activated from the IL on Thursday in a corresponding move.

Webb (1-1) was credited with the victory in the first game of a doubleheader against the Cubs on Wednesday, firing 1.1 perfect innings during which he recorded two strikeouts.

The left-hander got four valuable outs in the seven-inning affair, bouncing back from his one hiccup of the season in the process. Webb had taken the loss in Game 2 of Monday's twin bill versus the Cubs by yielding three earned runs on two hits over two-thirds of an inning, the only outing among his six appearances during which he's been scored upon thus far.