MLB Player News

Williams was promoted to Triple-A San Antonio on Friday, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

After posting an ugly 5.82 ERA over 34 innings with High-A Carolina a season ago, Williams has shown significant improvement in 2019, owning a 2.36 ERA and 1.19 WHIP with a 76:29 K:BB over 53.1 frames, resulting in a promotion to the next level.

Barraclough was recalled from Double-A Harrisburg on Friday.

Barraclough was activated off the injured list and sent to Harrisburg during the All-Star break and returns to the Nationals after allowing two runs over 6.2 Eastern League frames. The 29-year-old was having the worst year of his major-league career with a 6.39 ERA and 1.74 WHIP in 32 outings prior to his demotion.

Diaz (toe) told the Mets he's available Friday against the Pirates if needed, Deesha Thosar of the New York Daily News reports.

Diaz exited Thursday's game against the Padres after taking a liner off his left big toe, but X-rays came back clean and it sounds like the closer may not be forced to miss any time after he was able to play catch with no issues. Manager Mickey Callaway was less certain about the right-hander's availability for Friday, per Thosar, noting that he'll have to check with the team's medical staff before giving Diaz the green light.

Hernandez will move back into the starting rotation, replacing Trevor Richards, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

Hernandez put together a pretty nice run in the rotation earlier in the year (4.05 ERA, 1.05 WHIP in five starts from June 11-July 4), and the Marlins want to see what he can do in an extended audition. The 24-year-old right-hander has a decent three-pitch mix with above-average command. Among the 352 pitchers who have thrown 30 innings in 2019, Hernandez's 19.5 K-BB percentage ranks 87th. He lines up to face Arizona on Sunday.

Richards is being shifted to the bullpen, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

Richards was knocked around for seven runs on seven hits -- including a pair of homers -- in his last start Monday, pushing his ERA for the season to 4.62. The Marlins will give Elieser Hernandez another look in the rotation at Richards' expense, though Frisaro also notes that Richards has drawn some trade interest, and it's possible he ultimately returns to a starting role on another club.

Clarke was placed on the paternity list Friday.

Yasmany Tomas was summoned from Triple-A Reno as a replacement on the active roster for Clarke, who will be able to spend up to three days away from the team. Clarke's next start is scheduled for Tuesday against the Yankees, so his placement on the paternity list shouldn't impact his availability for that contest. In two starts since the All-Star break, the right-hander has compiled a 5.59 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 7:2 K:BB in 9.2 innings.

Collins was designated for assignment by the Cubs on Friday, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

The Cubs selected Collins' contract earlier this week but he ended up spending only a couple days on the 40-man roster. Left-hander Derek Holland was acquired from San Francisco in a corresponding move.

Collins was optioned to Triple-A Iowa on Friday, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

Collins had his contract selected by the Cubs earlier this week and tossed a scoreless frame in his lone appearance. The 29-year-old has allowed three runs on nine hits with a 4:3 K:BB over 8.2 major-league innings this season.

Howard has been promoted to Double-A Reading and will pitch Friday, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

He made seven starts for High-A Clearwater, recording an impressive 1.29 ERA, 0.69 WHIP and 48:5 K:BB in 35 innings. The 22-year-old is one of the Phillies' top prospects and has made a full recovery from a shoulder injury back in mid-May.

Hoffman allowed three earned runs on four hits and four walks while striking out four across five innings Thursday against the Nationals. He did not factor into the decision.

Hoffman held the Nationals scoreless through four innings but was burned on a three-run homer by Anthony Rendon in the fifth inning. He wasn't particularly dominant however, as he allowed multiple baserunners in three frames and closed the third inning with the bases loaded. However, he should have a chance to stick in the rotation with the recent demotion of Antonio Senzatela. Assuming Hoffman takes his next turn through the rotation in order, he'll draw his next start Wednesday at home against the Dodgers.