MLB Player News

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.

X-rays on Diaz's left big toe came back negative, Matt Ehalt of Yahoo Sports reports.

Diaz appears to have escaped with a bruise after taking a comebacker off his left foot during Thursday's game against the Padres. The righty reliever should be considered day-to-day ahead of Friday's series opener against the Pirates.

Diaz was removed from Thursday's game against the Padres after getting hit by a comebacker, Tim Britton of The Athletic reports.

Diaz was able to walk off the field under his own power after taking a 100 mph liner off his left foot. According to Matt Ehalt of Yahoo Sports, the reliever is scheduled to undergo X-rays following the conclusion of Thursday's series finale, after which more should be known regarding the specifics and severity of his injury.

An MRI revealed Voth is dealing with tendinitis in his shoulder, Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports reports.

Voth will remain shut down from throwing for the time being, and manager Dave Martinez relayed that the team will be "careful" with the 27-year-old righty, suggesting a return could be a ways away.

Anderson gave up a hit in a scoreless eighth inning Wednesday to record his seventh hold of the season in a win over the White Sox.

The flame-throwing rookie has overcome the control issues that plagued him earlier in the year -- since the beginning of June, Anderson has a 2.75 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 26:2 K:BB through 19.2 innings. He's the likeliest option to take over the closer role for Miami should Sergio Romo get flipped at the trade deadline.

Rodney worked both ends of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Rockies, tossing two scoreless innings and recording two holds while allowing a hit and a walk. He struck out one.

The right-hander now has a 2.79 ERA with two saves and six holds in 11 appearances since joining the Nationals, although Rodney's 1.55 WHIP and 9:5 K:BB in 9.2 innings indicates how fragile his success has been. Don't be surprised if the 42-year-old loses his setup spot in front of Sean Doolittle to a trade deadline acquisition.

Suero (3-5) picked up the win in the first game of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Rockies, allowing one hit and striking out one in a scoreless seventh inning.

The right-hander hasn't been charged with a run in nine of his last 10 appearances, posting a 3.00 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 8:4 K:BB with two wins and three holds in nine innings over that stretch. Suero's 4.96 ERA on the season remains weak, but his current performance and setup role for Sean Doolittle give him some fantasy appeal in deep formats that score holds.

Coonrod did not allow a baserunner or strike out a batter over a scoreless inning in Wednesday's 4-1 loss to the Cubs.

Coonrod needed just five pitches to make quick work of a portion of the Cubs' lineup that consisted of Kyle Schwarber and Javier Baez. The 26-year-old has performed well when called upon in brief stints in the majors this year, giving up just one run and striking out four over six innings. Coonrod will likely find himself back in the minors when the Giants require a fifth starter late next week.

Almonte was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque following Wednesday's doubleheader against the Nationals.

Almonte was called up to serve as the 26th man for the twin bill, but he didn't take the mound in either contest. The 25-year-old returns to Triple-A, where he has a 4.88 ERA, 1.79 WHIP and 27:19 K:BB over 24 innings this season.