MLB Player News

Barraclough (forearm) was activated from the 10-day injured list and optioned to Double-A Harrisburg on Wednesday, Byron Kerr of MASN Sports reports.

Barraclough was expected to be back in Washington after the All-Star break. That could still happen, though it's not clear why the team wouldn't simply leave him on a rehab assignment if the plan is to promote him soon. His 6.39 ERA in 25.1 big-league innings isn't exactly a ringing endorsement for a spot on the big-league roster, so it's possible he remains in the minors for an extended period.

Ponce de Leon, who closed out the first half of the season with two appearances during which he fired a combined 4.2 innings of scoreless, one-hit ball and recorded six strikeouts, is impressing in his current long-relief role, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

The versatile right-hander has been an effective jack of all trades for manager Mike Shildt this season, also thriving in occasional rotation duty (1.20 ERA across three starts). Most recently, the Cardinals have taken advantage of his stretched-out arm to have him consume some valuable innings out of the bullpen. Ponce de Leon took over in the second inning for an ineffective Dakota Hudson on June 29 against the Padres, and although he gave up four runs across 5.1 innings, he also recorded an impressive nine strikeouts. He followed up that outing with the aforementioned pair of dominant, multi-inning efforts, the first which also netted his first big-league win. Ponce de Leon's ability to adjust has made an impression on the Cardinals' skipper, who envisions a progressively bigger role for the 27-year-old. "If he pitches that well, he's a candidate for a bigger role for sure," Shildt said after Saturday's game. "Ponce did a nice job, and he continues to earn more opportunities."

Howard (shoulder) returned to High-A Clearwater on Monday, allowing just a single hit across four scoreless innings while striking out seven against Palm Beach.

Howard had been dealing with a shoulder injury since mid-May. He now has an excellent 1.88 ERA through five starts for Clearwater, striking out 40.7 percent of opposing hitters while walking just 4.4 percent.

Rainey has a 4.74 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 27:14 K:BB with a win and six holds through 19 innings this season.

The strikeout rate is nice, as is his 97 mph fastball, but there isn't much else in Rainey's numbers to suggest he'll become a reliable part of the Nats' bullpen in the second half. Other than in deep NL-only formats that score holds, the 26-year-old has little fantasy value.

Yates struck out one without allowing a baserunner in a scoreless inning of work to earn his 30th save of the season Sunday against the Dodgers.

Staked to a two-run lead, Yates made quick work of the Dodgers by retiring the side in order on just 14 pitches (nine strikes). He closes the first half in dominant fashion and has now allowed just one baserunner in his last six innings. Yates will take a sparkling 1.15 ERA into the break as he heads to Cleveland for his first All-Star Game.

Jackson gave up three hits and a walk through a scoreless inning to record his 14th save in a 4-3 win over the Marlins on Sunday.

Jackson definitely made things interesting. He allowed three singles to start the ninth inning before an outfield assist by Charlie Culberson prevented the tying run from scoring. The right-hander went on to walk the next batter before finally finishing the game with a flyout to secure the save. Jackson has a 4-2 record with 14 saves and a 2.66 ERA through 40 appearances heading into the All-Star break.

Young (2-0) picked up the win against Colorado on Sunday, pitching six innings and allowing only one baserunner via walk while striking out three.

In his second career start, Young simply dominated the Colorado offense, throwing 17 of 19 first pitches for strikes and allowing only a third-inning walk to Tony Wolters. He needed a mere 71 pitches to get through six innings but was pulled by manager Torey Lovullo in order to protect his arm. The rookie southpaw has now allowed only one run and three hits in 13.1 major-league innings this season in contrast to the unimpressive 6.09 ERA and 1.68 WHIP he compiled in 20 minor-league appearances. With Taylor Clarke struggling mightily, there is an excellent chance that Young's marvelous Sunday will allow him to stick in the rotation following the break.

Richards (3-10) gave up four runs on six hits and five walks while striking out five through five innings to take the loss against the Braves on Sunday.

Richards allowed too many baserunners to be effective, and a two-run home run in the third inning was devastating to his stat line. The right-hander struggled as the first half came to a close, posting a 6.79 ERA and a 20:12 K:BB in his last five starts. Richards has a 3-10 record and a 4.18 ERA through 18 starts heading into the All-Star break.

Edwards (back) will remain with Triple-A Iowa on his rehab assignment after the All-Star break, Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Edwards began the rehab assignment last Monday and will stay at Triple-A for another outing or two to help him "sharpen" up. The 27-year-old appeared to find some consistency prior to suffering the back strain with 5.1 scoreless innings over his last six outings.

Yates gave up a hit and struck out one in a scoreless ninth inning Saturday to record his 29th save of the season in a 3-1 win over the Dodgers.

The current major-league saves champ extended his lead over Aroldis Chapman to five with the outing. Yates will take a dazzling 1.18 ERA and 59:9 K:BB through 38 innings into his first All-Star Game.