MLB Player News

Manager Torey Lovullo is considering Young to start against the Dodgers in Los Angeles next Wednesday, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

Young made an impressive debut Thursday and earned a second start. Arizona has a two-game set in Los Angeles on Tuesday and Wednesday, a series bookended by off days Monday and Thursday. As such, Lovullo can tinker with the rotation, but it sounds like he wants to keep the order intact. "Just thinking out loud, I don't think I would really be in favor of mixing and matching things up so we could avoid something," Lovullo said. "That's kind of my thought right now. We'll sit down as a staff and figure out what the best options are moving forward. As it stands right now, (Taylor) Clarke and Young is the (way it lines up) and we'll keep it that way until something pops up." Things could change, but fantasy owners can anticipate Young making a second start next week.

Rodney struck out two in a perfect ninth inning Friday to record his first save of the season in a 3-1 win over the Tigers.

With Sean Doolittle having pitched the last two days, Nats manager Dave Martinez turned to Rodney and his 325 career saves to close things out, and the 42-year-old came through with No. 326. The right-hander was awful earlier in the year for Oakland, but he's seemed washed up before only to bounce back. Don't be shocked if Rodney puts together a solid second half in a setup role for Washington.

Hernandez (1-2) struck out seven and picked up the win over the Phillies on Friday, allowing two runs on three hits and two walks over 5.2 innings.

The young right-hander threw 63 of 93 pitches for strikes before being lifted one out shy of his second quality start of the season, making do with his first win instead. Hernandez now sports a solid 4.07 ERA and 26:6 K:BB through 24.1 big-league innings, but he remains the most likely candidate to return to the minors once Caleb Smith (hip) rejoins the rotation next week.

Yates fired a scoreless four-out save with two strikeouts against the Cardinals on Friday.

Yates was called upon in the eighth inning to protect a one-run lead with two on and two outs. He did so flawlessly by striking out Kolten Wong, then finished off the ninth frame in order. The 32-year-old continues to lead all closers in saves with 27 on the season. Meanwhile, he's compiled an outstanding 1.31 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and 56:9 KK:B.

Alexander is now dealing with a thumb issue in addition to his arm issue and he will not return until after the All-Star break, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

He had been preparing for a rehab assignment, but the thumb injury represents a setback. Zac Rosscup and Julio Urias are working as the Dodgers' two left-handed relievers in the meantime.

Kimbrel may be unavailable for Friday's game against the Reds, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

Kimbrel recorded his first save as a Cub on Thursday, but given that it was his first appearance of the season, manager Joe Maddon may decide to avoid using him back-to-back days out of the gate. The skipper may not have a choice, though, as a couple other relievers will be unavailable Friday, including Pedro Strop.

Diaz will not be available out of the Mets' bullpen Friday night, Justin Toscano of The Bergen Record reports.

Diaz pitched the last two days and threw 34 pitches while being tagged for five earned runs in Thursday's contest, so manager Mickey Callaway will avoid using his closer Friday night. Seth Lugo is seemingly the favorite to close Friday if the Mets find themselves in a save situation, but it should be noted that Lugo was saddled with a blown save each of his last two times out.

Alzolay will start Monday against the Pirates, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Alzolay allowed one earned run over 4.2 innings in his first career start Tuesday, and he will get at least one more shot to show what he can do prior to the All-Star break. Alzolay could start the Cubs' final game of the first half next Sunday, but it seems likely Yu Darvish will get the ball that day instead.

Rodriguez gave up a run on two hits while striking out one over an inning of relief in Thursday's 5-1 loss to the Diamondbacks.

Rodriguez continues to pitch in long relief following a rough start to his sophomore season as a starter (5.05 ERA and 1.46 WHIP through eight starts). The 27-year-old has shown some flashes in his reduced role, but the overall results have remained mediocre (4.30 ERA, 4.9 K/9, 3.1 BB/9 as a reliever). It would likely take an injury or trade for Rodriguez to find himself back in the rotation this year.

Gott gave up two runs on a hit and a walk while striking out one over an inning in Thursday's 5-1 loss to the Diamondbacks.

Gott got got in the seventh inning when Carson Kelly made him pay for a leadoff walk with a two-run blast. The 26-year-old was looking like a nice find for the Giants earlier this year, but he has since come unraveled over his last 10 contests (9.31 ERA and 1.76 WHIP). Part of Gott's struggles may be tied to a forearm injury that caused him to miss some time earlier this month.