MLB Player News

Rodriguez (3-5) took the loss after giving up four runs (none earned) on five hits and four walks while striking out two over five innings in Friday's 7-0 loss to the Reds.

Rodriguez struggled with his control yet again, throwing just 48 of 85 pitches for strikes and walking four batters for the third consecutive outing. Those who rolled with the 26-year-old weren't hurt by a Tyler Austin fielding error that kept all four of the starter's runs unearned. Even with the technically scoreless outing, Rodriguez only saw his ERA decrease to 5.05 through eight starts. Two key components of the righty's breakout rookie season were an ability to paint the corners and limit the long ball, and he has been unable to accomplish either of those goals over his last three starts (5:12 K:BB and 3.5 HR/9). Rodriguez's next scheduled start is a favorable home matchup against the Blue Jays next Wednesday, but it could be playing with fire given his recent control issues.

Robertson (elbow) played catch for the first time since suffering his right flexor strain Friday, Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Robertson has been out since mid-April. He doesn't yet have a timeline for his return, but he doesn't appear to be particularly close as he's yet to get back on a mound.

Minter was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett on Thursday.

The path was clear for Minter to claim the closer job after Arodys Vizcaino underwent season-ending shoulder surgery in mid-April, but he failed to pitch at remotely the required level, posting a 9.82 ERA and a 2.36 WHIP in 11 innings. Luke Jackson appears to have the inside track on saves in Atlanta for now. Jonny Venters (calf) returned from the injured list in a corresponding move.

Jackson gave up a solo home run in the ninth inning to David Peralta to blow his second save of the season in Thursday's extra-inning loss to the Diamondbacks.

The right-hander nearly cost Atlanta the game immediately -- after Peralta's two-out shot, Jackson gave up a single and a walk before getting Wilmer Flores to line out to end the frame. Fortunately for his ninth-inning job security -- if less fortunate for the team -- A.J. Minter then lost the game in the bottom of the 10th. It's the first run Jackson's allowed since Opening Day, so barring an addition to the bullpen from outside the organization, he should remain in the closer mix despite Thursday's hiccup.

Reyes (finger) has been working on a new grip for his changeup during his rehab in extended spring training, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.

Reyes continues to build up his arm strength and is utilizing the time to re-familiarize himself with an old changeup grip. The right-hander suffered his fractured pinkie in late April after punching a wall in frustration following a rough start against Omaha, and he's likely looking at 7-to-10 more days of recovery at minimum.

Shaw (2-0) picked up the win against the Giants on Thursday, despite a rough relief outing that saw him give up three earned runs on one hit in Colorado's eventual 12-11 victory. He struck out two and walked two.

Shaw had been off to a solid start to the season, but he was tagged with a blown save in this contest after he walked two batters before conceding a three-run homer to Tyler Austin. Shaw's 2.35 ERA and 1.00 WHIP through 23 innings remain solid, but his uninspiring 11:10 K:BB leaves concern the ERA won't remain that low if he doesn't start to cut down on the walks.

Richards (0-5) allowed four earned runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out six across five innings to take the loss Thursday against the Cubs.

Richards was burned by two home runs that accounted for three of his four earned runs. He flashed decent skills by racking up 13 swinging strikes and 19 called strikes across 94 total pitches, but he was unable to translate that to a strong overall outing. In order to get better results, he'll have to both limit homers and walks, as he has surrendered 4.90 BB/9 and 1.50 HR/9 across 42.1 innings this season. He'll look to get on the right track in his next start, likely to come Wednesday against Tampa Bay.

Iglesias allowed one hit and one walk while striking out one across a scoreless ninth inning to earn the save Thursday against Oakland.

Iglesias pitched for the first time since raising concern about his usage, appearing in a save situation. While his performance was a bit rocky -- he allowed a walk and double to allow the tying run to come to the plate -- Iglesias ultimately came through to record his seventh save of the season. While he has an ugly 4.34 ERA and 1.39 WHIP, Iglesias has struggled mostly in non-save situations and has now converted five of his six most recent save chances.

Cordero was designated for assignment by the Nationals on Thursday, Brittany Ghiroli of The Athletic reports.

This move frees up a spot on the 40-man roster for Gerardo Parra, who was signed to a major-league deal in a corresponding move. The 27-year-old Cordero struggled to a 6.00 ERA, 1.73 WHIP and 17:9 K:BB in 15 innings with Triple-A Fresno prior to receiving the DFA. He made 22 appearances for the Nationals in 2018, posting a 5.68 ERA, 1.84 WHIP and 12:12 K:BB in 19 innings.

Clarke was optioned to Triple-A Reno on Thursday.

The Diamondbacks need a fresh bullpen arm for Thursday's series opener against Atlanta after using eight relievers during Wednesday's extra-innings win over the Rays, so Clarke was shuttled back to the minors in exchange for Jon Duplantier. The right-hander held his own in his first career big-league start earlier in the week, allowing two runs on seven hits while striking out two in six innings. It remains to be seen whether Clarke will rejoin the big-league rotation later in the month. The Diamondbacks have yet to announce who will start in place of Clarke on Sunday, though Zack Godley is an option.