MLB Player News

Hoffman (0-1) took the loss Tuesday, giving up four runs on six hits over five innings while striking out six as the Rockies fell 6-3 to the Nationals.

A four-run third inning did Hoffman in, but he otherwise was solid in the Coors Field spot start. He could return to Triple-A Albuquerque if Kyle Freeland (blister) misses the minimum as expected, but Hoffman would also be on schedule to take Sunday's start if the Rockies decide to replace the struggling Tyler Anderson in the rotation.

Smith didn't allow a baserunner and recorded two strikeouts in the ninth inning to secure the save in Tuesday's 7-6 win at Toronto.

Smith never allowed the ball to leave the infield Tuesday to remain a perfect 6-for-6 in save opportunities. The 29-year-old has enjoyed a dominant start to the season with a 1.04 ERA, 0.81 WHIP and 9:3 K:BB over 8.2 innings.

Iglesias secured his fifth save of the season by allowing one hit during a scoreless ninth inning versus the Braves on Tuesday. He did not strike out or walk a batter.

Iglesias looked to be in trouble as he gave up a leadoff double to Matt Joyce, but he promptly retired the top three hitters of Atlanta's lineup to preserve the one-run lead. The 29-year-old has converted five of six saves and has a 4.22 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 17:5 K:BB over 10.2 innings.

Stephenson (2-0) struck out both batters he faced Tuesday night and got the win when the Reds rallied in the bottom of the sixth inning against the Braves.

Stephenson continues to impress. His ERA is down to 1.50 and his WHIP down to 0.67, and he has 18 strikeouts against just two walks in 12 innings so far. His velocity and his command have both improved, and his slider in particular has become a huge plus pitch.

Ponce de Leon allowed one earned run on two hits and three walks while striking out seven across five innings Tuesday against the Brewers. He did not factor into the decision.

Ponce de Leon was fairly impressive in his first start of the season, generating 14 swinging strikes against a tough Brewers lineup. He struggled a bit with his command, though one of his walks was intentional. It appears that Michael Wacha (knee) won't be on the injured list for an extended time, so it's unclear how long Ponce de Leon will stick in the rotation.

Hicks allowed one earned run on one hit and one walk while striking out one to earn the save Tuesday against the Brewers.

Hicks allowed a solo home run to Travis Shaw to lead off the top of the ninth inning and followed that up with a walk to Eric Thames. However, he recovered from there, generating a strikeout and double play to secure his sixth save of the season. This marked only Hicks' second outing with an earned run allowed, and he's proven to be an effective closer capable of racking up strikeouts early on.

Morejon was placed on the minor-league injured list Tuesday with back and left shoulder injuries.

Morejon was pulled from Monday's start at Double-A Amarillo after only four pitches. According to AJ Cassavell of MLB.com, the 20-year-old was removed after experiencing tightness in his back and shoulder, though it's unclear whether the injuries are related.

Avila will be shut down from throwing for at least two weeks with a right elbow strain, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Avila made his second appearance with Double-A Amarillo on Friday -- after a nearly two-week layoff -- and gave up six runs on eight hits over 4.2 innings. The 22-year-old seems likely to miss a good chunk of May as he'll need to rebuild his arm strength once cleared to resume throwing.

Wilson could be a candidate to make a spot start Thursday against the Reds if he's not needed in relief Tuesday or Wednesday, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

The Braves appear set to give Mike Foltynewicz (elbow) an extra day of rest before bringing him back from the 10-day injured list this weekend, which will create a temporary opening in the rotation for a sixth pitcher. The decision will likely come down to Wilson or Sean Newcomb, who will be eligible to rejoin the big club Thursday after being optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett last week. Considering that Newcomb continued to show poor control in his first start at Triple-A, the Braves may be inclined to keep him in the minors a little longer and give Wilson another look in the rotation. Wilson labored in his lone start with the big club back on March 30 in Philadelphia, giving up four runs on five hits and four walks while failing to escape the fourth inning.

Hoffman will be recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque to make a spot start Tuesday against Washington, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

With Kyle Freeland (finger) on the 10-day injured list, Colorado has chosen Hoffman to toe the rubber Tuesday night. The 26-year-old righty hasn't found much success in the minors so far in 2019, posting a 13.89 ERA with a 13:8 K:BB over 11.2 innings of work (two starts).