MLB Player News

Suter (elbow) could start facing hitters soon at the Brewers' spring training complex in Arizona, Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

He is back with the team and will go to Cincinnati next week to have Dr. Timothy Kremchek analyze how his recovery from Tommy John surgery is going. If he is cleared, he will head to Arizona, but he still won't return to game action until 2020.

With Cole Hamels (oblique) landing on the 10-day injured list after Friday's start, Alzolay could stick in the rotation for the time being.

Alzolay had been working as a sixth pitcher to give other members of the Cubs' rotation some extra rest heading into the All-Star break, but with Kyle Hendricks (shoulder) and now Hamels on the shelf, Alzolay could stick in a more conventional fifth starter role for a while. Hendricks is expected back soon, but it's unclear how long Hamels might be out. The 24-year-old Alzolay has pitched well in his limited time in the majors, posting a 2.08 ERA and 0.92 WHIP with nine strikeouts in his first 8.2 innings. However, he's also walked six, so he'll need to exhibit better control to sustain his success. Alzolay is scheduled to make his second MLB start Monday against the Pirates.

Szapucki tossed four scoreless, no-hit innings for Low-A Columbia on Friday, walking one and striking out four.

While the performance itself was noteworthy, Szapucki also set new season highs by lasting four innings and 50 pitches. The Mets have been taking it very easy on the 23-year-old southpaw after he missed all of 2018 recovering from Tommy John surgery, but given his age plus a 2.08 ERA and 26:10 K:BB through 21.2 innings for Columbia, he seems ready to face stiffer competition.

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.