MLB Player News

Edwards has a 2.57 ERA and is allowing opposing hitters to bat just .125 against him In seven innings with Triple-A Iowa.

Edwards was sent down to Triple-A after a sluggish start to the season at the MLB level, and so far he's pitched well. The 27-year-old has a 7:2 K:BB with Iowa, which is an improvement from his 2:5 K:BB in just 1.2 innings with the Cubs this year. Edwards should be back up at some point if he continues to exhibit good control and post solid returns at Triple-A.

Hudson (2-2) allowed two runs (one earned) on four hits and two walks while striking out seven across six innings but took the loss Thursday against the Nationals.

Hudson turned in his first quality start and longest outing of the season, holding the Nationals without an extra-base hit in the process. He also struck out a season-best seven batters on the strength of 16 called strikes and 15 swinging strikes. On the whole, he hasn't been particularly impressive, compiling a 4.80 ERA and and 1.73 WHIP across 30 innings while posting a 26:15 K:BB.

Manager Dave Roberts said Alexander was unavailable for Wednesday's 2-1 loss to the Giants due to a tight hamstring, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.

The absence of Alexander -- the Dodgers' top LOOGY -- loomed large entering the bottom of the ninth, when the game was tied 1-1 and a string of left-handed batters were due up for San Francisco. Roberts was instead forced to turn to the Dodgers' only other southpaw reliever, Julio Urias, who allowed two of the four batters he faced to reach base before Pedro Baez served up a walkoff single to Buster Posey. Roberts didn't suggest that Alexander's injury was a major concern, so the hope is that the 29-year-old will be ready to go for the weekend series with the Padres.

Strahm (1-2) picked up the win against the Braves on Thursday, giving up two earned runs on eight hits over six innings, striking out six and walking none in the Padres' 11-2 victory.

Strahm capitalized on a big day from the Padres' lineup, hurling a quality start and picking up his first win of the season. The 27-year-old was tagged for five earned by the Diamondbacks in his first start of the season, but he hasn't given up more than two runs in any of his four starts since then, leaving him with a solid 3.03 ERA, a 1.10 WHIP and a 27:5 K:BB over 32.2 innings.

Manager Dave Martinez said Williams (shoulder) threw 40 pitches at extended spring training earlier in the week, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

Martinez also noted that Williams is recovering well from the sprained AC joint that forced him onto the injured list in mid-April. The 26-year-old Williams will continue to work his way back at extended spring training before ultimately being cleared to rejoin the big-league bullpen.

The Brewers optioned Hart to Triple-A San Antonio on Thursday.

As one of the few members of the Milwaukee bullpen with minor-league options remaining, Hart will head to Triple-A as the Brewers exchange him for a fresher relief arm (Taylor Williams) ahead of Thursday's series finale with the Rockies. Hart was one of six pitchers used in the Brewers' bullpen game Wednesday and was by far the most effective, blanking Colorado over three innings while allowing only two baserunners.

Clarke allowed two hits and one walk while striking out one over five scoreless innings for Triple-A Reno on Wednesday.

Clarke is on schedule for the next time the Diamondbacks need a fifth starter. With Zack Godley headed to the bullpen, Arizona manager Torey Lovullo has yet to name a replacement, but Clarke is one possible candidate to join the major-league rotation.

Minter struck out two in a perfect ninth inning Wednesday during a 5-1 win over the Padres.

The southpaw has only been scored upon in three of 12 appearances this season, but the trio of meltdowns have led to one blown save, an 0-3 record and an 8.38 ERA. Minter remains in the late-inning mix for Atlanta, but he might need a couple more strong efforts in non-save situations before he gets entrusted with ninth-inning duty again.

Beede will be called up from Triple-A Sacramento to start Friday's game at Cincinnati, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Beede was reported to be the top candidate for the spot start Friday and manager Bruce Bochy made it official prior to Wednesday's game. The 25-year-old has enjoyed a fantastic start to the season through 22.2 innings with the Rivers Cats and has a 1.99 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 34:10 K:BB in five starts.

Blach was returned to Triple-A Sacramento on Wednesday.

Blach made just one appearance during his most recent stint with the big club, allowing seven runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out one across 3.1 innings of relief during Tuesday's 10-3 loss to the Dodgers. Stephen Vogt was summoned to the majors in a corresponding roster move.