MLB Player News

Poncedeleon was recalled from Triple-A Memphis on Monday and will make his major-league debut against the Reds.

The 26-year-old has posted an excellent 2.15 ERA in 92 innings for Triple-A Memphis so far this season. His 26.3 percent strikeout rate is solid, though his 12.3 percent walk rate is slightly worrisome. He could have the chance to stick around for multiple starts if he impresses Monday.

Hearn struck out nine over six scoreless innings Sunday in Double-A Altoona's 6-5 loss to Reading. He scattered three hits and two walks in the 95-pitch outing.

The lefty has been lights-out for Altoona over his last 10 outings, covering 56.1 innings and delivering a pristine 2.08 ERA over that stretch. After posting double-digit K/9 marks at each of his last four stops in the minors, Hearn has seen his strikeout rate tail off slightly in his move to the Eastern League, but the 6-foot-5 lefty still remains one of the top arms in the Pittsburgh system.

Barraclough (0-4) blew his fourth save of the season in Sunday's loss to the Rays, surrendering five runs on four hits and a walk over 0.2 innings while striking out one.

Brought in to protect a 4-1 lead, Barraclough instead suffered a complete meltdown capped by a Daniel Robertson walkoff grand slam. Only two of the right-hander's blown saves have come since he took over as the Marlins' closer, but he's now been scored upon in two straight appearances since the All-Star break and has a 9.39 ERA in July thanks to three homers in 7.2 innings. Barraclough isn't doing much to improve his trade value with the deadline approaching, but it still wouldn't be a surprise to see him in another uniform -- and in a setup role for a contender -- in August.

Hudson, who's posted a 13-2 record and 2.36 ERA across 110.2 innings over 18 starts for Triple-A Memphis, was passed up for a callup to fill one of two open slots in the rotation this coming week, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.

Langosch reports the Cardinals naturally considered promoting the promising right-hander, who recently represented the organization in the All-Star Futures Game. However, they ultimately decided on tabbing Daniel Poncedeleon and Austin Gomber for a pair of spot starts Monday and Tuesday, respectively. Given the success Hudson has enjoyed this season, the decision was largely predicated on Poncedeleon's own impressive body of work, as well as the fact he and Gomber already had spots on the 40-man roster, making it a much simpler procedural move. "I think it's more of a tip of the hat to Ponce than it is any other message to Dakota except for to continue to do what you're doing and clearly he's on the right track with what he's doing," interim manager Mike Shildt said. "It's Ponce's opportunity right now."

Richards surrendered one run on three hits and one walk while fanning six across 6.2 innings Sunday, but he didn't factor into the decision against the Rays.

Richards allowed just one run in the second, and he left the ballgame in line for the victory, although the bullpen would collapse in the ninth. He's put together two consecutive stellar performances, giving up just one run over 12.2 innings while recording 10 strikeouts. Richards will head into his next start with a 4.41 ERA and 1.46 WHIP with a 63:32 K:BB over 69.1 innings.

Pivetta (6-8) was tagged with the loss against San Diego, as he allowed four runs on eight hits while fanning nine across 5.1 innings during the first half of Sunday's doubleheader.

The Padres got to Pivetta for three runs in the first inning and they tacked on another in the third. The 25-year-old managed to pitch into the seventh inning during his last outing against the Orioles, but he didn't appear to have his best stuff Sunday, as he was pulled from the contest with a five-run deficit. Pivetta will look to bounce back in his next start, which figures to come Friday versus Cincinnati.

Leiter was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Sunday.

Leiter appeared in six games out of the bullpen during his latest big-league stint, allowing three runs while striking out three over 5.2 innings. Philadelphia will make a corresponding move ahead of Monday's series opener against the Dodgers.

Chafin retired two of the three batters he faced in Sunday's 6-1 win over the Rockies.

Chafin allowed a leadoff single to Charlie Blackmon in the top of the ninth inning, then induced a double-play ball before giving way to Silvino Bracho, who got Nolan Arenado to ground out to end the game. Manager Torey Lovullo typically limits Chafin's usage to lefty-on-lefty matchups, which has helped the 28-year-old attain a bullpen-best 1.51 ERA this season.

Medina tossed seven scoreless innings and struck out 12 for High-A Clearwater in its 2-1 win over Florida on Saturday. He gave up two base hits and issued no walks in the 90-pitch outing.

Believed to be one of the main prospects the Phillies made available to the Orioles in a potential Manny Machado trade, Medina ultimately remained with Philadelphia when Baltimore shipped its star shortstop to Los Angeles after the All-Star Game. Medina's outing Saturday at least demonstrated why he was a worthy centerpiece in a trade for one of baseball's top stars, as he displayed impeccable command with all three of his pitches while tying his career high in strikeouts. The 20-year-old retired the final 17 batters he faced en route to lowering his ERA to 4.48 over 78.1 innings in the Florida State League.

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said Friday that Miller (elbow) could rejoin the big club in a relief role if and when he's ready to return from the 10-day disabled list, Zach Buchanan of The Athletic Arizona reports.

Miller returned from a nearly 14-month-long layoff from Tommy John surgery and rejoined the Diamondbacks in late June, making just four turns through the rotation before being shut down with elbow inflammation. Arizona will re-evaluate Miller by the end of the month before determining his next step, but given that the 27-year-old has already experienced a setback with his surgically repaired elbow, the club could be inclined to take a prudent approach with him once he's cleared to resume throwing. Using Miller out of the bullpen would be a way for the Diamondbacks to both limit the strain on his elbow and enhance his effectiveness, as his results through four starts (11.40 ERA, 2.07 WHIP in 15 innings) simply didn't cut it.