MLB Player News

Poncedeleon was optioned to Triple-A Memphis on Wednesday.

Poncedeleon lasted just four innings Tuesday in his first start after earning a rotation spot that appeared to be a permanent one. The move may have little to do with the pitcher's performance, however, as the Cardinals have off days Thursday and Monday and won't need a fifth starter until Sept. 1, the day Poncedeleon would be eligible to return. It remains to be seen whether or not he'll get the ball that day, but the demotion doesn't necessarily mean the Cardinals have lost faith.

Minter (back) will be available out of the bullpen for Wednesday's contest against Pittsburgh, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Minter was unavailable for the first two games of this series due to back tightness but he was deemed good to go following a throwing session before Wednesday's series finale. That said, manager Brian Snitker said that he will try to refrain from using Minter unless its necessary, per O'Brien. Look for Dan Winkler to be the ninth-inning man in his place.

Miller (elbow) increased his throwing distance to 75 feet off flat ground Tuesday, the Associated Press reports.

It's only an incremental step forward for Miller, who had been throwing from 60 feet as of last weekend. Miller seems likely to be limited to flat-ground throwing for at least another week before the Diamondbacks clear him for mound work.

Santana (shoulder) fired a 30-pitch bullpen session Tuesday, topping out at 90 mph, J.P. Hoornstra of The Orange County Register reports.

The bullpen session was the first mound work for Santana since he injured his rotator cuff in June. Santana was able to touch 90 mph with his fastball, which is off the 92.9 mph average posted in a brief stint in the majors this season. The Dodgers didn't provide a projected return date for the 22-year-old, but at this point, a return this season appears unlikely.

Poncedeleon allowed one run on five hits and a walk while striking out eight over four innings in Tuesday's win over the Dodgers. He did not factor into the decision.

Poncedeleon was sharp in his second career start but he wasn't efficient, needing 90 pitches (61 strikes) to get through four frames. The 26-year-old has worked to an impressive 2.08 ERA and 1.06 WHIP over 21.2 innings in the majors and figures to stick around in the rotation going forward. He'll draw the Pirates at home Tuesday.

Boxberger (2-4) got the win Tuesday, firing a scoreless inning with two strikeouts and one hit allowed against the Angels.

Boxberger worked around a one-out single to send down the Angels on 13 pitches (nine strikes) in a tie game in the top of the ninth, and picked up his second win when Arizona walked off in the home half of the frame. The 30-year-old has proven to be a reliable endgame option, sporting a 3.30 ERA with 28 saves in 33 tries.

Yates struck out two in a clean ninth inning to pick up the save Tuesday against the Rockies.

Yates entered the game to protect a one-run lead in Coors Field and retired the side on 12 pitches (eight strikes) to earn his fifth save of the season. Yates had allowed runs to score in his previous two outings, but even so he's still sporting an excellent 1.82 ERA on the year to go along with a 0.95 WHIP and a .190 batting average against. The 31-year-old is solidifying a firm grip on the closer role in San Diego.

Iglesias (2-1) pitched 1.2 scoreless innings in a win over the Brewers on Tuesday. He allowed three hits while striking out one and walking zero.

Iglesias entered the game with one on and one out in the eighth inning with a one-run lead and allowed the baserunner to score to blow his fourth save of the year. The Reds came through with two runs in the ninth to enable Iglesias to come away with the victory. The reliever now sports a 2.22 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and a 61:15 K:BB in 56.2 innings while holding opponents to a .205 batting average. His 23 saves are good for seventh in the NL.

Venditte was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Tuesday, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Venditte returns to the Dodgers yet again with JT Chargois (neck) moving to the disabled list. The switch-pitcher has allowed four runs over 4.1 major-league innings this season, but hasn't made an appearance with the Dodgers since early June.

Chargois (neck) was placed on the 10-day disabled list Tuesday, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Chargois exited Monday's game against the Cardinals with neck discomfort, which the Dodgers are now classifying as nerve irritation. The severity of the issue remains unclear. Switch-pitcher Pat Venditte was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City in a corresponding move.