MLB Player News

Miller (elbow) threw off flat ground Saturday from approximately 60 feet, the Associated Press reports.

Miller had been shut down for about five weeks with right elbow inflammation before the Diamondbacks cleared him to resume a throwing program. It's expected that the team will proceed cautiously in moving Miller through his rehab, given that he's just over 15 months removed from undergoing Tommy John surgery. Miller had made four starts for the big club before hitting the 60-day disabled list, but it's expected he'll return in a bullpen role if the Diamondbacks choose to activate him before the regular season draws to a close.

Pivetta (7-10) lasted just 3.2 innings Sunday, allowing six runs on eight hits and a walk in the 8-2 loss to the Mets. He struck out five and was charged with the loss.

Pivetta got dinged with four runs in the second innings before allowing another pair in the fourth and simply couldn't get anything going all night. He was off to a strong start this month, allowing just three runs across 18 innings in three August appearances. Sunday's hiccup bumps his ERA to 4.66 on the season. Pivetta will take on Toronto on Friday.

Kennedy allowed two runs on three walks and six hits across give innings in Sunday's 4-3 loss to Arizona. He took the no-decision, striking out four batters and yielding a homer.

It was a pretty lackluster outing for Kennedy but certainly better than his first two big-league outings. He entered Sunday's contest having given up 11 runs on 20 hits in just nine innings. Assuming the rookie righty stays with the Padres, he'll get his next start at the Dodgers on Saturday.

Suarez (4-9) took the loss Sunday against the Reds, allowing seven runs (five earned) on seven hits and two walks across 2.2 innings. He struck out three.

Suarez actually faced the minimum through the first two innings before a disastrous third inning did him in. The Reds tallied all seven runs (five earned) charged to Suarez in the third frame thanks to seven hits -- including a two-run homer -- a walk and an untimely error by first baseman Brandon Belt. The southpaw has now allowed five or more runs in two of his four starts this month, pushing his ERA from 4.11 to 4.68 over that stretch. He'll look to turn things around in his next start, which will come at home against the Rangers.

Boxberger struck out two batters and allowed a hit in a scoreless ninth inning, earning the save in Sunday's 4-3 win over San Diego.

Boxberger has appeared in just four games so far in August, recording three saves and allowing one run. On the year, the 30-year-old is rocking a solid 3.38 ERA and 28 saves in 33 chances.

Hader struck out two without allowing a baserunner to earn the save Sunday against the Cardinals.

Hader needed only nine pitches to close out the win and notch his 10th save of the season. Though he had been reserved for high-leverage situations throughout most of the season, Hader has now earned the last three saves for the Brewers, providing a boost to his value. He has been excellent regardless of what inning he's pitched, striking out 106 batters in 59.1 innings to go with a 1.52 ERA and 0.79 WHIP.

Brebbia (forearm) was activated from the disabled list Sunday and optioned to Triple-A Memphis.

Brebbia wound up spending slightly more than the minimum 10 days on the disabled list with a forearm issue. He logged one rehab appearance with the Redbirds on Saturday, allowing an earned run on a hit over one inning while recording two strikeouts in a loss to Round Rock. The 28-year-old will report to Memphis for now, though he figures to return to the big club when a fresh bullpen arm is needed or when rosters expand Sept. 1. He owns a 3.83 ERA and 45:13 K:BB across 40 major-league innings this season.

Poncedeleon will start Tuesday against the Dodgers, taking Luke Weaver's spot in the Cardinals' rotation, Rob Rains of StLSportsPage.com reports.

Poncedeleon has thrown 17.2 innings for the Cardinals this season, starting one game and appearing five times in relief. His 2.04 ERA as well as his 2.15 ERA with Triple-A Memphis suggest he deserves the chance to start, though his underlying numbers at the major-league level aren't nearly as pretty. He's struck out too few batters (15.2 percent), walked too many (13.6 percent) and hasn't generated many groundballs (31.9 percent). His low ERA seems to be primarily a product of his unsustainable .133 BABIP and 91.6 percent strand rate, and his 5.03 FIP may be more reflective of his ability.

Minter allowed three runs on four hits while recording two outs in Saturday's loss to the Rockies. He was charged with his second blown save of the season.

While Minter was pitching with a small cut on his thumb, per David O'Brien of The Athletic Atlanta, he was adamant that it had no effect on his performance. The lefty probably deserves a mulligan -- he came into Saturday's game with a 0.90 ERA, 0.70 WHIP and 14:1 K:BB in 10 appearances since the All-Star break. Arodys Vizcaino (shoulder), who spent most of the first half in the closer role for Atlanta, just resumed throwing this week.

Nelson (shoulder) threw a bullpen session Saturday, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Prior to Saturday, Nelson had managed to play catch off a mound, but he hadn't advanced to pitching. Although a return this year seems unlikely, it's good to see that he's continuing to make progress. If Nelson doesn't return from the disabled list before the season ends, expect him to throw in the instructional league or Arizona Fall League during the offseason to ensure he's ready for the 2019 campaign.