MLB Player News

Hicks fired two perfect innings in a win over the Brewers on Tuesday, recording four strikeouts.

Approximately one week ago, Hicks expressed a commitment to incorporating more offspeed pitches into his repertoire, partly in an attempt to get more swings-and-misses and make his triple-digit fastball and sinker even more effective. He's subsequently recorded seven strikeouts over the 5.2 innings covering his last four appearances, with three of Tuesday's punchouts coming courtesy of the slider he's using more often, Joe Trezza of MLB.com reports.

Hudson allowed two runs on four hits and a walk while striking out two over two innings of relief in Tuesday's loss to the Phillies.

Starter Kenta Maeda was forced out of this one after just 1.2 innings of work with a hip strain, pushing the bullpen to work overtime Tuesday. Hudson now has a 6.35 ERA on the year to go along with just a 13:10 K:BB over 17 innings, so he will likely continue being deployed in lower-leverage situations.

Boxberger struck out one in a clean ninth inning to earn the save Tuesday against the Reds.

Boxberger retired the Reds on 11 pitches (nine strikes) to pick up his 13th save of the season. Boxberger has now allowed just four hits over his last 11 innings of work, striking out 15 and walking five in that span. The right-hander is 13-for-14 in save chances and carries a 1.80 ERA and 1.15 WHIP while holding opponents to a .189 batting average.

Rodriguez is expected to be OK after taking a line drive off his right leg Tuesday, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

X-rays on Rodriguez's injured leg came back negative Tuesday and the team does not expect him to be affected by the issue moving forward. Consider him as day-to-day case, though he should be fine to pitch again after some rest.

Rodriguez exited Tuesday's game against the Rockies after taking a line drive off his lower right leg, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

The liner came off the bat of Ian Desmond at 108 mph, forcing Rodriguez to exit from his major-league debut. Giants starter Jeff Samardzija (shoulder) left the game after one inning, pressing Rodriguez into early mop-up duty. The 25-year-old allowed four runs (one earned) on five hits and a walk over 3.1 innings while striking out four. The severity of the injury is unclear at this point, but Rodriguez was going to be unavailable for a few days regardless, having thrown 69 pitches Tuesday.

Rainey was optioned to Triple-A Louisville on Tuesday, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

The Reds decided to swap Rainey out for a fresh arm in Jesus Reyes after Rainey threw 37 pitches Monday. Rainey has bounced between Triple-A and the majors three times already this season and will likely continue to ride the shuttle, providing depth to the bullpen as needed.

Stewart was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Tuesday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic Los Angeles reports.

Stewart will head back to the minors for the time being with Clayton Kershaw (biceps) expected to return Thursday and bump him from the rotation. It's unclear if Stewart will remain stretched out in the minors or rejoin the big club in a long-relief role when he's eligible to return. He owns a 4.61 ERA across 13.2 major-league innings (two starts, three relief appearances) and a 2.08 ERA across 21.2 Triple-A frames (five starts).

Webb was optioned to Triple-A El Paso on Tuesday.

Webb will head back to the minors in order to clear a roster spot for the recently acquired Phil Hughes, who was added to the active roster in a corresponding roster move. The 27-year-old, who has struggled to a 12.60 ERA across five big-league innings this season, will continue to serve as organizational pitching depth with the Chihuahuas.

Alzolay was diagnosed with a Grade 1 lat strain Tuesday, Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports.

Alzolay suffered the injury during his start with Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday. The 23-year-old prospect had thrown four perfect innings before exiting with the injury. He'll be re-evaluated in a few days, after which a potential timetable for his return will emerge.

Underwood tossed seven innings of two-run ball for Triple-A Iowa in its 5-4 win over New Orleans on Monday. He gave up four hits and no walks and struck out three.

Underwood's poor walk rates have resulted in a slow, yet steady ascent through the Cubs' farm system, but the right-hander is beginning to show more mastery of his offerings. He's limited opponents to just 10 free passes in 52.2 innings (1.7 BB/9) and has yielded only two home runs. A lack of elite strikeout production dings Underwood's outlook in dynasty settings, but if his improved control and command proves sustainable, he could have a future as a back-end rotation arm for Chicago.