MLB Player News

The Phillies recalled Garcia from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Friday.

The reliever will add bullpen depth and take the roster spot of starter Jake Thompson, whom the Phillies optioned Wednesday. Garcia hasn't allowed a run in 4.1 big-league innings this year but toiled with a 6.46 ERA last season.

Rodney pitched a scoreless ninth inning to secure his ninth save of the season in Thursday's 2-1 victory over the Pirates. He walked one and struck out one during the appearance.

Rodney has had his ups and downs in closing out games this season, but he ensured that starter Zack Greinke's one-hit performance over eight innings wouldn't go to waste. The veteran closer was able to retire the first two batters of the inning before walking Josh Harrison, who was then nabbed trying to steal second base to end the game. Rodney looked like he could be on the cusp of losing his job as the Diamondbacks' closer after surrendering eight combined runs over 1.2 innings in two appearances to close out April, but he's since righted the ship by not allowing any hits while converting each of his last three save opportunities.

Hoffman (1-0) struck out eight and gave up three earned runs on six hits and two walks over 5.1 innings in Thursday's 10-7 win over the Dodgers.

Hoffman was a last-minute starter in place of Tyler Anderson, whose turn was moved back to Saturday. The 24-year-old righty was able to carry over the momentum he'd been generating at Triple-A Albuquerque, where he'd managed a 3.71 ERA and 1.12 WHIP over 34.0 innings. Hoffman fired 58 of 86 pitches for strikes and notched 14 swinging strikes overall while allowing just one home run, a solo shot to Scott Van Slyke in the fifth. His return to the minors may be imminent, but his performance certainly provided reason for optimism.

Maurer blew the save chance Thursday, recording only one out while allowing four earned runs on four hits in a loss to Texas.

Maurer came on in the ninth inning of a one-run game Thursday and promptly coughed it up, giving up a game-tying single before serving up a three-run walk-off home run to Mike Napoli. It was an implosion, and Maurer saw his ERA more than double as a result of the poor performance (going from 2.03 to 4.61).

Nelson allowed one unearned run on four hits and four walks while striking out eight batters over 6.2 innings during Thursday's loss to Boston. He did not factor into the decision.

This was Nelson's best start of the season, and especially considering the deep and powerful lineup Boston fields. His 3.99 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 7.8 K/9 aren't standout marks for most seasonal settings, but against favorable opponents, Nelson is definitely on the streaming radar and worth considering in daily contests. He has a favorable upcoming road matchup against the Padres at Petco Park next week, too.

Hoffman will make a start with the Rockies on Thursday against the Dodgers, Jesse Thomas of The Colorado Rockies Radio Network reports.

Tyler Anderson was originally tabbed as Thursday's starter, but he was pushed back to Saturday at the last minute, opening the door for Hoffman to return to the big leagues. Hoffman has been steadily improving with Triple-A Albuquerque, especially in the control department, so he'll look to carry that success into Thursday's outing against southpaw Hyun-Jin Ryu.

Hoffman could be recalled to make a spot start Saturday against the Dodgers, Nick Groke of The Denver Post reports.

The pitching prospect emerged from the minors to act as the Rockies' 26th man for Tuesday's twin bill with the Cubs, and although he did serve up a home run in his lone appearance, his performance at Triple-A Albuquerque speaks more to the progress he's made this season. He currently possesses a 3.71 ERA and 1.12 WHIP with the Isotopes, but the nicer thing to see is the improved 2.7 BB/9 he's put up. Chris Rusin is also a candidate for the last-minute assignment, but Hoffman very well could make a return trip to the big leagues for the day if the Rockies' brass wants to see if he can carry over his minor-league success into a major-league start.

Rusin is an option to start Saturday's game against the Dodgers, Nick Groke of The Denver Post reports.

The southpaw made seven starts last season, and with Antonio Senzatela rendered unavailable until Sunday due to his pitching schedule, Rusin makes for an easy in-house option for a spot start. Prospect Jeff Hoffman is another candidate to make an appearance, although someone would need to be demoted in order to make room for the right-hander on the roster. Nothing official has been announced as of now, but Rusin's 3.00 ERA and 17:4 K:BB he's posted in 18 frames this season certainly works in his favor.

Garcia gave up two runs on two hits in two-thirds of an inning to get charged with his first loss of the season in Wednesday's 7-5 defeat at the hands of the Cardinals.

The lefty came on in the sixth to replace Tom Koehler with one out and a runner on first, and he promptly gave up a single, a triple and a sac fly before recording the final out of the inning. Garcia's been one of the more reliable relievers in the Marlins' bullpen since being called up and now has a 2.79 ERA, 0.83 WHIP and 10:3 K:BB through 9.2 innings.

Law gave up two runs on three hits Wednesday, but he was able to limit the damage and convert the save in a 6-5 win over the Mets.

It wasn't easy, but Law managed to preserve a three-run lead in the ninth to convert his first save as interim closer for the Giants. He hasn't been the same dominant reliever we saw in his rookie campaign last year, mainly due to a decrease in control (2.3 K/BB compared to 5.6 K/BB last season) and an 80-point jump in opponents' BABIP. Still, the 26-year-old's 3.38 ERA is serviceable, and he should see the majority of save opportunities until Mark Melancon (elbow) returns from the disabled list.