MLB Player News

Joe Jordan, the Phillies' director of player development, said the team hopes to have Arano (elbow) back in action in June, Jay Floyd of the Shore Sports Network reports.

Arano is working his way back from a sprained ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. He is expected to head to Double-A Reading when healthy.

Moore bounced back in a big way Thursday, holding the Dodgers to one run on two hits over seven strong innings. He walked three and struck out eight in an extra-inning loss.

While he didn't notch the win -- thanks to another anemic performance by the Giants' offense -- the veteran lefty returned to form after getting hit hard in his previous two starts (both against the Rockies). Moore's only two positive outings have come in the pitcher-friendly confines of AT&T Park, resulting in a dramatic home and road split (3.05 ERA at home and 8.68 ERA on the road). Despite his Jekyll and Hyde results early on, the 27-year-old will always tantalize fantasy owners with his ability to generate strikeouts and his favorable home park. Those in shallower formats may want to consider benching him on the road in tough matchups. That being said, it would be tough to sit him in his next start against the same Dodgers he shut down Thursday, regardless of league size. Even though next Tuesday's start comes on the road, Dodger Stadium is considered more of a pitcher's park than one that favors hitters.

Vizcaino walked one and struck out one in a scoreless eighth inning Thursday to notch his fourth hold of the season in a win over the Mets.

It was Vizcaino's first action since being tagged for three runs without recording an out Sunday. The 26-year-old now has a strong 12:3 K:BB through 10 innings on the year, offering hope that his 4.50 ERA and 1.30 WHIP will come down as the season progresses. If Jim Johnson (5.19 ERA) continues to struggle, Vizcaino could yet find himself in the saves picture once again for the Braves.

Hoover tossed a scoreless inning in relief during Thursday's 6-2 win over the Padres.

Though the Diamondbacks held a four-run lead when Hoover entered the game in the top of the ninth inning, his appearance did bear some resemblance to a save situation and perhaps gave manager Torey Lovullo a glimpse of how the right-hander would perform in such a scenario. In generating three groundball outs in 12 pitches, Hoover seemingly aced the test, and it appears likely that he'll be the leading candidate to close out games in the event that the struggling Fernando Rodney is removed from the role. Rodney has converted 6-of-7 save chances this season, but owns a bloated 11.00 ERA and 2.11 WHIP to go with a 11:5 K:BB ratio over nine innings.

Neris needed just seven pitches to retire the side in order and register his third save of the season during Thursday's win over Miami.

The 27-year-old righty appears to have solidified himself as the Philadelphia closer, and while he's had some ups and downs early this season, he's a must-own arm in all settings. Neris currently sports a 2.19 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 9.5 K/9.

Stephenson might get sent down to Triple-A Louisville later this season to get stretched out as a starter, MLB.com's Mark Sheldon speculates.

This doesn't appear to be imminent, and in fact Sheldon's comment was spurred by a reader question. But this isn't a surprise, given Stephenson's draft pedigree and usage in the minors. He's coming off of a rough relief outing in Milwaukee, having given up five runs (four earned) over two-thirds of an inning Tuesday.

Miller (elbow) was transferred to the 60-day DL on Thursday.

This move comes as no surprise, as it was recently reported that Miller is dealing with a partial UCL tear that may require Tommy John surgery. In addition to the UCL tear, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reported that Miller is dealing with a flexor strain. In a corresponding move, Arizona recalled T.J. McFarland from Triple-A Reno.

Miller has a partially torn UCL and may need to undergo Tommy John surgery, Jack Magruder of Fanragsports.com reports.

Miller is currently exploring his options to determine whether or not Tommy John surgery is the best course of action. Regardless of the choice he ultimately makes, Miller is on track to miss an extended period of time to the injury. After Miller was placed on the DL, Zack Godley was brought up from Triple-A Reno to join the Diamondbacks' rotation.

Howard (undisclosed) started Saturday's contest for Double-A Hartford, allowing no runs two hits and a walk while striking out three in four innings of work.

Howard spent the beginning of the season at extended spring training due to an undisclosed ailment, but all concerns about his health seem to be gone at this point. Look for the southpaw to continue developing as a starter with the Yard Goats as the season rolls along.

Montero could start for the Mets on Sunday if Noah Syndergaard (biceps) can't take the mound, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

Montero is scheduled to pitch Saturday for Triple-A Las Vegas and could just have the extra day of rest to join the big-league club. Sean Gilmartin is another backup plan should Thor receive bad news from his medical exams.