MLB Player News

The Cardinals have optioned Kiekhefer to Triple-A Memphis, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.

Kiekhefer pitched two scoreless innings for the Cardinals since being recalled on July 26. The 27-year-old will head back to Triple-A Memphis where he sports a 2.00 ERA in 27 innings of relief work. Look for him to rejoin the team when rosters expand in September.

Garcia has been recalled by the Phillies on Tuesday.

The 29-year-old has been solid this season for Triple-A Lehigh Valley, posting a 2.58 ERA with 43 strikeouts in 45.1 innings. He will take the place of Andrew Bailey, who was designated for assignment by the Phillies.

Nelson (6-10) lasted just four innings while allowing six runs on eight hits and four walks with four strikeouts in Monday's loss at San Diego.

Nelson allowed just one run in the the first four innings, but gave up five more in the fifth without recording a single out. That's 14 runs allowed in just 8.2 innings over the last two starts for the slumping right-hander. It's going to be tough to trust Nelson on the road Sunday against the same Arizona squad that just roughed him up in his previous outing.

Moore will join the Giants in Philadelphia on Tuesday, Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Although Moore will be with the Giants, he's not going to make a start Tuesday. At this point in time, the team has yet to announce how they'll adjust their rotation to make room for the southpaw. Moore has improved in recent contests, as he's posted a 1.60 ERA and 1.10 WHIP over his last five starts (33.2 innings).

De La Rosa (elbow) will throw batting practice Tuesday, Jack Magruder of Fanragsports.com reports.

There was no update as to when De La Rosa will return, but it appears that he's been able to progress without any setbacks, as he's scheduled to throw batting practice Tuesday. His next step will be likely be throwing a bullpen session, contingent upon how he feels after Tuesday's workout.

Belisle allowed four runs with 13 strikeouts over 14.2 innings during July.

The 12-year vet has been extremely efficient this year, owning a career best in ERA (1.98) and second-best WHIP (1.10). Even with his stellar play in middle relief, Belisle has seen no save chances this season, and if there was ever any path to that role, it just closed down with the Nationals' acquisition of former Pirates closer Mark Melancon.

Wittgren allowed just two runs over 13.2 innings during July.

The rookie had his scoreless appearance streak snapped at 11 on Friday when he gave up a two-run bomb to the Cardinals' Tommy Pham. Nonetheless, he's been very effective in middle relief, owning a 2.62 ERA and 8.1 K/9, but hasn't received a save opportunity and has just two hold opportunities this season.

Adleman (oblique) is about to finish his rehab assignment, but it doesn't appear that he has a spot to return to, the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

With Anthony DeSclafani and Homer Bailey back in the rotation, plus the back end of the bullpen thriving, there's no spot where Adleman is an improvement. At this point in time, we don't have an immediate need," manager Bryan Price said. "We don't have to make any decisions on that until his time is up, and then either he fits on our club or he's a guy that we option down to Triple-A."

The Dodgers acquired Fields from the Astros on Monday.

Fields struggled in his limited work with the Astros this season, posting a 6.89 ERA in just 15.2 innings of work. Down at Triple-A Fresno, he had better success, compiling a 1.65 ERA in 27.1 innings. The 30-year-old relief pitcher will head to Triple-A Oklahoma City, where he will give the Dodgers more bullpen depth.

The Rangers have agreed to trade Ortiz to the Brewers as part of the package for Jonathan Lucroy and Jeremy Jeffress, TR Sullivan of MLB.com reports.

While the Brewers didn't get Joey Gallo in the trade, they were able to pry two of the Rangers' top four prospects, as Lewis Brinson is also headed to Milwaukee. Ortiz dominated at High-A High Desert to begin the year, earning a promotion to Double-A Frisco as a 20-year-old. He's shown incredible control of his fastball, slider and changeup in recent seasons, so he would seem to have the floor of a high-leverage reliever, with frontline starter upside.