MLB Player News

Wittgren (2-1) picked up the win in Friday's victory over the Rockies after tossing just five pitches to record the final out in the sixth inning.

Wittgren was simply in the right place at the right time. He entered with the bases loaded and two outs after starter Adam Conley allowed the game's first run by hitting Ryan Raburn. Wittgren retired Mark Reynolds and ended up on the positive side of the ledger when the Marlins took a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the frame. Wittgren has posted a steady 2.76 ERA and 1.04 WHIP over 16.1 innings while registering 17 strikeouts against just four walks in his rookie campaign. The 25-year-old will continue to contribute in middle relief for the Marlins, but it wouldn't be a shock to see him work in some high-leverage situations if his success continues.

Joe Jordan, the Phillies' director of player development, said Cordero (shoulder) is just getting started with a throwing program, Mitch Rupert of the Williamsport Sun-Gazette reports.

Cordero has yet to pitch this season due to a shoulder issue. Jordan said the Phillies hope to have Cordero pitching in games by mid-July.

Miller (finger) will return from the DL against the Phillies on Monday, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Miller was placed on the 15-day DL on May 27 after spraining a finger on his right hand. He made two rehab starts with High-A Visalia, going 2-0 with a 0.75 ERA in 12 innings of work. Miller had been in the midst of a rough beginning to the 2016 season, but will look to get back on track Monday against Philadelphia.

Sims has been transferred back to Double-A Mississippi on Friday, Kevin McAlpin of the Braves Radio Network reports.

The 22-year-old was having a rough time with Triple-A Gwinnett, posting a 2-6 record with a 7.56 ERA in 50 innings of work. He had given up 37 walks and 12 home runs during his time with the club, and was transferred back to Mississippi as Chris Ellis took his place. Sims will have more chances to compete at the next level, but for now he will have to improve upon his command and inability to get opposing hitters to hit the ball on the ground.

Okert was recalled from Triple-A Sacramento on Friday.

While Santiago Casilla is on the paternity list, Okert will take the open bullpen spot during his absence. In a stint with San Francisco earlier in the season, Okert allowed four runs across 5.2 innings while opponents hit .318 with a .400 on-base percentage off him.

Murray was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley following Thursday's game, Ryan Lawrence of The Philly Voice reports.

The Phillies' bullpen has been overworked over the past few days due to a number of blowout losses, so the organization optioned Murray back to Triple-A with the intention of recalling a fresh arm. Murray pitched for the third consecutive night Thursday, working two scoreless innings after starter Aaron Nola was tagged for six earned runs in just 3.0 innings. The Phillies will recall a bullpen arm Friday to take Murray's spot on the active roster.

Manager Pete Mackanin said Neris' recent struggles are due to a lack of command with his splitter, Jim Salisbury of CSN Philadelphia reports.

Neris allowed three runs on two hits in two-thirds of an inning Wednesday. He has allowed eight runs on 11 hits with a 5:8 K:BB over his last 6.1 innings of work. Mackanin said the Phillies have been looking at video to see if there is a mechanical adjustment needed. Neris may also start using his slider more until he can get command of his split again.

Jansen picked up his 19th save in a 3-2 victory over the Diamondbacks on Wednesday.

The closer induced a ground ball and struck out two in the 1-2-3 inning. Jansen has responded nicely since blowing a save on June 11 versus San Francisco. In two appearances since then, he's struck out five of six batters. Jansen is 19-for-22 in save chances with a 1.71 ERA, 0.76 WHIP and 30 strikeouts in 26.1 innings this season.

Estevez shut the Yankees down in order to nail down a 6-3 victory over the Yankees on Wednesday.

That's three saves in as many chances since taking over the closer role for the injured Jake McGee. Estevez hasn't allowed a base runner in any of those three appearances. He is also 1-3 with a 4.03 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 23 strikeouts in 22.1 innings this season.

Nelson (5-6) was lit up by the Giants in a loss Wednesday afternoon. He lasted just 3.2 innings, giving up eight runs (six earned) on eight hits while walking three and striking out two.

Nelson had all sorts of problems while losing his third consecutive start. The right-hander was unable to make it out of the fourth inning for the first time this season and matched his career high of eight runs allowed. His ERA ballooned to a season-high 3.92 and his WHIP increased to 1.35. In eleven tries over the first two months of the season, Nelson tallied eight quality starts. However, he's cooled off immensely and has failed to notch one quality outing in three June starts.