MLB Player News

Rusin was hit hard in Sunday's loss to the Giants, allowing six runs on 11 hits and three walks across just five innings.

Rusin threw a respectable 63% of his pitches for strikes, but he was simply too hittable Sunday, as he yielded extra-bases six times in compiling a whopping WHIP of 2.80. His season ERA surged to 4.75 with the poor outing, and he will look to rebound Friday at San Diego.

Nelson (5-3) escaped an early jam Sunday to pick up the win over the Reds, allowing two runs on six hits and two walks over 7.1 innings while striking out five.

It looked like Nelson was going to get a quick hook in the second inning after Cincinnati loaded the bases with nobody out, but Nelson wriggled off the hook thanks to a Tucker Barnhart double play and settled down after that. His 59:28 K:BB in 72 innings doesn't exactly support his 2.88 ERA, but Nelson has still delivered four straight quality starts and eight in 11 outings this season. His next turn in the rotation will come Friday in Philadelphia.

Pomeranz (4-5) went five innings in Sunday's loss against Arizona, allowing six runs on five hits and four walks while striking out nine.

Pomeranz has been one of the best pitchers in the NL based on an ERA that now stands at 2.48, but he's issued 10 free passes in his last three outings, so he needs to control the strike zone a bit better if he wants to maintain the success he's shown this year. The six runs allowed were a season-high mark for him, and he'll look to bounce back in his next start Friday against the Rockies.

Belisle (calf) will likely have his rehab assignment moved to Double-A Harrisburg, Chase Hughes of CSN Maryland reports.

Belisle began a rehab assignment Monday for High-A Potomac, and through three appearances, has allowed two earned runs over a total of four innings. The right-hander believes he is ready to return to the majors at any point, though the Nationals appear more inclined to take it slowly with his rehab.

Leone was optioned to Triple-A Reno following Saturday night's game.

Leone recorded one out in Friday night's game, but also surrendered an earned run on three hits in the blowout loss. He'll now head back to Triple-A after just a short time in the majors, but remains an option for bullpen depth, if needed, later in the season.

Iglesias (shoulder) threw a 25-pitch bullpen session at extended spring training Friday.

Extended spring training is slated to end soon, but fortunately Iglesias is close to beginning a rehab assignment.

Ottavino (elbow) threw a live batting practice session Saturday.

Ottavino is nearing the final stages of his recovery from Tommy John surgery, and he threw 21 pitches at Coors Field on Saturday. The right-hander remains without a firm return timetable, but he would appear to be on track to return sometime around the All-Star break, barring a setback.

Vizcaino notched his sixth save with a perfect ninth inning in Friday's 4-2 victory over the Marlins. He struck out a batter as well.

The 25-year-old closer had no trouble setting the Marlins down in order in the final frame, while notching at least one strikeout for the 17th straight appearance. It was also Vizcaino's fourth consecutive successful conversion of a save opportunity in May, and brought his ERA down to a stellar 1.31.

Rusin's next scheduled start has been pushed back to Sunday, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Eddie Butler will replace Rusin as the starter for Saturday's matchup. The Rockies endured consecutive poor starts earlier in the week, which resulted in Rusin being made available for relief Thursday. He then had to push his side session back to Friday. After giving up just three runs through 16 innings in April, Rusin has struggled in May to the tune of a 5.66 ERA.

Smith (knee) is headed to Biloxi and it's expected that he'll be ready to return before the Brewers' series in Philadelphia next week at the latest, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Once Smith returns, it's expected that he'll quickly return to a role in the late innings for the Brewers, likely setting up closer Jeremy Jeffress.