MLB Player News

Pirates manager Don Kelly said that Ashcraft will start Saturday's game against the Reds, Danny Demilio of PittsburghBaseballNow.com reports.

Ashcraft will be making his second start of the season after posting a 3.24 ERA and 1.38 WHIP across 33.1 innings with the Pirates while primarily serving as a middle reliever. The 25-year-old righty had been starting at Triple-A Indianapolis before being called up in late May, but since then, he's maxed out at three innings at the big-league level on three occasions. Additionally, Ashcraft will be taking the mound on three days' rest, so the Pirates are unlikely to let the right-hander work deep enough into Saturday's start to qualify for a win. With a strong showing against the Reds, Ashcraft could stick around in the rotation on a more permanent basis.

Santana earned the save in Friday's 3-2 win over the Reds, striking out one in a perfect ninth inning.

Santana was called on to protect a one-run lead in the ninth inning and needed just eight pitches to close it out. It was an encouraging rebound after the 29-year-old blew his first save chance since taking over as the Pirates' closer Wednesday. On the season, he's 7-for-9 in save opportunities with a 2.52 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 40:11 K:BB across 50 innings.

Manager Rob Thomson said Friday that he expects Robertson to join the active roster Sunday, Charlotte Varnes of The Athletic reports.

Robertson reported to Triple-A Lehigh Valley after signing a one-year deal with the Phillies on July 21. He's had mixed results with the IronPigs, surrendering three runs in one inning during two of his six minor-league outings while going without an earned run allowed during his other four. Despite his inconsistent performance, the 40-year-old veteran will nab a spot in Philadelphia's bullpen and is likely ticketed for a middle-relief role.

The Rockies placed Chivilli on the restricted list Friday.

The team hasn't provided any details as to why Chivilli was moved to the restricted list, but some clarity may come in the near future. The 23-year-old currently carries a 7.29 ERA and 1.76 WHIP through 42 innings in the majors this year and isn't likely to receive many high-leverage opportunities once he's activated.

The Marlins recalled Soriano from Triple-A Jacksonville on Friday.

Soriano has struggled to a 7.97 ERA and 1.77 WHIP in 12 appearances with the big club this season, but he pitched well during his latest stint in Jacksonville, allowing just one earned run with an 11:2 K:BB in 9.2 innings since June 7. He replaces lefty Cade Gibson on the active roster and in the Miami bullpen.

The Marlins optioned Gibson to Triple-A Jacksonville on Friday.

Gibson has pitched well overall this season, but he gave up another run Thursday against Atlanta, marking his third straight appearance allowing at least one run. The lefty will be swapped out for a fresh arm in right-hander George Soriano, but Gibson figures to be on the short list to return the next time the Marlins need bullpen reinforcements.

Miller (forearm) was reinstated from the 15-day injured list Friday.

Miller will make his Brewers debut when he gets into a game, as he's healthy for the first time since early July. The veteran reliever was traded from Arizona to Milwaukee on July 31. Before sustaining the forearm strain, Miller tallied a 1.98 ERA, 10 saves and eight holds over 36.1 innings for the Diamondbacks. Miller should be in contention for setup work, as Trevor Megill has been outstanding in the closing role.

The Reds recalled Benschoter from Triple-A Louisville on Friday.

Benschoter was called up in early July for his first big-league stint, but he didn't get a chance to make his MLB debut before heading back down. The 27-year-old will get another crack at taking the mound for Cincinnati, replacing Yosver Zulueta in the bullpen. Benschoter has posted a 3.78 ERA in 66.2 innings with Louisville this year.

The Reds optioned Zulueta to Triple-A Louisville on Thursday.

Zulueta has been up and down between Louisville and the big-league club this season and has allowed three runs with a 3:2 K:BB over 5.1 innings spanning four appearances with the Reds. His spot on the 26-man roster will be taken by fellow righty reliever Sam Benschoter, who was promoted from Triple-A in a corresponding move.

Johnson (3-3) picked up the win Thursday over the Marlins, giving up a hit and striking out one in a scoreless seventh inning.

The right-hander held Miami in check with Atlanta down 6-5 and was rewarded when his squad took the lead for good in the bottom of the seventh. Johnson may have missed a chance to audition as the closer down the stretch when Raisel Iglesias didn't get traded, but Johnson remains a key high-leverage option for Atlanta. He's been scored upon just once since June 13, posting a 0.48 ERA, 0.75 WHIP and 19:3 K:BB over his last 19 appearances (18.2 innings) with two wins and five holds.