MLB Player News

Simpson (elbow) threw a 35-pitch bullpen Tuesday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Tuesday's session marked Simpson's second bullpen since undergoing elbow surgery in late April. The lefty is expected to complete up to two more sessions before being cleared to face hitters and still appears multiple weeks away from being activated.

The Diamondbacks optioned Castellanos to Triple-A Reno on Tuesday, Jesse Friedman of GoPHNX.com reports.

Castellanos threw 40 pitches over three innings in a relief appearance in Monday's loss to the Royals, so he wasn't going to be available to pitch for at least a day or two. He's clearing out to make room on the roster for Jordan Montgomery, who returns from the 15-day injured list to start Tuesday in Kansas City.

The Nationals optioned Salazar to Triple-A Rochester on Tuesday, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

He is clearing out to make room for DJ Herz, who will start Tuesday's game against the Padres. Salazar had one two-inning scoreless appearance out of the bullpen during his brief stint on the Nationals' active roster.

The Reds optioned Legumina to Triple-A Louisville on Tuesday.

Legumina was with the big club for just a few days and didn't make an appearance. He's being replaced on the roster by Lyon Richardson, who will provide more length in the bullpen.

Triple-A El Paso placed Otto on its 7-day injured list Sunday with an unspecified injury.

Otto remains on the Padres' 40-man roster and began the season on the club's 15-day injured list while recovering from a right teres major strain. After Otto made five rehab appearances between El Paso and the rookie-level Arizona Complex League, the Padres activated him from the IL and optioned him to the Triple-A club. Since then, Otto had made six appearances for El Paso and struck out 11 over 8.2 innings while giving up three earned runs on eight hits and six walks, but he's now been shut down again with an injury. It's unclear whether he's dealing with a setback related to the previous shoulder issue or if he's tending to a new concern.

Martinez will start Tuesday's game in Atlanta, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

It will be Martinez's first start since May, as each of his last 17 appearances have come in relief. He has not reached the 40-pitch mark since May, so this should be a relatively limited outing for the righty. Martinez could earn additional starts, although that will depend on the status of Carson Spiers (shoulder).

Atlanta sent Herget (shoulder) to the rookie-level Florida Complex League on Tuesday to begin a rehab assignment.

Herget has been shelved since early June with right shoulder inflammation but is ready for game action. He'll eventually move up to a higher affiliate and will probably need a handful of rehab appearances, given how much time he's missed.

King (3-2) allowed a run on three hits and struck out one in one inning Monday, taking the loss versus the Pirates.

King gave up an RBI single to Nick Gonzales in the eighth inning, and the Pirates were able to hold onto the lead. This ended a 4.2-inning scoreless streak for King. The southpaw has still put together a solid campaign with a 2.61 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 28:5 K:BB through 38 innings. He's added five holds and one blown save while mainly working in a low-leverage role.

Miller (3-3) allowed a run on a hit and a walk while striking out one over two-thirds of an inning Monday, taking the loss versus the Dodgers.

Miller left runners on the corners in the eighth inning before getting the hook and Randy Rodriguez then gave up an RBI single to Teoscar Hernandez to put the decisive run on Miller's line. That ended the 26-year-old southpaw's scoreless streak at 10 innings. For the year, Miller has a 3.43 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 51:23 K:BB while adding 11 holds and three blown saves through 44.2 innings. With the Giants' rotation getting close to full health, it's likely Miller spends most of his time in a setup role after serving as an opener nine times earlier in the campaign.

Hudson walked one and struck out two in a scoreless and hitless inning to earn the save in Monday's 3-2 win over the Giants.

Hudson's importance in the Dodgers' bullpen continues to grow, especially given Evan Phillips' recent struggles. Hudson has earned a save in each of his last four appearances, and he hasn't given up a run over his last 7.2 innings while posting a 9:4 K:BB in that span. The veteran right-hander is up to seven saves along with 13 holds this year, and he's pitched to a 1.52 ERA, 0.80 WHIP and 45:8 K:BB through 41.1 innings overall.