MLB Player News

Howard was charged with three runs (two earned) on four hits and one walk over one inning of relief in Wednesday's 6-5 loss to the Cubs. He recorded three strikeouts.

After making both of his previous two appearances as a starter, Howard was deployed out of the bullpen behind opening pitcher Erik Miller. Miller left the game after pitching the first inning, then Spencer Bivens, Sean Hjelle and Taylor Rogers worked innings two through six before Howard entered the game in the top of the seventh. Though he worked just one frame, Howard tossed 33 pitches and should remain fairly stretched out if the Giants need to turn to him for a start or a bulk-relief appearance during the team's four-game series against the Cubs to begin the upcoming week. The Giants currently have just two healthy full-time starters (Logan Webb and Jordan Hicks).

Bednar was unavailable for Saturday's 4-3 win over the Rays due to left side tightness, Andrew Destin of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Bednar missed out on a save chance Saturday as Aroldis Chapman stepped up in the ninth to close out the win. Bednar's absence was planned after he felt the tightness during his pregame throwing program, but the injury isn't considered to be serious at this point. If he ends up missing more than just Saturday's game, expect Chapman to continue to see save chances.

The Marlins plan to call up Tyler from Triple-A Jacksonville to start Sunday's game against the Mariners, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Tyler will make a spot start Sunday in place of Braxton Garrett, who was scratched from his start this weekend with left elbow discomfort. Tyler's only appearance this season with Miami came April 26, when he allowed one run on one hit across two innings before being designated for assignment. He cleared waivers and remained in the organization as a full-time member of the rotation at Jacksonville, with whom he's accrued a 2.25 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 29:16 K:BB in 40 innings since the beginning of May.

The Rockies designated Hartlieb for assignment Saturday.

After having his contract selected June 8, Hartlieb appeared in five games for the Rockies, registering a 9.00 ERA and 1.89 WHIP over nine innings. The move corresponds with Colorado selecting the contract of Austin Kitchen from Triple-A Albuquerque.

Spiers is slated to start Monday's game against the Pirates in Cincinnati.

He'll be rewarded with a second turn through the rotation and a second straight matchup with the Pirates after he held the Bucs to four runs while striking out five over six innings during his start this past Monday in Pittsburgh. Across his one start and five extended relief appearances this season, Spiers owns a 3.20 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 20:5 K:BB over 25.1 innings.

The Marlins recalled Anderson from Triple-A Jacksonville ahead of his start Saturday against the Mariners.

He'll be joining the rotation as a replacement for Jesus Luzardo (back), who was initially slated to start Saturday before being scratched and placed on the 15-day injured list. Luzardo is set to miss at least two turns through the rotation, but Anderson may need to pitch effectively Saturday to earn himself any starts beyond that. Since being acquired from the Rangers on May 30, the 29-year-old righty has previously made one spot start for Miami, giving up seven runs (four earned) on nine hits in two innings in a June 14 loss to the Nationals.

Floro (2-1) gave up a hit in a scoreless sixth inning Friday to record the win over the Rockies. He didn't walk or strike out a batter.

The 33-year-old righty continues to give the Nationals solid innings in a high-leverage role. Floro has been scored upon just twice in his last 12 appearances, posting a 2.70 ERA, 0.80 WHIP and 9:1 K:BB through 10 innings over that stretch with three holds in addition to Friday's win.

The Cardinals transferred Middleton (forearm) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Saturday.

Middleton underwent season-ending surgery June 11 to repair the flexor tendon in his right forearm, so his move to the 60-day IL comes as little surprise. He will give up his 40-man roster spot for Nick Raposo, whose contract was selected from Triple-A Memphis on Saturday.

Bender (2-2) picked up the win Friday over the Mariners, working a perfect 10th inning without a walk or a strikeout.

The right-hander sat down the bottom of Seattle's order on 14 pitches (eight strikes), then got rewarded when Tim Anderson walked it off with an RBI single in the bottom of the frame. Over his last 12 appearances, Bender has delivered a 2.00 ERA, 0.78 WHIP and three holds in addition to Friday's win, and he remains part of the high-leverage mix for Miami.

The Cubs optioned Little to Triple-A Iowa on Saturday, Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network reports.

After being recalled from the minors May 15, Little logged a 2.31 ERA and 1.03 WHIP while striking out 12 batters and walking 10 across 11.2 innings. Despite the southpaw's overall success, he'll be sent back to Iowa in order to clear room for Keegan Thompson, who returned from the paternity list Saturday.