MLB Player News

Borucki (wrist) is set to throw live batting practice Friday, Andrew Destin of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Borucki has thrown three bullpen sessions, the most recent of which was 30 pitches Monday. Assuming Friday goes according to plan, Borucki is expected to begin a rehab assignment and could return prior to the All-Star break.

Fernandez (0-2) allowed a run on two hits over two-thirds of an inning, taking the loss Wednesday versus the Marlins.

Fernandez had not given up an earned run over his last 10 innings, earning three holds over nine appearances in that span. He wasn't as fortunate Wednesday, as Otto Lopez delivered a walk-off single in the ninth inning to stick Fernandez with the loss. The 26-year-old right-hander has been a positive part of the Cardinals' bullpen this year with a 2.59 ERA, though his 1.24 WHIP and 34:12 K:BB over 31.1 innings aren't particularly dominant. He's added a save and four holds but will likely continue to function mostly in a low-leverage role.

Yates earned a save against the Mets on Wednesday, striking out one batter in a perfect ninth inning.

Yates protected a two-run Texas lead in the top of the ninth frame, retiring the side in order on 16 pitches. The veteran reliever is a perfect 11-for-11 in save chances this season -- no closer in baseball has converted more saves without blowing any opportunities. Yates hasn't given up more than one run in any of his 26 appearances, leading to a superb 1.03 ERA.

Liberatore allowed two runs on three hits and a walk while striking out one over 3.2 innings in a no-decision versus the Marlins on Wednesday.

Liberatore was pressed into a spot start after Kyle Gibson (back) was a late scratch. This was one day after Liberatore was charged with a blown save after allowing a run in two-thirds of an inning. The southpaw yielded solo home runs to Bryan De La Cruz and Jesus Sanchez in the first inning. Liberatore has a 4.46 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 28:15 K:BB over 38.1 innings over 26 appearances (four starts) this season, though he's mainly operated out of the bullpen as the Cardinals have tried to find one steady role for him. It's unclear at this time if Liberatore would be a candidate to start again should Gibson require a stint on the injured list.

Maton earned a save against the Twins on Wednesday, striking out one batter in a perfect 10th inning.

Regular closer Pete Fairbanks was unavailable due to a thumb injury, and Jason Adam was deployed to keep the game tied in the ninth, so Maton got the save opportunity with Tampa Bay up by a run in the top of the 10th. He got the job done quickly, needing just five pitches to retire the side in order with the automatic runner not moving beyond second base. Maton has two saves on the campaign, but he's not likely to get frequent chances to build upon that mark, especially with Fairbanks expected to be ready to return Thursday.

Megill struck out one in a perfect inning to earn the save in Wednesday's 2-0 win over the Angels.

Megill needed just seven pitches (six strikes) against the middle of the Angels' order to close out this contest. He's pitched four of the last five days, but he's thrown just 12 pitches over his last two outings. He's now 15-for-16 in save chances with a 2.01 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 27:7 K:BB through 22.1 innings this season. If Megill is unavailable for Thursday's series opener versus the Padres due to his recent workload, a potential save chance would likely go to Joel Payamps or Hoby Milner.

Altavilla was removed from Wednesday's game against the Athletics due to a back injury, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Altavilla seemed to be grabbing at his right side after throwing a pitch in the eighth inning of Wednesday's contest, but manager Matt Quatraro said after the game that the issue was with Altavilla's back. The right-hander will be checked out by a doctor Thursday, at which point the Royals will know more regarding the severity of his injury.

Kimbrel (5-2) earned the win and blew a save against the Yankees on Wednesday, allowing one run on two hits with a strikeout in the ninth inning.

Kimbrel was called upon to protect a 5-4 lead in the ninth inning but allowed a leadoff double by Anthony Volpe and a game-tying single by Giancarlo Stanton. He was able to keep the game tied and the Yankees won in the 10th inning to earn Kimbrel the win. Until Wednesday, Kimbrel had not allowed an earned run since May 8 or blown a save since April 28. On the season Kimbrel is now 16-for-20 in save chances and owns a 2.63 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 39:11 K:BB over 27.1 innings.

The Yankees optioned Misiewicz to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre after Wednesday's game versus Baltimore.

Misiewicz made his first appearance of the season during Wednesday's loss, allowing two hits and a walk while striking out one batter in a scoreless inning. The 29-year-old will now return to Triple-A just one day after having his contract selected, though he will keep his spot on the 40-man roster. He owns a 3.23 ERA and 1.16 WHIP through 30.2 innings with the RailRiders and could be a candidate to return to New York later in the summer if the Yankees need a fresh bullpen arm.

Neris was not used to close out Wednesday's 6-5 win over the Giants, with Colten Brewer getting the save instead.

Neris took the loss and blew a save against the Giants on Monday, allowing three runs (two earned) in an inning of work, and he's allowed a total of seven earned runs over his last three outings. The veteran's ERA has climbed to 4.73 as a result of his recent struggles, and he's blown four saves this year in 14 chances. Chicago manager Craig Counsell said following Monday's game that he didn't plan on making a change at closer, according to James Neveau of Yahoo Sports, but this situation could be fluid. Brewer is at least worth keeping an eye on in the short term.