MLB Player News

Dubin will start Friday's game in Minnesota, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

The 28-year-old threw 55 pitches over 3.1 innings in a start against the Mets over the weekend, but that was his first start in either the majors or minors this season. Though Dubin will be making a second straight turn through the rotation, he still could be hard pressed to reach the five innings he would need to qualify for a win.

Pallante came away with a no-decision in Thursday's win over the Pirates. He allowed one run in seven innings, giving up four hits and striking out five.

The right-hander gave up a solo home run to Bryan Reynolds in the fourth, which turned out to be Pallante's only hiccup Thursday. For the third time in his career and the first this season, he went at least seven innings in a start. He's been a dependable option for the Cardinals since being inserted into the rotation in May, pitching to a 3.34 ERA over seven starts. Outside of his starts versus the Astros and Giants, in which he gave up a combined 11 earned runs, Pallante has given up only two earned runs over his other five starts this season.

Leiter (forearm) threw a 30-pitch bullpen session Wednesday, Jared Wyllys of CHGO Sports reports.

Leiter is tracking toward a live batting practice session later this week and a return to the Cubs' bullpen next week. The reliever is eligible for activation July 9, and it sounds like he could be back by then without a rehab assignment.

The Dodgers optioned Petersen to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Thursday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Petersen allowed four runs over two relief innings Wednesday versus the Diamondbacks, so he's being sent out in favor of a fresh arm. Nick Ramirez will absorb the roster spot.

The Dodgers recalled Ramirez from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Thursday.

Ramirez hasn't pitched in the majors since May 16, though he has posted a 3.09 ERA and 1.29 WHIP over 11.2 innings in Triple-A since then. He'll now return to Los Angeles to give the Dodgers another fresh bullpen arm, replacing Michael Petersen.

Law threw a scoreless ninth inning to get his first save of the season in Thursday's 1-0 win over the Mets.

The Nationals' regular closer, Kyle Finnegan, had thrown in each of their last three games, which explains Law getting the save opportunity Thursday. The 33-year-old has been serviceable this season with a 3.18 ERA in 51 innings but doesn't offer much fantasy upside while primarily working as a middle reliever.

Garcia (elbow) felt good following Wednesday's bullpen session and will begin a rehab assignment Saturday with Triple-A Buffalo, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

The right-hander will need at least a couple appearances in the minors before being cleared to rejoin the Blue Jays. Chad Green is currently operating as Toronto's closer since Jordan Romano (elbow) is out indefinitely after elbow surgery, but Garcia could be the favorite for saves once reinstated.

Zimmermann (hamstring) allowed a run on two hits and two walks while striking out four over three innings for Triple-A Norfolk in its game versus Durham on Wednesday.

Zimmermann missed nearly two months with the injury. The 29-year-old southpaw has pitched exclusively in the minors this year, though he could be an option for the Orioles in the second half, as the major-league club is in need of pitching help. Zimmermann has a 4.25 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 38:15 K:BB over 42.1 innings with Norfolk and could be a spot starter or long reliever if he gets back to the majors this season.

Kittredge (1-4) allowed two runs (one earned) on a hit and a walk while striking out two over 1.1 innings to take the extra-inning loss Wednesday versus the Pirates.

Kittredge pitched the ninth inning, but he stumbled when tasked with working the 10th. He walked Andrew McCutchen, and then JoJo Romero gave up back-to-back RBI singles, sticking two runs on Kittredge's line in the walk-off loss. Over his last 10.2 innings, Kittredge has been tagged for nine runs (six earned) while posting a 7:4 K:BB. The rough patch hasn't cost him a high-leverage role, but it's made him a little more difficult to trust. For the year, he has a 3.35 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 35:12 K:BB with a save, 24 holds and four blown saves through 37.2 innings.

Liberatore allowed a hit over 1.2 scoreless innings of relief during Wednesday's 5-4 extra-inning loss to the Pirates.

Liberatore was called on for a spot start in a doubleheader June 26, throwing 85 pitches in that outing. He was not expected to stick in the rotation, and he's predictably not listed among the starters for the Cardinals' next turn through the rotation. Liberatore will likely remain in a long-relief role. He's been solid this year with a 3.72 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 36:16 K:BB over 46 innings across 28 appearances (five starts).