MLB Player News

Soriano earned a hold against the Giants on Monday, striking out one batter in a perfect inning.

Soriano got the eighth frame in a game that the Angels led 3-2 at the time. The right-hander got the job done, retiring the side in order on 12 pitches, but closer Carlos Estevez melted down in the ninth as San Francisco came back for the win. Manager Phil Nevin hasn't hesitated to use Soriano in a high-leverage role throughout his rookie campaign, as the reliever has tallied 10 holds in 21 appearances. He's impressed with a 14.0 K/9, 3.24 ERA and 1.36 WHIP over 25 frames.

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said Friday that Melancon (shoulder) has been throwing off flat ground from 130 feet, MLB.com reports.

Melancon began his throwing program all the way back on May 22, and even though he's experienced no reported setbacks in his recovery from a subscapularis strain in the ensuing two and a half months, he still hasn't been cleared to resume throwing off a mound. As a one-inning relief pitcher, Melancon will require less buildup time than a starter, but based on how slowly his recovery from the injury has proceeded thus far, it's far from guaranteed that he'll be ready to pitch by the time the regular season ends.

Alvarado (elbow/hand) will throw another bullpen session Thursday rather than begin a minor-league rehab assignment, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Alvarado has been dealing with cramping in both of his hands, so the Phillies will delay his rehab stint a couple of days to make sure that it doesn't become a lingering issue. He is recovered from the bout of elbow inflammation that initially sent him to the injured list in early July, and this shouldn't be too much of a setback.

Jimenez (0-1) took the loss against the Rangers on Monday, allowing two earned runs on a hit and a walk over one inning.

Jimenez was making his first appearance since being activated from the injured list Saturday, and he ultimately couldn't snap the stretch of poor pitching that had come to define his five-outing rehab assignment. The right-hander at least didn't give up overly hard contact -- the two runs he surrendered came via a fielder's choice groundout and a sacrifice fly -- but Jimenez, who was a trusted and versatile asset as a rookie a year ago with 11 saves and four holds, likely needs to knock off more rust before being consistently called on for higher-leverage work.

Ortiz was added as the 27th man for Tuesday's doubleheader against the Nationals.

Ortiz will be available out of the Phillies' bullpen in both games. He has posted a 3.86 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 12:5 K:BB through 14 innings of work this year at the MLB level.

Willingham will serve as the 27th man for the Nationals in Tuesday's doubleheader against the Phillies, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

Willingham gives the Nats an extra bullpen arm as they play a twin bill Tuesday to make up for Monday's rainout. The 24-year-old right-hander has allowed 12 earned runs in 12.2 innings of work this season at the major-league level.

Navarro was optioned to Triple-A Charlotte on Tuesday, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Navarro allowed two runs over three relief innings during his brief time up with the big club. He's clearing out to make room for Gregory Santos' return from the bereavement list.

Santos was activated from the bereavement list Tuesday, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

He had been away from the club since Saturday. Santos is in the mix for saves and is perhaps even the favorite to serve as the closer in the White Sox' makeshift bullpen.

Hatch will join the Pirates on Tuesday, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Hatch was designated for assignment by the Blue Jays last Friday and claimed off waivers by Pittsburgh on Sunday. The 28-year-old right-hander holds a career 5.40 ERA and 45:26 K:BB in 46.2 major-league innings.

Selby will be recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Selby is joining the big club for the first time after he pitched to a 3.86 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 41:22 K:BB through 30.1 innings this season out of the Triple-A bullpen. The 25-year-old right-hander will likely fill a middle-relief role with Pittsburgh.