MLB Player News

Hill earned a save against the Cubs on Tuesday by tossing a perfect ninth inning.

With Colorado up by three runs heading into the bottom of the ninth inning, manager Warren Schaeffer turned to Hill to close things out. The right-hander did so without any drama, setting the side down in order on 12 pitches. It was the first save of Hill's career in his 67th outing, all of which have been out of the bullpen. Hill does have a career-high 11 holds on the campaign, so he's been given more high-leverage duties this year. The back of Colorado's bullpen is highly unsettled, and no pitcher on the squad has more than four saves this season, so it's certainly possible that Hill will get more save chances moving forward given his effectiveness Tuesday.

Criswell was diagnosed with a Grade 1-plus pectoral strain Tuesday, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

Criswell initially landed on the injured list last Tuesday with a shoulder strain, but further testing determined the issue to be in his pec. He's scheduled to undergo another MRI in 3-to-4 weeks, at which point he may be cleared to begin a throwing program. If all goes according to plan, the Mariners expect to activate the 29-year-old reliever sometime around the Aug. 3 trade deadline.

Hiraldo (shoulder) will throw live batting practice Friday, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Hiraldo has slowly been working his way back from right shoulder inflammation, which has sidelined him since early April. The right-hander resumed throwing off a mound in early June, and Friday's session will be a significant step forward if he's able to complete the session unscathed. Hiraldo will likely require multiple outings during a minor-league rehab assignment in order to get back up to speed, but he could return to the major-league roster before the end of the month.

Munoz (back) will be available to pitch in Tuesday's game against Baltimore, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Munoz made an early exit from Sunday's contest due to back tightness, but he's been given a clean bill of health ahead of Tuesday's contest. The 27-year-old has recorded a team-high 10 saves on the season but hasn't been particularly reliable while doing so, logging a 5.92 ERA and 1.44 WHIP across 24.1 innings.

General manager Justin Hollander said Tuesday that Brash was diagnosed with a Grade 1 strain in his right lat, Shannon Drayer of SeattleSports.com reports.

Brash has suffered multiple right lat strains this season, though Hollander noted that his latest injury is in a different spot than the one that kept him out for three weeks in May. He also said that the 28-year-old righty is facing a longer stint on the IL this time around and is likely to return sometime around late July or early August. Until then, Jose Ferrer, Gabe Speier and Eduard Bazardo figure to work more often in high-leverage situations.

Royals manager Matt Quatraro said Tuesday that Ragans remains shut down from throwing while continuing to experience elbow symptoms, and the left-hander will be evaluated by another doctor later this week, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Ragans had a throwing session halted Friday since his arm wasn't feeling great, and it appears there still isn't a clear explanation for what he's currently dealing with. The 28-year-old landed on the injured list in early May due to pitcher's elbow. Ragans' status should be updated within the next few days as he continues to be evaluated.

The Phillies recalled Lazar from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Tuesday.

Lazar has given up four earned runs over five innings at Lehigh Valley since the beginning of June, but he'll end up back in the majors following Brad Keller's (forearm) move to the injured list. The 27-year-old righty has yet to appear in a big-league game this season, though he owns a 4.75 ERA in 55 career innings and will likely be limited to middle relief as long as he's with the Phillies.

The Phillies placed Keller on the 15-day injured list Tuesday, retroactive to Sunday, with right forearm tendinitis.

Keller appears to have picked up his forearm injury following his last outing Saturday in Milwaukee, during which he gave up three earned runs in one inning out of the bullpen. He'll now spend at least the next couple of weeks on the shelf, and Max Lazar will come up from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to fill the vacancy in Philadelphia's bullpen.

The Cubs recalled Hollowell from Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Hollowell was knocked around for two runs on two hits and four walks over 1.2 innings in his lone appearance with the Cubs earlier this season. He will likely be utilized in low-leverage situations.

The Cubs placed Palencia on the 15-day injured list Tuesday with right elbow inflammation, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Palencia picked up the win Monday versus the Rockies, tossing a scoreless top of the ninth inning before the Cubs walked it off in the bottom of the frame. However, he's now on the IL for the second time this season after missing time earlier this year with a lat strain. The Cubs could lean on a committee approach at closer while Palencia is sidelined, with Caleb Thielbar, Phil Maton and Jacob Webb all in the mix.