MLB Player News

Hatch allowed three runs on seven hits and a walk with four strikeouts in 3.2 innings in a no-decision versus Boston on Monday.

The 26-year-old's first appearance of the year wasn't all that impressive, and he was on the hook for the loss before Bo Bichette's fifth-inning homer. Hatch has made eight starts for Triple-A Buffalo this year, but he's only covered 29.1 innings as he was on a pitch count due to an elbow impingement suffered in March. It's unlikely the right-hander sees a regular turn in the rotation once Alek Manoah (back) comes off the injured list, but Hatch could be a candidate to start in a doubleheader versus Boston next week.

Howard (finger) isn't expected to miss any time after leaving Monday's start early against Washington, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

According to Zolecki, Howard left the game after a callus over a blister was torn away. He allowed three runs on six hits and struck out two over 3.2 innings prior to his departure. Fortunately, the issue shouldn't force the right-hander to miss his next turn through the rotation.

Ottavino (3-3) earned the win Monday versus Toronto. He allowed one hit in a scoreless inning.

The right-hander kept the deficit to one run, and Alex Verdugo put Boston ahead in the bottom of the eighth inning. Ottavino struggled during last weekend's series versus the Yankees, allowing four runs across two appearances. He's mostly been a setup man this year with 16 holds, seven saves and four blown saves across 41.1 innings. He's added a solid 3.27 ERA, but his 1.35 WHIP and 47:23 K:BB leave plenty to be desired.

Rogers exited Monday's game against the Tigers due to a hand injury, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Rogers was pulled from the contest after he threw a wild pitch, and he was spotted looking down at his hand after the delivery. The nature of the injury is unknown at this time. Alex Colome was called upon to close out the game following the injury.

Barnes pitched a perfect ninth inning to earn the save in Monday's 5-4 win over Toronto.

Barnes needed just nine pitches to protect a one-run lead that materialized on Alex Verdugo's two-run home run in the eighth. The 31-year-old right-hander is now 22-for-26 in save chances with a 2.36 ERA and 0.83 WHIP in 42 innings. He's pitched on each of the last two days, so there's no guarantee he'll be utilized if a save chance comes up Tuesday.

Pivetta allowed four runs on six hits and two walks while striking out three in 4.2 innings, taking a no-decision versus Toronto on Monday.

The right-hander allowed four runs or more for the fourth time in his last five starts, and Monday was the third time in that span he's failed to complete five innings. Pivetta's inconsistency has led to a 4.51 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 120:48 K:BB through 107.2 innings this season. He lines up for a tough road start at Tampa Bay this weekend in a battle of the AL East's two best teams.

Chafin was traded from the Cubs to the Athletics on Monday in exchange for Greg Deichmann and Daniel Palencia, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

One of the top relief arms for the Cubs this season, Chafin has pitched his way to a 2.06 ERA and 0.84 WHIP with a 37:12 K:BB and 17 holds across 39.1 frames in 2021. Per Jeff Passan of ESPN.com, the deal won't become official until both teams review the medical records of all players involved, but all signs point to the trade getting done. He'll join Lou Trivino and Sergio Romo at the back of Oakland's bullpen.

Smith registered the save after allowing one hit in a scoreless inning during Game 1 of Monday's doubleheader against the Mets.

Smith allowed the tying run to step to the plate after a one-out single, but he induced a double play to slam the door in a 2-0 shoutout. The southpaw has successfully converted on each of his last four save chances and is 20-for-22 on the year. Smith owns a 3.40 ERA and 1.08 WHIP with a 50:12 K:BB across 39.2 frames in 2021.

Howard was removed in the fourth inning of Monday's game against the Nationals due to an apparent blister issue, Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports. He allowed three runs on six hits and struck out two over 3.2 innings prior to his departure.

Howard's velocity noticeably decreased in the fourth inning and he allowed all three of his runs in the frame prior to leaving with the team trainer. He'll be considered day-to-day until further notice.

Loup will start Game 2 of Monday's doubleheader versus Atlanta, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

Loup will make the second start of his big-league career after delivering two scoreless frames as an opener July 11 against the Pirates. The left-hander is unlikely to pitch much deeper than that Monday, and he has a 1.44 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 37:7 K:BB across 31.1 innings this season.