MLB Player News

Pomeranz (forearm) was reinstated from the injured list Saturday.

Pomeranz has been limited to just 17 innings this season while battling both lat and forearm injuries. He's been quite effective when available, however, striking out 31.4 percent of opposing batters en route to a 1.59 ERA. He should fill a high-leverage role upon his return, but closer Mark Melancon has done nothing to suggest he's about to relinquish his hold on the ninth inning.

Zimmermann (biceps) could return in early-to-mid-August, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

This is the third time since he was placed on the IL on June 18 that the O's have estimated he was two or three weeks away, so we'll take this timetable with a grain of salt. Once healthy, Zimmermann will likely be sent to the minors to build back up.

Curtiss (neck) was activated from the 10-day injured list Saturday, Fish Stripes reports.

He struck out two in one inning during his lone rehab appearance and will take the place of Pablo Lopez (rotator cuff strain). Curtiss should work in mid-leverage situations.

Hernandez will start Sunday's game against the Orioles, Lynn Worthy of The Kansas City Star reports.

The righty has a 4.98 ERA and 30:15 K:BB in 21.2 innings this season, but all 12 of his appearances have come in relief. Hernandez did make three starts in 2020, so Sunday won't be an entirely unfamiliar experience for the 24-year-old. He enters an enticing matchup against Baltimore's underwhelming lineup.

The Tigers recalled Lange from Triple-A Toledo prior to Game 2 of Saturday's doubleheader against the Twins, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

The Tigers may have a couple bullpen games while Jose Urena (groin) misses time, so Lange will be called upon for additional pitching depth. He's certainly struggled with Detroit this year, posting a 7.31 ERA in 16 innings of work. Lange's performance at Triple-A has been better, though, as he's pitched four scoreless innings with six strikeouts across his last three appearances.

Brogdon was reinstated from the COVID-19 injured list Saturday.

Brogdon hit the injured list on the final day before the All-Star break but was merely there due to contact tracing and evidently didn't test positive for the virus himself. He's been a passable relief option for the Phillies this season, but his 4.19 ERA is nothing special and comes with just a 21.0 percent strikeout rate, a number which comes nowhere near his 38.6 percent strikeout rate from his 11.1-inning debut last season. Mauricio Llovera was optioned in a corresponding move.

The Phillies optioned Llovera to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Saturday.

The righty pitched Friday in his only big-league appearance thus far in 2021, recording one strikeout in a scoreless inning while allowing a hit and hitting a batter. He was optioned to clear a roster spot for Connor Brogdon (COVID-19) to be activated Saturday.

Hoffman (shoulder) confirmed Saturday that he's set to return from the injured list to start Wednesday against the Mets, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Reds manager David Bell hinted earlier in the day that the team was looking at temporarily going to a six-man rotation, and it appears that will indeed be the case. It's not clear whether Hoffman will be in line for multiple starts or if he'll make just one before retreating to the bullpen. It's also possible he sticks around as a starter while Vladimir Gutierrez loses his place, though Gutierrez's 4.29 ERA in nine starts this season beats Hoffman's 4.61 mark in 10 trips to the mound.

The Reds will consider going with a temporary six-man rotation when Hoffman (shoulder) comes off the IL next week, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Manager David Bell wants to give Tyler Mahle and Luis Castillo a couple of extra days given that they didn't get much more than their usual rest after last weekend's series in Milwaukee. "There is a chance we would add (Hoffman) in for a couple of reasons," Bell said. "Some of our starters with (Tyler) Mahle pitching tonight, Luis (Castillo) pitching tomorrow, they're getting an extra day or two, but not an extra four days. There was only so many guys we could do that with, where we could give them a larger break."

Vest was returned to the Tigers organization Saturday after going unclaimed on waivers.

The Rule 5 pick was designated for assignment Monday, resulting in his return to Detroit. Vest had a 6.17 ERA in 35 innings with the Mariners this season but could get an opportunity with the Tigers at some point in the second half.