MLB Player News

Hernandez will start on the mound during Sunday's game against Cleveland, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Hernandez has pitched exclusively in relief thus far this season, with six of his 12 appearances lasting two or more innings. He most recently pitched 3.2 innings July 6, so he should have the ability to work into the fourth or fifth if he's somewhat efficient Sunday. The right-hander has allowed just one earned run across his last 7.2 innings dating back to June 25.

Uceta was placed on the 10-day injured list Saturday with a left lumbar strain, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Uceta was recalled from Oklahoma City on July 4 and wound up allowing five earned runs across three appearances (2.1 innings). It's not entirely clear when or how the lumbar strain was suffered, but it will keep him on the shelf until at least July 20. Given the right-hander's struggles since being recalled, it's definitely possible that he's optioned back to the minors when he ready to return.

Gonzalez (foot) threw a bullpen session at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, J.P. Hoornstra of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.

Gonzalez will be eligible to return from a battle with plantar fasciitis when the Dodgers return from the All-Star break Friday. The club hasn't officially confirmed that he'll do so, but the fact that he's already throwing bullpens nearly a week before that date bodes well for his timeline.

Knehr was optioned to Triple-A El Paso on Saturday.

Knehr was recalled from Double-A San Antonio to start in place of Blake Snell (sick) on Friday. He did not factor in the decision while allowing two runs on three hits and four walks across 3.2 innings. He'll now get his first taste of Triple-A with El Paso, and he figures to be an option for another spot start with the Friars later this season.

Strahm (knee) threw a simulated game Saturday, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Strahm has been out all year while working his way back from October knee surgery. He appears to be closing in on a return, but he could need a handful of rehab appearances given the length of his absence.

Yabrough (6-3) earned the win Saturday against the Blue Jays, allowing two runs on five hits over five innings of work while striking out four and walking two.

It was another solid but unspectacular outing for Yarbrough, who dragged his ERA down negligibly from 4.34 to 4.30. He tossed a pair of scoreless innings before giving up a two-run homer to Marcus Semien in the third, but he settled down to throw two more scoreless frames before his day was done. His next start will come sometime after the All-Star break.

The Yankees recalled Abreu from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Saturday.

Abreu has a 2.13 ERA in 12.2 innings with the Yankees this season. He most recently pitched Wednesday at Triple-A, completing a scoreless inning with two strikeouts. Jonathan Loaisiga (COVID-19) will be out for the last two games against Houston, so Abreu and Brooks Kriske will provide some additional bullpen depth before the break.

The Yankees placed Loaisiga on the COVID-19 injured list Saturday.

It's unclear whether the reliever tested positive for the virus or if he's just in COVID-19 protocols. Regardless, he'll have the All-Star break to get healthy and potentially return for Thursday's series opener against the Red Sox.

Manager Dusty Baker doesn't expect Raley (COVID-19 protocols) to rejoin the Astros for Sunday's game against the Yankees, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Raley figures to be healthy and good-to-go when the Astros open the second half against the White Sox next Friday.

The Pirates recalled Kranick from Triple-A Indianapolis to start Game 2 of Saturday's doubleheader against the Mets.

As expected, Kranick will pitch the nightcap in his second start for the Pirates this season. The first start was fantastic, as he lasted five perfect innings and struck out three before a rain delay ended his afternoon.