MLB Player News
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Porter Hodge SP | CHC
Cubs' Porter Hodge: Struggles badly Friday
Hodge allowed six runs on four hits and two walks while retiring only two batters in Friday's 13-11 win over the Diamondbacks.
Hodge entered in a tough spot, as he came on in the top of the eighth inning after Jordan Wicks allowed three straight hits to load the bases with no outs. Hodge proceeded to give up a Eugenio Suarez grand slam as part of a nightmare outing. The second-year righty saw his ERA spike from 2.00 to 7.45 in the process. Hodge has the talent to turn things around, though it may take him some time to drop his ERA back to a more respectable level.
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Lucas Erceg RP | KC
Royals' Lucas Erceg: Struck by comebacker, exits game
Erceg was removed from Friday's game against the Tigers after begin hit on his left foot by a comebacker, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.
A 109-mph line drive off the bat of Riley Greene found Erceg's left foot/ankle in the seventh inning. He immediately collapsed to the ground after getting hit and wasn't able to walk off the field without the help of a trainer. The Royals should have more information on his status once they're able to take a look at him.
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Evan Phillips RP | LAD
Dodgers' Evan Phillips: Expected to return next week
Phillips (shoulder) is expected to return to the Dodgers during their series against the Cubs starting April 22, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.
Phillips has been battling through a right shoulder strain since October, which prevented him from being on the Dodgers' World Series roster. He started the season on the 15-day injured list and embarked on his rehab assignment at Triple-A Oklahoma City on April 3, allowing six runs (four earned) on nine hits and one walk while striking out nine across 5.2 innings since. Barring any setbacks, Phillips should return to the Dodgers' bullpen next week.
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Kaleb Ort RP | LAA
Astros' Kaleb Ort: Could return this weekend
Astros manager Joe Espada said Friday that Ort (oblique) could be activated off the 15-day injured list during this weekend's series against the Padres, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.
Ort has made four appearances for Triple-A Sugar Land during his rehab assignment and has allowed three runs (two earned) on four hits and one walk while striking out three over three innings. He started the year on the 15-day injured list due to a left oblique strain, but it appears the 33-year-old right-hander is on the cusp of returning to the Astros' bullpen.
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Erik Swanson RP | TOR
Blue Jays' Erik Swanson: Closing in on rehab assignment
Swanson (forearm) will throw a simulated game Saturday, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.
If that goes well, he could begin a rehab assignment early next week. Swanson is expected to require at least 4-to-5 rehab appearances, setting him up for a season debut sometime in early May if all goes well. He's working his way back from carpal tunnel syndrome.
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Brenan Hanifee RP | DET
Tigers' Brenan Hanifee: Returning to big club
The Tigers recalled Hanifee from Triple-A Toledo on Friday.
The move replenishes Detroit's bullpen after Beau Brieske (ankle) was placed on the 15-day injured list in a corresponding move. Hanifee cracked the Tigers' Opening Day roster, and in seven appearances before being optioned to Triple-A on Tuesday, he posted a 2.25 ERA and 1.12 WHIP across eight innings.
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Beau Brieske RP | DET
Tigers' Beau Brieske: Goes on IL with ankle injury
The Tigers placed Brieske on the 15-day injured list Friday with right ankle inflammation.
It's not clear how long the ankle has been bothering Brieske, but perhaps it has contributed to his 8.59 ERA in seven appearances this season. Brenan Hanifee is taking his spot on the roster and in the bullpen.
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Michael Fulmer RP | SF
Red Sox's Michael Fulmer: Designated for assignment
The Red Sox designated Fulmer for assignment Friday, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.
Fulmer was knocked around in his lone appearance with the big club, allowing three runs on four hits and two walks over 2.2 innings. It was the first outing in the majors for the 32-year-old since 2023, as he missed the entire 2024 season while recovering from UCL revision surgery. It's possible there will be interest via trade or waivers in Fulmer, who offers versatility after being stretched out as a starter at Triple-A Worcester.