MLB Player News

Littell (9-8) earned the win Tuesday against the Cubs, allowing one run on three hits and two walks in seven innings. He struck out eight.

Littell shined in his Reds debut, fanning a season-high eight and delivering his second start of season with at least seven innings while surrendering one run or fewer. The 29-year-old right-hander generated 16 whiffs on the evening, and his streak of starts with at least five frames was also extended to 20 on Tuesday. There may be some concerns regarding his fantasy appeal when he needs to work at homer-friendly Great American Ball Park, as Littell has served up an MLB-high 27 home runs, but his next appearance is slated for this weekend in Pittsburgh. Through 140.1 innings, Littell has a 3.46 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 97:23 K.

Imanaga didn't factor into the decision Tuesday against the Reds, allowing one run on three hits and no walks in 6.1 innings. He struck out seven.

After giving up 10 runs over his prior two starts, Imanaga rediscovered his top form Tuesday. It was the fourth time in his last six outings that the star left-hander pitched at least six innings while yielding two runs or fewer, and the seven strikeouts were only one short of the season high that he set his last time out in Milwaukee. Imanaga sports a 3.12 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 70:17 K:BB across 89.1 frames, and he's set to face a tough test next week in Toronto against the first-place Blue Jays.

The Padres optioned Sears to Triple-A El Paso on Tuesday.

Sears did not impress for his new team in Monday's loss versus the Diamondbacks, in which he surrendered five runs across five innings. With the starter's demotion Tuesday, the Padres recalled reliever Sean Reynolds.

The Pirates optioned Oviedo to Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday.

Oviedo returned from the 60-day injured list Monday to make his first appearance in the big leagues since Sept. 27, 2023, after he missed time while recovering from Tommy John surgery and then a lat strain. Though he escaped with a no-decision in the Pirates' 5-4 win over the Giants, Oviedo was inefficient in his start, needing 43 pitches to complete one inning while serving up two earned runs on two hits and three walks. He'll head back to Triple-A as he looks to hone his command following the lengthy layoff from big-league action and will be replaced on the 26-man active roster by right-hander Cam Sanders, who will provide the bullpen with some reinforcement after the Pirates needed four relievers to cover the final eight frames of Monday's contest. The Pirates have yet to announce who will replace Oviedo in the rotation the next time his turn comes up Saturday versus the Reds.

The Cubs placed Soroka on the 15-day injured list Tuesday due to a right shoulder strain, Mike McGraw of the Chicago Daily Herald reports.

The right-hander was removed from Monday's start against the Reds due to shoulder discomfort, with manager Craig Counsell saying after the game that an IL stint would be necessary. Soroka will be eligible to be reinstated Aug. 20, though it wouldn't be surprising if a longer absence is necessary given the nature of the injury.

The Rockies optioned Palmquist to Triple-A Albuquerque on Tuesday.

Palmquist really struggled in two relief appearances during his most recent stint in the majors, allowing eight runs on 10 hits and seven walks over 3.2 innings. He'll likely go back into the rotation at Albuquerque.

Misiorowski (tibia) will throw a bullpen session Tuesday, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

The Brewers exercised caution in placing Misiorowski on the 15-day injured list over the weekend with a left tibia contusion. However, barring any setbacks, the prized young right-hander will be back in the big-league rotation when first eligible Aug. 15 in Cincinnati.

The Reds placed Lodolo on the 15-day injured list Tuesday with a left index finger blister.

Lodolo had to be lifted from Monday's start against the Cubs in the second inning after the blister flared up. He has dealt with blister problems before, so the Reds want to be cautious rather than rushing the southpaw back. Lodolo will be eligible for activation Aug. 20 and should have a good chance of being ready by that date. Nick Martinez is expected to take Lodolo's spot in the Cincinnati rotation.

The Pirates are expected to option Oviedo to Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday, Alex Stumpf of MLB.com reports.

Oviedo struggled in Monday's 5-4 win over the Giants in what was his first start in the majors since 2023, after he missed the entire 2024 campaign while recovering from Tommy John surgery and the first several months of this season while recovering from a lat strain. He yielding two runs on two hits and three walks while needing 43 pitches to cover his lone inning. With the bullpen now short after it had to cover eight innings Monday, the Pirates are replacing Oviedo with a fresh relief arm in Cam Sanders, who will be called up from Triple-A.

The Nationals will recall Cavalli from Triple-A Rochester to start Wednesday's game versus the Athletics, Grant Paulsen of 106.7 The Fan Washington reports.

Cavalli is set to make his first start in the big leagues since August 2022, after the right-hander encountered some setbacks following his March 2023 Tommy John surgery. The 26-year-old has collected a 9.00 ERA over his last six starts with Rochester, but a 31:9 K:BB over 27 frames during that time offers more promise. He should get an opportunity to hold down a rotation spot with the Nationals for the rest of the season.