MLB Player News

Lopez (2-1) picked up the win Wednesday over the Tigers, striking out two batters in two perfect innings of relief.

The right-hander breezed through the eighth and ninth innings on just 17 pitches (12 strikes) and got rewarded when Matt Olson launched a walk-off homer. It was Lopez's first relief appearance since losing his spot in the rotation, but he wasn't showing increased velocity in his new role -- he topped out at 93.6 mph with his fastball Wednesday -- and he figures to be in the bullpen for a while. With Spencer Strider (oblique) set to come off the IL this weekend and rookie JR Ritchie making a good impression since his promotion, there's simply no room for Lopez in Atlanta's rotation right now.

Atlanta manager Walt Weiss said after Wednesday's 4-3 win over the Tigers that Ritchie won't be optioned back to Triple-A Gwinnett when Spencer Strider (oblique) returns from the injured list this weekend, Gabriel Burns of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Weiss was effusive in his praise of the rookie right-hander after he battled for a no-decision Wednesday, and the skipper made it clear Ritchie would take his next turn in the rotation early next week in his hometown of Seattle. Atlanta hasn't revealed if it will shift to a six-man rotation when Strider is activated, or whether Martin Perez -- who's been designated for assignment once already this season -- will get bumped instead. In either scenario, Ritchie will end up getting a longer look in the majors. Through his first two MLB starts, he's produced a 2.92 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 11:6 K:BB in 12.1 innings.

The Phillies recalled Hoffman from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Thursday.

Hoffman was just optioned Tuesday, but he's back to serve as the 27th man for Thursday's doubleheader against the Giants. The righty reliever will provide bullpen protection before likely being sent back down following the twin bill.

The Mets are expected to place Robert (back) on the 10-day injured list, Chelsea Janes of SNY.tv reports.

Robert hasn't played since Sunday because of lower-back tightness and had to undergo an MRI. The results of that imaging haven't been revealed, but things are trending toward the outfielder requiring some extended down time. Tyrone Taylor and MJ Melendez will see more action in the outfield for the Mets while Robert is sidelined.

Jones (elbow) struck out five over three perfect innings in his first rehab start with Single-A Bradenton on Wednesday.

Jones overwhelmed the A-ball hitters, regularly reaching 100 mph and hitting 101.1 mph on his final pitch of the first inning, per Colin Beazley of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The right-hander required only 41 pitches as he cruised through his three frames. It's a very encouraging first rehab outing for Jones, who is coming back from internal brace surgery that he had last May. Jones is on the 60-day injured list and thus not eligible for activation until late May, so he will continue to deliberately build up stamina before rejoining the Pirates' rotation in a few weeks.

Franco allowed three runs on four hits and one walk while striking out three over three relief innings in Wednesday's 13-2 loss to the Rockies.

The Reds bullpen had a lot of work to do when starter Brandon Williamson was removed after three innings with left shoulder fatigue. Franco, who was a starter at Triple-A Louisville, could slot into the rotation pending the results of Williamson's MRI, which is scheduled for Thursday. Aside from Franco, the Reds could also reach down to Louisville for Chase Petty, who was removed early from his start Wednesday for what appears to be a potential recall should Williamson be unavailable when his next turn in the rotation comes due Monday.

Petty struck out four batters and scattered two hits and three walks over 2.1 scoreless innings Wednesday in his start with Triple-A Louisville before exiting due to non-injury reasons, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Petty appears to have been removed early after Cincinnati starter Brandon Williamson was pulled from his start Wednesday against the Rockies due to left shoulder fatigue. Petty, who threw 62 pitches in his outing, could end up entering the Cincinnati rotation if Williamson is moved to the injured list or is otherwise unable to make his next turn. Petty holds a 4.38 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 29:11 K:BB across 24.2 frames at Triple-A this season.

Ferguson (oblique) walked one and struck out one over a scoreless inning for Double-A Chattanooga on Tuesday.

Ferguson threw 14 pitches (seven strikes) in his first outing while on a rehab assignment with the Lookouts. The left-hander is expected to be used as an opener Friday before throwing out of the bullpen next week for Chattanooga, per MLB.com.

Tovar went 1-for-4 with two RBI and a run scored Wednesday against the Reds.

Tovar has had a forgettable start to the season by hitting only .195 with a 29.4 percent strikeout rate. However, he delivered a two-run single in the ninth inning to record his first RBI since April 8, a span of 16 starts. This also marked only the second time in his last eight starts that Tovar managed to record a hit.

Vargas went 2-for-5 with a run scored in Wednesday's 6-2 win over the Brewers.

Vargas wasted little time extending his season-opening hit streak to 22 games when he singled in his first plate appearance. Going back to 2025, the utility infielder has hit safely in 25 consecutive games. Vargas, who has become the team's primary first baseman, doesn't have any real competition for playing time at the moment with both Carlos Santana (thigh) and Pavin Smith (elbow) on the injured list.