MLB Player News

Rodriguez (elbow) threw 30-pitch bullpen sessions at Oracle Park on Thursday and Sunday, MLB.com reports.

After being placed on the 15-day injured list Aug. 15 with a right elbow flexor strain, Rodriguez was shut down for two weeks before he was cleared to begin a throwing program Sept. 3. He looks to be building up his pitch count through side sessions and should soon be ready to face hitters before likely heading out on a brief minor-league rehab assignment. Rodriguez could make it back from the IL during the final week of the regular season.

Montgomery is slated to start Tuesday's game against the Rockies at Coors Field, Jesse Friedman of GoPHNX.com reports.

As expected, Montgomery will return to the Arizona rotation as a replacement for the injured Ryne Nelson (shoulder) following a three-week stint in the bullpen. Montgomery shifted to a relief role after producing a 6.44 ERA over his 19 starts this season, and he didn't fare much better over his four appearances out of the bullpen (4.85 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 6:4 K:BB in 13 innings). The southpaw covered three-plus innings in three of those relief outings, so he at least should be relatively stretched out as he re-enters the rotation Tuesday.

Moreta (elbow) is throwing from 60 feet, MLB.com reports.

Moreta underwent Tommy John surgery in mid-March, with this marking his first activity since. He is projected to return in June of 2025.

Oviedo (elbow) has been throwing from 120 feet four times per week, MLB.com reports.

Oviedo has progressively ramped up his throwing distance and has not experienced any documented setbacks. He is expected to be ready for spring training, though his role on the team is unclear given the number of options the Pirates are projected to have for the rotation.

Hayes (back) is set to resume light baseball activity, MLB.com reports.

Hayes has been sidelined since Aug. 19 and has been working to strengthen his core for a potential return. He is expected to start playing catch soon, though his return this season appears to be in jeopardy. The team has not officially decided whether Hayes will play again in 2024.

Siani went 0-for-2 with a walk and a stolen base in Sunday's 3-2 loss to the Blue Jays.

Siani has racked up four steals over his last 10 games despite hitting .152 (5-for-33) with two walks in that span. The outfielder has had some good moments with the bat this year, but his defense has made him a near-everyday option when healthy. He's slashing .241/.285/.300 with 18 steals, two home runs, 20 RBI and 38 runs scored through 299 plate appearances.

Nootbaar went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in Sunday's 3-2 loss to the Blue Jays.

Nootbaar had the Cardinals' only multi-hit effort Sunday, and his homer was one of two extra-base hits for the team. He's had a decent September, going 13-for-36 (.361) with five extra-base hits, eight RBI and two stolen bases over 13 contests despite seeing fewer opportunities versus left-handed pitchers. For the year, he's up to 10 homers, 37 RBI, 32 runs scored and seven steals while slashing .248/.340/.406 across 97 games.

Kittredge (4-5) allowed one run on two hits and a walk while striking out one over two-thirds of an inning to take the loss Sunday versus the Blue Jays.

This outing brought an end to Kittredge's 11.2-inning scoreless streak, a span in which he logged three wins and three holds. He's mostly been able to limit any struggles this season to two or three outings at a time, which has helped him remain a steady setup man for a Cardinals team that is often in tight games. Kittredge is now at a 2.97 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 61:20 K:BB, one save and 33 holds over 63.2 innings.

Mikolas allowed two runs on three hits over five innings in a no-decision Sunday. He struck out four during the loss to Toronto.

Mikolas worked through four shutout innings before coughing up a two-run shot to Davis Schneider in the fifth. Mikolas has failed to complete six innings in four straight starts, posting a brutal 8.10 ERA during that stretch. He hasn't earned a win since July 21 and owns a 6.80 ERA in nine outings since then. Mikolas will carry a 5.49 ERA into his next matchup, which is projected to be at home against the Guardians.

Carroll went 2-for-5 with a walk, two runs and a steal in Sunday's win over the Brewers.

Carroll singled and scored in the opening frame and then later walked, stole second and eventually scored once more in the eighth. That's now six steals this month for Carroll and six runs scored over the last five games, but he has only two RBI since Sept. 3. He's hitting just .232 but has scored 111 runs, which is currently the sixth-most in baseball.