MLB Player News

Bryant isn't in the lineup Saturday versus the Rays due to lower-back stiffness, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

Bryant has a history of back issues in his career, so the Rockies will play it safe and hold him out until his condition improves. Michael Toglia will cover right field while the former MVP sits and could see increased playing time if Bryant's injury ends up costing him multiple games.

Middleton received a platelet-rich plasma injection in his right forearm Saturday, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Middleton had to be pulled off his recovery program after suffering a setback earlier in the week, and he will now be shut down from all activity for another three days. The Cardinals will re-evaluate his progress in a week, at which point a decision will be made on whether or not to resume his throwing program. As a reliever, Middleton's ramp-up process will likely be relatively short, but a late-April return seems to be the best possible outcome for the 30-year-old righty.

Bryant isn't in the Rockies' lineup for Saturday's contest against Tampa Bay, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

Bryant's two-run homer was the only hit he recorded in five at-bats during Friday's win, and he'll get a day off for the second game of the series Saturday. His absence will give Michael Toglia a chance to start in right field while batting eighth.

Hoskins isn't in the Brewers' lineup for Saturday's game against the Mariners.

After going 0-for-4 with two strikeouts in Friday's series opener, Hoskins will get a day off to regroup Saturday. His absence will allow Jake Bauers to pick up a start at first base while William Contreras serves as the DH, putting Gary Sanchez behind the plate.

Strider underwent an MRI on Saturday that revealed damage to the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. He will be further evaluated by Dr. Keith Meister in Arlington, Texas, at a date yet to be determined.

Strider reported discomfort in his right elbow after his second start of the season in Friday's 6-5 extra-inning win over Arizona, and the worst-case scenario seems to be unfolding for the 25-year-old. If Tommy John surgery is deemed necessary, it would be the second for Strider in his young career. He should be considered out indefinitely, with a move to the injured list likely before the weekend is out. Bryce Elder is a candidate to be called up from Triple-A Gwinnett to replace Strider in Atlanta's starting rotation.

The Brewers recalled Ashby from Triple-A Nashville on Saturday.

With Jakob Junis (shoulder) headed for the injured list, Ashby will come up from the minors and figures to fill the void in the Brewers' rotation. The 25-year-old lefty didn't pitch at all at the major-league level in 2023 as he worked his way back from a shoulder procedure, and he surrendered three runs across five innings during his first start in Triple-A.

The Brewers placed Junis on the 15-day injured list Saturday, retroactive to Wednesday, with a right shoulder impingement.

Junis first reported a problem with his shoulder shortly after his start Tuesday against the Twins. The 31-year-old righty underwent imaging Friday, and although the results came back clean, the Brewers won't risk pushing it. The plan is for him to rest for a couple days before ramping back up, so an extended stay on the IL doesn't seem likely. Aaron Ashby was recalled from Triple-A Nashville in a corresponding move and will presumably take Junis' spot in Milwaukee's rotation.

The Phillies traded Brogdon to the Dodgers on Saturday in exchange for Benony Robles, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Brogdon was designated for assignment Tuesday, but he will remain on a 40-man roster as he moves to the Dodgers organization. The 29-year-old righty turned in a 4.03 ERA across 29 innings last season but has struggled to begin 2024, allowing six earned runs across two innings over three appearances. Dinelson Lamet was designated for assignment to clear space on the Dodgers' 40-man, and Brogdon will join the big-league bullpen as he does not have any minor-league options remaining.

The Dodgers recalled Varland from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Saturday, Eric Stephen of SBNation.com reports.

Varland will come up from the minors to provide a fresh arm to the Dodgers' bullpen. He owns a 6.53 ERA and 2.08 WHIP across 20.2 career big-league innings and will likely be limited to low-leverage situations. Dinelson Lamet was designated for assignment in a corresponding move.

Emanuel cleared waivers Saturday and was sent outright to Triple-A Jacksonville, Daniel Alvarez-Montes of ElExtraBase.com reports.

Emanuel was DFA'd by the Marlins on Thursday after giving up four runs across three innings Wednesday. He will remain in the Marlins organization, but he no longer holds a spot on the 40-man roster. The 31-year-old lefty turned in a 6.19 ERA and 1.56 WHIP across 84.1 frames with the Pirates' Triple-A affiliate last season, and he will have to turn things around at Jacksonville in order to have a shot at pitching in the majors again this year.