MLB Player News

Lodolo (finger) threw a bullpen session Sunday, MLB.com reports.

Lodolo, who is on the mend from a blister on his left index finger, has now completed two side sessions since landing on the injured list July 12. In an effort to combat further recurrences of blisters, Lodolo has been testing out a new grip for his breaking pitches, and he's thus far experienced no issues since he resumed throwing. Lodolo will likely need to face hitters and potentially make a rehab start before returning from the IL.

Kepler went 3-for-5 with a double and two RBI in Monday's 3-2 extra-inning loss to the Pirates.

Kepler broke a scoreless tie in the sixth inning with a two-run double. He had a chance for more RBI in 10th but lined out with the bases loaded. After a period of adjusment to MLB pitching upon his return from an 80-game suspension -- he posted a .190 average and struck out at a 26.1 percent clip over his first 14 games -- Kepler's found his swing. The outfielder is 8-for-26 (.308) with three doubles, one home run, six RBI and just two strikeouts (6.9 K%) over the subsequent eight contests.

Soroka (glute) threw a bullpen session Monday, MLB.com reports.

Soroka followed up a two-inning simulated game Saturday (35 pitches) with Monday's bullpen. The right-hander is next scheduled to pitch in a game at the team's training facility in Arizona on Thursday.

McCray went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run in Monday's 3-0 win over Milwaukee.

McCray smashed a two-run homer to left-center field in the fourth inning to extend San Francisco's lead to 3-0. It marked his first homer and just his second hit of the season, as the outfielder has played sparingly since being added to the active roster July 10. Should Jung Hoo Lee (elbow) require a stint on the injured list, McCray could be in line for more regular opportunities in the lineup.

Miller picked up the save in Monday's 3-0 win over the Brewers. He struck out two over a perfect inning.

Miller had no trouble finishing off the Brewers in the ninth inning, retiring the side in order to secure the victory. Monday marked the southpaw's third save of the season and first since April 26. On the year, he owns a 2.87 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 44:22 K:BB across 31.1 innings. While save opportunities may be infrequent on the lowly Giants, Miller and Caleb Kilian appear to be manager Tony Vitello's top two options in the ninth inning.

Sproat (3-6) took the loss Monday, allowing three runs on six hits and three walks over six innings against the Giants. He struck out five.

The right-hander allowed a fair number of Giants hitters to reach and served up a two-run homer to Grant McCray in the fourth inning, but Sproat still managed to record a quality start despite taking the loss. The 25-year-old has delivered improved results of late, posting a 3.10 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 33:14 K:BB across 29 innings in his past six outings. He'll take a 5.05 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 96:49 K:BB across 92.2 innings (20 appearances) into his next start, tentatively scheduled for Sunday against the Angels.

Mahle (3-9) earned the win Monday, allowing three hits and two walks over six-plus scoreless innings against Milwaukee. He struck out three.

Mahle silenced the Milwaukee offense, spinning six shutout frames to pick up his third win. Overall, the 31-year-old has struggled to a 4.96 ERA and 1.40 WHIP across 89 innings (17 starts). However, he's pitched much better of late, posting a 2.00 ERA and 1.06 WHIP across 18 innings in his past three starts. Mahle will look to stay hot in his next outing, tentatively scheduled for Saturday at San Diego.

Hoerner went 4-for-5 with a home run, two total runs and four total RBI on Monday in a 7-3 win against St. Louis.

Hoerner's RBI came on a two-run single in the fifth inning and a two-run homer in the ninth. The veteran infielder continued what has been a scorching second half so far -- over 10 games since the All-Star break, he's batting .432 (19-for-44), with two four-hit performances during that span. Though his homer Monday was just his second extra-base hit among the 19 knocks, he's plated 10 runs across that 10-game stretch.

Bregman went 4-for-5 with a home run, two doubles, three total runs and two total RBI in a 7-3 win against the Cardinals on Monday.

Bregman helped Chicago get off to a fast start with a run-scoring double in the first inning. He added a solo homer to right field in the third and ended the contest with four hits, his most in a game since he went 5-for-5 versus the Rays in April of last year. Bregman entered Monday in a 1-for-16, four-game stretch at the plate, so the huge performance was a welcome sight for his fantasy managers. Even after Monday's big effort, the veteran third baseman is on pace for a career-worst .705 OPS.

Dobbins allowed four runs on six hits and one walk while striking out four batters over 5.1 innings in a no-decision against the Cubs on Monday.

As expected, Dobbins piggybacked starter Matthew Liberatore, who lasted only 3.2 innings while giving up three runs. Dobbins was the slightly more efficient and effective hurler, and he gave St. Louis more depth with 85 pitches to Liberatore's 67, though neither pitcher was particularly impressive. It remains to be seen how Dobbins will be deployed moving forward -- he could continue to piggyback Liberatore, but there's also a possibility he moves into the rotation if Liberatore continues to struggle or if another starter is traded before the deadline.