MLB Player News

Atlanta optioned Ritchie to Triple-A Gwinnett on Wednesday.

Ritchie's second stint in the big leagues lasted two weeks, with the young righty posting a 5.40 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 16:9 K:BB in 15 innings across two starts and one relief appearance. Due to off days Thursday and Monday, Atlanta should be able to get by with four starters in the short term before filling Ritchie's vacated spot in the rotation late next week. Hurston Waldrep has given up just one run in 7.2 innings over two starts for Gwinnett since being reinstated from the 60-day injured list earlier this month and would be a logical choice to replace Ritchie in the big-league rotation.

Atlanta activated Kinley (elbow) from the 15-day injured list Wednesday.

Kinley will skip a rehab assignment and rejoin the Atlanta bullpen following a two-week absence. The right-hander has posted a 3.18 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 31:10 K:BB across 28.1 relief innings this season.

Estevez (shoulder) threw a bullpen Sunday and is scheduled to throw another Wednesday, MLB.com reports.

Estevez has been on the injured list since April 1, originally due to a left foot contusion before suffering a right rotator cuff strain during a rehab assignment May 6. The veteran has steadily progressed in his recovery, and the move to bullpen sessions represents a positive step forward. If the right-hander comes out of Wednesday's session without any issues, he could quickly progress to facing live hitters.

Mears (shoulder) received an injection and began playing catch again Monday, MLB.com reports.

Mears threw a bullpen June 16 and was on the right track in his recovery from a right shoulder impingement, but the 29-year-old came out of the session dealing with the same soreness and pinching feeling that landed him on the shelf in the first place. After receiving an injection in his shoulder, the right-hander is back to throwing and will look to build up in rehab without any further setbacks. Before being placed on the injured list May 29, Mears posted a 5.12 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 15:11 K:BB across 19.1 innings.

Mikolas is expected to work in bulk relief behind opening pitcher Carson Palmquist during Wednesday's game against the Phillies, Spencer Nusbaum of The Athletic reports.

The Nationals will likely let the left-handed Palmquist cover the first inning or two, sparing the right-handed Mikolas from at least one matchup with left-handed hitters Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber (back), both of whom typically occupy top-three spots in the order. Working as a bulk reliever for his turns through the rotation is nothing new for Mikolas, who has started in just six of his 16 appearances so far this season. As a reliever, Mikolas has turned in a 4.04 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 8.8 K-BB% over 49 innings, with all of those ratios being markedly better than what he's provided as a starter.

The Rockies placed Hill on the 15-day injured list Wednesday with right shoulder tendinitis.

It's unclear how long Hill's shoulder has been bothering him. He's notched saves in two of his last three outings but has had a rough June overall, allowing nine runs with a 5:8 K:BB over six innings covering nine appearances. Hill will be eligible for activation in early July, but with the nature of the injury, he could require additional down time.

The Rockies recalled Halvorsen from Triple-A Albuquerque on Wednesday.

Colorado sent Halvorsen back to Triple-A on June 17, but he'll be eligible to rejoin the big club a week later after right-hander Jaden Hill (shoulder) was moved to the 15-day injured list in a corresponding move. The Rockies will likely limit Halvorsen to lower-leverage spots during his upcoming stint in the big leagues; the reliever has posted a 3.31 ERA in 16.1 innings with Colorado this season but has walked nearly as many batters (14) as he's struck out (16).

Leiter (hip) began a throwing progression Monday, MLB.com reports.

Leiter was placed on the injured list Saturday (retroactive to Thursday) due to a right hip impingement, but he didn't require much down time before resuming throwing. The Athletics are hopeful that the right-hander can return to the big-league club when first eligible July 3. In 29.2 innings this season, Leiter owns a 4.85 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 31:10 K:BB with four saves.

The Nationals recalled Palmquist from Triple-A Rochester, and he'll serve as the team's opening pitcher for Wednesday's game against the Phillies, Mark Zuckerman of NatsJournal.com reports.

Though he'll eventually settle into the Washington bullpen, Palmquist will be making his team debut in a starting role. The Nationals are likely counting on the left-handed Palmquist to cover the first inning or two, hoping that he can limit the effectiveness of a Philadelphia lineup that typically features two left-handed hitters in Kyle Schwarber (back) and Bryce Harper in the top three spots. Right-hander Miles Mikolas will take over in bulk relief once Palmquist exits the contest.

The Cubs recalled Hollowell from Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday.

Hollowell was just sent down Tuesday but returns to take the roster spot of the injured Ben Brown (neck). He will operate in a middle-relief role.