MLB Player News

Atlanta designated Payamps for assignment Friday.

Payamps had collected an 8.22 ERA and 9:4 K:BB over his first 7.2 innings this season. The 32-year-old reliever is a safe bet to pass through waivers, and if that happens he would have the ability to elect free agency.

Mayza served as Philadelphia's opener in the second game of Thursday's doubleheader versus San Francisco and pitched two scoreless innings, allowing two hits and one walk while striking out two batters in a no-decision.

The Phillies elected to go to a bullpen game in the nightcap of Thursday's twin bill, and none of the pitchers they deployed went more than 2.1 frames. Mayza worked as the opener for the first time in his career and did well, though there's very little to take away from his performance from a fantasy perspective. The veteran reliever will likely return to his low-leverage bullpen role moving forward.

Walker (0-1) took the loss and blew a save opportunity in the first game of Thursday's doubleheader against the Phillies, allowing two runs on three hits while striking out one batter over two-thirds of an inning.

Logan Webb gave San Francisco seven innings of one-run ball, and Erik Miller tossed a scoreless eighth to hand Walker a 2-1 lead heading into the bottom of the ninth. However, the Giants' closer couldn't protect the advantage, yielding a pair of infield singles and a triple to allow two runs to score. The blown save was the second of the season across five save chances for Walker, who has registered a 4.26 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 13:6 K:BB through 12.2 frames spanning 13 outings. He's probably still safe as San Francisco's primary saves option for the time being, though Walker doesn't have the longest leash among MLB closers.

Gerber (finger) struck out two and allowed two hits over a scoreless inning during his rehab appearance Tuesday at Triple-A Syracuse.

The right-hander took the hill for the second appearance of his assignment after he previously tossed a scoreless frame for Single-A St. Lucie on Saturday. Gerber shouldn't require much more additional time in the minors to prove his health after landing on the injured list April 14 due to a blister, but his activation could be delayed nonetheless if the Mets don't have a spot available for him in the big-league bullpen.

The Phillies selected Richards' contract from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Thursday.

Richards has been on a roll at Lehigh Valley, having collected a 1.93 ERA and 26:3 K:BB over his first 14 innings. The veteran righty is capable of handling multiple innings and is candidate for long-relief work in the second game of Thursday's doubleheader versus the Giants.

The Phillies placed Backhus on the 15-day injured list Thursday with left elbow inflammation.

It's unclear how long Backhus' elbow has been bothering him, but he hadn't pitched since Saturday. Trevor Richards will assume his spot on the roster and in the bullpen.

Varland secured the save Thursday against the Mets, allowing no runs on one hit and no walks in 1.1 innings. He struck out one.

The Nationals trusted the right-hander to record the final four outs Thursday, and Varland delivered despite letting the tying run to reach base. Primary closer Clayton Beeter (forearm) will spend at least one more week on the injured list, seemingly leaving the ninth-inning gig all to Varland for now. Varland is perhaps making a case for more save chances even when Beeter returns, posting a 2.84 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 14:3 K:BB over 12.2 innings.

The Mets recalled Warren from Triple-A Syracuse on Thursday.

Warren will provide manager Carlos Mendoza with a fresh arm in the bullpen. He's allowed only one run with a 5:0 K:BB in 3.2 innings during his time with the Mets this season.

The Mets designated Edwards for assignment Thursday.

Edwards gave the Mets exactly what they needed, saving the bullpen with a couple extended relief outings over the last few days. However, he threw 50 pitches over 2.2 innings in Wednesday's loss to the Nationals, so the club is replacing him with a fresh bullpen arm in righty Austin Warren, who was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse.

Duran (oblique) will throw a bullpen session Thursday, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

It will be the first time Duran has thrown off the mound since he was sidelined by a left oblique strain two weeks ago. The Phillies are optimistic that Duran will be ready to rejoin the active roster soon, though it's unclear whether he will travel with them to Miami for a series with the Marlins this weekend.