MLB Player News

Moreta didn't allow a baserunner while striking out three over 1.1 scoreless innings Friday against the Angels.

Following a rough June that saw him allow 10 runs over 10 innings, Moreta has given up only one run with a 0.72 WHIP and 13 strikeouts through 8.1 frames in July. While currently holding a middle-relief role in Pittsburgh, continued impactful outings could lead to a rise in role if the Pirates trade away closer David Bednar and/or setup man Colin Holderman continues to struggle.

Leahy was optioned to Triple-A Memphis on Saturday.

Leahy made his big-league debut in early July but allowed at least one run in all three of his relief appearances, failing to record three outs in any of them. He'll take his 21.60 ERA and 5.40 WHIP back to the minors, with Drew VerHagen (hip) returning from the injured list to take his spot in the bullpen.

Suarez notched a hold against the Tigers on Friday by pitching one perfect inning.

Suarez made his season debut after a prolonged absence due to an elbow injury. San Diego manager Bob Melvin didn't hesitate to immediately deploy him in a high-leverage situation, bringing the right-hander in to protect a one-run eighth-inning lead. Suarez didn't show any signs of rust, retiring the side in order on 11 pitches. It appears the Padres may slot Suarez into a setup role immediately as they seek to make up ground in the wild-card race.

VerHagen (hip) was activated off the 15-day injured list Saturday.

VerHagen missed three weeks with a hip impingement. Prior to the injury, he recorded an unimpressive 4.78 ERA and 1.46 WHIP in 35 relief appearances. Kyle Leahy was optioned to clear space on the roster for his return.

Mantiply was optioned to Triple-A Reno on Friday.

Mantiply was up for a few days while Andrew Chafin was on paternity leave but now heads back to Reno with Chafin back in the fold. The 2022 All-Star has had a tougher time in 2023 with a 5.74 ERA in 13 appearances.

Chafin was activated from the paternity leave list Friday.

The veteran left-hander is back in the bullpen after tending to more important matters. Chafin has collected a 3.06 ERA and 45:15 K:BB over 32.1 innings out of the Diamondbacks' bullpen this season.

Leiter retired two batters in a scoreless appearance Friday to earn a hold in the 4-3 win over the Cardinals.

Leiter retired the final two batters of the eighth inning before Adbert Alzolay worked the ninth. Leiter seems to be firmly in a setup role ahead of Alzolay, as the former last recorded a save back on June 2. Since then, Leiter has six holds, while Alzolay has recorded six saves. Leiter still has some fantasy value as a setup man in deeper leagues.

Diaz pitched a perfect ninth inning Friday to record his 28th save of the season in a 9-6 win over the Diamondbacks.

He needed only 10 pitches (seven strikes) to get the job done, generating three groundball outs. The Cincinnati closer sits second in the majors in saves, two behind leader Camilo Doval's 30, and since the beginning of June, Diaz has posted a 2.01 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 24:9 K:BB through 22.1 innings while converting 15 of 16 save chances.

Hader picked up the save Friday against the Tigers, tossing a perfect ninth inning. He struck out one and didn't issue a walk.

Hader hasn't given up an earned run since May 31. During that stretch, he's gone 11-for-12 in save chances while striking out 23 over 16 appearances (14.2 innings). The left-hander had a few hiccups last year, but he has returned to form in 2023 and is still one of the elite bullpen arms in MLB.

Hernandez (calf) was activated from the 15-day injured list Friday. He allowed three runs on two hits and a walk over two-thirds of an inning during Friday's loss to the Angels.

Yohan Ramirez was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis to make room for the left-hander on the 26-man roster. Hernandez missed just over a month with a right calf strain, and he allowed home runs to Zach Neto and Taylor Ward to account for the three runs. He also recorded three strikeouts -- a wild pitch allowed Shohei Ohtani to reach base. Hernandez carries a 3.54 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 31:7 K:BB through 28 innings this season while adding three holds, so he's not likely to see a lot of high-leverage work.