MLB Player News

The Reds optioned Busenitz to Triple-A Louisville on Saturday.

With the return of Graham Ashcraft (calf) from the 15-day injured list Saturday, Busenitz will head back to Triple-A three days after being called up. The 32-year-old lefty didn't appear in a game during his latest stint and still carries a 4.50 ERA and 2.00 WHIP through four innings in the majors this season.

Hicks will not be available for Saturday's game against the Cubs due to illness, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Jordan Walker was forced out of the lineup with an illness Wednesday, and Hicks is now facing a similar issue. Any save opportunity would likely be handled by Giovanny Gallegos on Saturday.

Doval picked up the save in Friday's 8-5 win over the Diamondbacks. He tossed a perfect inning with no strikeouts.

Doval is now tied for third in MLB in total saves this year with 21. The right-hander has allowed only one run in the month of June, and he is on pace to pass his career-high mark of 27 saves that he set last year. The third-year veteran has firmly established himself as one of the better relief pitchers in fantasy at this point.

Graterol picked up the save Friday against Houston. He tossed a perfect inning with no strikeouts.

Graterol continues his career year, as his 2.18 ERA will be his best mark by far if he can end the season around that number. The right-hander's four saves are already tied for the most he's had in a season as well. The veteran is also red-hot as of late, as he's coughed up earned runs in just two of his last 19 appearances.

Walker will serve as the opening pitcher in Saturday's game versus the Diamondbacks, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Walker allowed two walks and struck out one in a scoreless inning versus the Padres on Wednesday in his last turn as an opener. He'll again pitch just an inning or two before giving way to a bulk reliever, most likely Keaton Winn or Tristan Beck.

Bednar earned the save in Friday's 3-1 win over the Marlins. He struck out two over a perfect inning.

After being shut out for eight innings, the Pirates struck for three runs in the top of the ninth, creating the save opportunity for Bednar. The right-hander retired the side in order on 20 pitches and has now successfully converted 11 straight save chances dating back to April 18. He holds a sparkling 1.61 ERA and 0.86 WHIP in 28 innings this season and could bring a significant return to the Pirates at the trade deadline should the team elect to go that route.

Puk (3-2) blew the save and took the loss Friday against the Pirates. He gave up three runs on three hits without a walk or a strikeout over two-thirds of an inning.

Called upon in the ninth inning to protect a 1-0 lead, Puk allowed two runs on three singles and a couple stolen bases before getting the hook. Dylan Floro took over and allowed an inherited runner to score, adding more damage to Puk's ledger. The lefty has pitched well overall this season (3.22 ERA, 1.16 WHIP) and has earned four of the Marlins' last five saves. This outing alone is unlikely to affect Puk's standing in the bullpen pecking order.

Lawrence struck out two in a perfect inning to earn the save in Friday's 7-4 win over the Angels.

Lawrence has given up four runs (three earned) while striking out nine over 11.1 innings in June. He's served as a general high-leverage option rather than a full-time closer, though all three of his saves on the year have come this month. He's at a 2.88 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 41:19 K:BB while also picking up seven holds through 40.2 innings as one of the Rockies' busiest relievers.

Diaz picked up the save Friday against Atlanta. He allowed one walk without a strikeout in a scoreless ninth inning.

The Reds erased an early five-run deficit and Diaz was there at the end to secure the club's 12th consecutive win. He's still perfect in save chances this season at 21-for-21, stepping out of his brother Edwin's shadow to become one of the game's elite closers over the first half of 2023. The stability he's provided to the Cincinnati bullpen should earn him his first career All-Star selection.

Vesia was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Friday by the Dodgers, J.P. Hoornstra of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.

Vesia was removed from the 26-man active roster to make room for Phil Bickford, who was reinstated from the injured list. Vesia will likely be back with the Dodgers at some point this summer.