MLB Player News

Hicks picked up the save in Monday's 8-6 victory over Washington, allowing one hit during a scoreless inning. He struck out one and did not record a walk.

With Ryan Helsley (forearm) on the injured list, Hicks has locked down saves in three consecutive days. The flamethrowing right-hander started his career as a closer, but he struggled to stay healthy and had been limited to set-up duties when available. Nonetheless, Hicks is healthy now and has a clear path to late-inning opportunities, so he should be rostered in basically every fantasy format. Giovanny Gallegos also figures to get some ninth-inning work while Helsley remains sidelined, but it appears to be Hicks' job to lose for now.

Hudson was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Monday.

Hudson was roughed up during his lone appearance with the big club. The big southpaw has been dominant with OKC this season and should get another chance at the major-league level eventually.

Winn didn't factor into the decision in Monday's 7-4 extra-inning win over the Padres after allowing one run on three hits and no walks while striking out four batters over five innings.

Winn was recalled from Triple-A Sacramento on Sunday after Alex Cobb (oblique) landed on the injured list. Though Winn didn't start Monday, he gave San Francisco five efficient innings during which he tossed a modest 60 pitches (42 strikes). The right-hander served up a solo homer to Juan Soto on his first pitch but kept the Padres off the scoreboard thereafter. Winn will likely be unavailable for a few days following his lengthy outing Monday, but he could stick around as a long-relief option. He's given up just two runs over nine innings across two appearances in that role so far this season.

Diaz allowed two hits in a scoreless inning Monday, striking out two and earning a save over the Rockies.

Diaz put runners on first and third with no outs but managed to lock in and finish off the 5-4 win. He's now converted all 19 of his save chances while registering a 1.80 ERA and a 52:13 K:BB through 30 innings. However, he's run into some light trouble recently, yielding two runs on four hits and two walks over his last 5.2 frames.

The Giants recalled Hjelle from Triple-A Sacramento on Monday, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

With the placement of Scott Alexander (hamstring) on the 15-day injured list Monday, Hjelle will be called on to replace Alexander in the bullpen. The 26-year-old righty holds a 10.13 ERA and 2.33 WHIP through 13.1 innings in the majors this season, and he's been used exclusively out of the bullpen with the Giants despite serving as a starter in Triple-A.

The Giants placed Alexander on the 15-day injured list Monday with a left hamstring strain, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Alexander was pulled from Sunday's game against the Dodgers with discomfort in his left hamstring -- an issue that has bothered him quite a bit recently. The 33-year-old lefty will now be sidelined for at least 15 days while Sean Hjelle returns from Triple-A Sacramento to take Alexander's spot in the bullpen.

Herget was designated for assignment Monday.

The Reds needed to free up a spot on the 40-man roster for Joey Votto's return from the 60-day injured list. Herget, 32, holds a career 6.21 ERA over 16 relief appearances at the big-league level.

The Pirates designated Villalobos for assignment Monday.

Villalobos will cede his spot on the 40-man roster to catcher/outfielder Henry Davis, whom the Pirates called up from Triple-A Indianapolis in a corresponding move. After being claimed off waivers from the Marlins in April, Villalobos pitched exclusively with Indianapolis, generating a 4.15 ERA and 1.70 WHIP across 16 relief appearances.

Barnes (hip) has resumed playing catch, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Barnes has been out nearly all month with a left hip impingement but is slowly easing back into a throwing program. He'll likely need a rehab appearance or two before returning from the 15-day injured list.

The Mets selected Hartwig's contract from Triple-A Syracuse on Monday, Will Sammon of The Athletic reports.

Hartwig has collected a 4.21 ERA and 35:15 K:BB over 25.2 innings this season at Syracuse. The 25-year-old will be making his major-league debut when he gets into a game. Hartwig is taking the roster spot vacated by John Curtiss.