MLB Player News

Hader picked up the save Thursday against Washington, striking out two in a perfect ninth inning.

Hader continued his dominant season Thursday, setting the Nationals down in order while recording two more strikeouts. The left-hander has allowed just one earned run in his last 16 innings, striking out 19 in that span. Hader's ERA is down to 0.86 with a 0.76 WHIP and 29:9 K:BB through 21 innings this season.

The Brewers optioned Cousins to Triple-A Nashville on Thursday.

As the signing of Julio Teheran became official Thursday, Cousins will serve as the Brewers' roster casualty. The 28-year-old reliever has done a good job at limiting runs but struggles to keep runners off base -- especially via walks. He will likely continue to bounce back and forth between Milwaukee and Nashville as the Brewers' pitching depth is tested throughout the season.

The Dodgers optioned Scott to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Thursday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Scott avoided being optioned Tuesday in correspondence to Bobby Miller's promotion, but he will now be sent back to the minors to clear a spot for Clayton Kershaw to return from the bereavement list. The 30-year-old reliever holds an impressive 1.08 ERA and 1.23 WHIP through 16.2 innings in Triple-A but has yet to pitch in the majors this year.

Alvarado (elbow) will throw another bullpen session Saturday, Corey Seidman of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.

If all goes according to plan, Alvarado will move to throwing live batting practice next week during the Phillies' series against the Mets. From there, the 28-year-old closer would likely require a rehab assignment before returning to Philly's bullpen. Alvarado has been on the injured list since May 10 with left elbow inflammation.

Suero cleared waivers and was outrighted Thursday to Triple-A Oklahoma City, Eric Stephen of SBNation.com reports.

Suero was designated for assignment by the Dodgers on Monday after yielding six earned runs in 6.2 innings of relief. He'll remain a member of the organization for now.

Tonkin was placed on the 15-day injured list Thursday with a strained neck.

Tonkin has been solid out of the bullpen overall this season, but he's surrendered six earned runs through 7.1 innings in his last three appearances. He'll likely only require a minimum stint on the IL, and his move clears room for Atlanta to recall Dylan Dodd from Triple-A Gwinnett.

Gallegos struck out two and allowed a run on two hits and no walks over 1.1 innings to earn his fifth save in Thursday's 2-1 victory at Cincinnati.

The right-hander stranded two runners to finish the eighth inning and returned for the ninth, but the Reds broke the shutout with a double and a single before Gallegos closed things out. The run breaks a string of eight straight appearances without giving up an earned run for the 31-year-old, who now owns a 2.18 ERA and 20:4 K:BB across 20.1 innings this year. Ryan Helsley opened the campaign as the Cardinals' primary closer, but he and Gallegos have been splitting ninth-inning work of late.

Manager Bud Black said Thursday that Lamet (back) will make another rehab start Friday with Triple-A Albuquerque, Patrick Lyons of TheDNVR.com reports.

Lamet is being stretched out for a possible rotation role with the Rockies as he nears the end of his recovery from a back injury. He's looked sharp in his two rehab starts so far with Albuquerque, tallying five strikeouts with no walks over six innings of one-run ball.

Manager Bud Black said Thursday that Kinley (elbow) is continuing to throw bullpen sessions without issue, Patrick Lyons of TheDNVR.com reports.

Kinley might soon be cleared to face live hitters for the first time since he required surgery last June to repair the flexor tendon in his right elbow. If all continues to go well, the 32-year-old could join the Rockies' bullpen sometime in July.

Finnegan struck out one in a perfect ninth inning Wednesday to record his 10th save of the season in a 5-3 win over the Padres.

The right-hander's numbers on the season remain ugly, but Finnegan has been fairly reliable since a bumpy beginning to 2023. He's been scored upon in only three of his last 17 appearances, posting a 1.62 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 18:7 K:BB through 16.2 innings over that stretch while converting nine of 10 save chances.