MLB Player News

Thompson (1-0) allowed a hit and a walk while striking out four over 1.2 innings to earn the win Friday over the Pirates.

Starter Jake Woodford pitched 5.1 scoreless innings but received no run support. Thompson was able to get some help as the Cardinals got on the board in the sixth inning and maintained the lead to earn him the win in his sixth appearances this season. The southpaw has done well as a multi-inning option, giving up one unearned run on six hits and four walks while striking out 11 over seven innings this season. He also has a hold. Thompson is the Cardinals' most effective lefty in the bullpen, so he could work his way into some high-leverage spots.

Wilson yielded one run on four hits over three innings during Friday's win over Padres. He struck out two and earned a save.

Wilson picked up his second three-inning save of the season during an 11-2 blowout win. He coughed up an RBI single to Rougned Odor in the eighth inning but otherwise kept the Padres off the board. Wilson has allowed one run with a 9:3 K:BB through nine innings.

Gallegos struck out one batter in a perfect ninth inning to earn a save over the Pirates on Friday.

Gallegos needed just 10 pitches to finish off the 3-0 victory. He's now sporting a 7:0 K:BB after converting his first save chance of the year. Ryan Helsley did not appear in Friday's game after pitching Tuesday and Wednesday.

Santillan (back) was pulled off his rehab assignment Friday due to right knee discomfort.

Santillan had been pushing toward his season debut after battling a back injury last year and again this spring, but that plan will be put on hold due to this knee issue he picked up at Triple-A Louisville. The severity of the setback is not yet clear.

Stephenson (elbow) was activated Friday from the 15-day injured list.

Stephenson will join the Pirates' bullpen Friday night in St. Louis after missing the first three weeks of the 2023 regular season due to right elbow soreness. He could eventually work his way into a prominent setup role, though Pittsburgh's relief corps has been impressive all around in the early going.

Hjelle was recalled Friday from Triple-A Sacramento, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Hjelle was just sent down Wednesday, but the Giants had an opening on their 26-man roster after having to place outfielder Bryce Johnson on the 7-day concussion IL. Hjelle will get another look out of the bullpen.

Strzelecki tossed 1.1 scoreless innings and picked up his second hold of the season in Thursday's victory over the Padres.

Strzelecki became a reliable reliever for the Brewers last season, and he has been all that and more early on in the 2023 campaign, firing 6.1 scoreless frames over six appearances while allowing just five runners to reach base. He currently slots in as the third option in the Brewers' bullpen behind closer Devin Williams and setup man Matt Bush, but Bush has not been particularly sharp since joining the Brewers last August, so it's possible Strzelecki could move up a peg in the pecking order.

Williams struck out all three batters he faced and picked up his second win of the season in Thursday's victory over the Padres.

Williams was summoned from the bullpen with both teams even on the scoreboard in the bottom of the ninth inning, and he earned the win when the Brewers plated a run in the top of the 10th. Williams has had only one save opportunity thus far, but more are sure to come, particularly if the 9-4 Brewers -- who sit second league-wide in run differential -- maintain their winning ways.

Diaz picked up the save Thursday against the Phillies and struck out the only batter he faced.

Diaz came in to get the last out, as he was assigned to face Phillies superstar Trea Turner with runners on first and second. The right-hander retired him on five pitches to secure his second save in as many chances. Diaz has been unscored upon in four of five outings but has an inflated 6.23 ERA since he allowed three earned runs in his other appearance.

Martinez did not factor in the decision against Milwaukee on Thursday, allowing three runs on five hits and three walks while striking out two batters over six innings.

Martinez was far from overpowering in the outing, as he allowed as many homers as he notched strikeouts. However, he kept San Diego in the game and finished with his first quality start of the campaign. The right-hander continued to struggle with his control, issuing three more walks to bring his season K:BB to 11:10 over 17.2 innings. Seth Lugo and Ryan Weathers have both pitched well at the back end of the Padres' rotation, so it will be interesting to see which of Lugo, Weathers and Martinez moves to the bullpen when Joe Musgrove (toe/shoulder) is able to return to action.