MLB Player News

Pomeranz received positive news on his left elbow, but it's still uncertain if he'll be able to return before the end of the season, Dennis Lin of The Athletic reports.

Pomeranz had his rehab stint halted Aug. 19 after feeling discomfort in his pitching elbow, but a subsequent examination revealed no major issues. That opens the door for the left-hander to ramp back up in time to rejoin the Padres before the end of the campaign, though it's far from a certainty since he hasn't yet restarted the rehab assignment. Pomeranz hasn't pitched in the majors in over a year, so he'll likely need multiple more minor-league appearances before he's ready to be activated.

Garcia (1-4) took the loss Tuesday versus the Dodgers. He allowed five runs on four hits and a walk with three strikeouts in 1.2 innings.

Garcia was tagged for a three-run home run by Joey Gallo in the second inning and a two-run shot by Max Muncy in the third. The Giants opted to go with a bullpen game Tuesday to cover for the absence of Alex Wood (shoulder), and Garcia pitched behind opener John Brebbia. Garcia's bad outing spiked his ERA to 3.52 with a 1.21 WHIP and 49:16 K:BB through 53.2 innings this season.

Kimbrel pitched a perfect inning with zero strikeouts to earn the save in Tuesday's 6-3 win over the Giants.

Kimbrel has strung together a 7.1-inning scoreless streak, though this was just his second save in that span and his first since Aug. 17. The 34-year-old has been deployed in more non-save situations of late, with Evan Phillips and Chris Martin among the relievers who have seen higher-leverage work. Kimbrel now has a 3.88 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 62:21 K:BB with 22 saves in 26 chances through 48.2 innings this year.

Martinez (4-3) struck out two in a perfect inning and earned the win Tuesday over the Diamondbacks.

Martinez pitched the ninth inning with the Padres down by a run, and he became the winning pitcher when Jorge Alfaro delivered a walkoff two-run single. Martinez had struggled with two runs allowed in each of his last two appearances, so it was encouraging to see him get back on track. He's at a 3.30 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 84:36 K:BB with eight saves and three holds this year through 25 relief appearances, though he's also made 10 starts.

Rogers (3-7) allowed four runs (three earned) on two hits and a walk to blow the save and take a loss Tuesday versus the Rockies.

Rogers was called upon to protect a 7-6 lead in the bottom of the 10th frame, but he failed to hold the lead. He surrendered an RBI double to Yonathan Daza to open the frame before Randal Grichuk launched a walk-off three-run homer with one out in the inning. The left-hander suffered his eighth blown save of the season and third since joining the Brewers on Aug. 1. Rogers is 30-for-38 on save opportunities this year and now owns a 4.77 ERA and 1.17 WHIP with 68 punchouts over 54.2 frames in 56 appearances.

Rodriguez was unavailable for Tuesday's loss to the Pirates due to neck stiffness, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

It's unclear when the neck issue first surfaced, but the left-hander last pitched Saturday versus Washington and delivered a scoreless frame. The Mets are likely to consider a stint on the injured list for Rodriguez ahead of Wednesday's doubleheader.

Underwood will start Game 1 of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Mets, Chris Halicke of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

Underwood hasn't made a start since he covered four frames in his big-league debut in 2018, but he'll open Game 1 of Wednesday's twin bill. The right-hander has recorded more than six outs only twice this season and is unlikely to pitch deeper than an inning or two before giving way to the bullpen.

Helsley picked up the save Tuesday against Washington. He allowed one hit and one walk while striking out one over a scoreless inning.

Helsley found himself in a mini jam Tuesday, as he allowed a leadoff double and later walked a batter, but he came out unscathed to record his 14th save. The 28-year-old has converted the last two save opportunities for St. Louis after Giovanny Gallegos recorded a couple recently. Helsley figures to be the favorite for save opportunities down the stretch given his stellar 0.98 ERA and 0.70 WHIP on the season.

Graterol (elbow) is expected to begin throwing from a mound soon, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

A recent MRI on Graterol's elbow came back clean, and the reliever appears to have avoided a long-term injury. If all goes well when he resumes throwing, the right-hander could be activated soon after he's eligible in mid-September. Graterol has been one of the Dodgers' most effective relievers this season, posting a 3.02 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 39:10 K:BB over 44.2 innings while notching two wins, three saves and nine holds.

Brebbia will work as an opener in Tuesday's game against the Dodgers, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Brebbia gave up three earned runs his last time out, but that did not stop manager Gabe Kapler from naming him the starter for Tuesday's contest. Brebbia has recorded more than three outs just five times in his league-leading 63 appearances, so don't expect him to be out there too long Tuesday night.