MLB Player News

Hjelle (0-1) allowed six runs (four earned) on eight hits and struck out three in two innings, taking the loss Sunday versus the White Sox.

Hjelle worked as the third pitcher in the game for the Giants. He was likely expected to provide length out of the bullpen, but the White Sox were able to get to him in three straight frames, and he left with no outs and the bases loaded in the fifth inning. Hjelle has allowed six earned runs in six innings across three major-league appearances this year, and he's added a 9:2 K:BB. He's primarily worked as a starter with Triple-A Sacramento, and he could be optioned out soon so the Giants can replenish their bullpen depth.

Bard saved Sunday's 6-5 win against the Diamondbacks, allowing a hit and two walks in a scoreless ninth.

Despite strong opposition from Arizona, Bard successfully protected a one-run lead and delivered his 16th save in 18 tries. A one-out Josh Rojas double presented a threat that evolved into a bases-loaded, two-out jam, but the 37-year-old was able to induce a Daulton Varsho groundout to end the game. Bard has successfully converted his last seven save chances and improved his ERA to 2.05 with the scoreless appearance.

Hader struck out two batters in a scoreless ninth inning to notch a save over the Pirates on Sunday. He allowed one hit and one walk.

Hader found himself in a bases-loaded, two-out jam, but he escaped to preserve the 2-0 victory for Milwaukee. After nine straight outings without issuing a free pass, he's now walked a batter in consecutive appearances for the first time since April 12 and 13. Still, the superstar closer owns a stellar 43:8 K:BB and a 1.05 ERA while going 25 for 26 in save chances this season.

Santillan (back) began core-strengthening exercises this weekend and could be cleared to resume a throwing program within the next week, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Santillan may have an outside chance of making it back for the final weekend before the All-Star break if he avoids any further snags in his rehab program for his strained lower back, but given the Reds' place in the standings, it wouldn't be surprising if he was held out for the remainder of the first half. Before landing on the shelf, Santillan had recorded a save, blown save or hold in each of his final seven appearances, but he may not immediately factor into closing situations upon his return. While Santillan has been sidelined, Hunter Strickland has notched three saves in as many chances and looks to be manager David Bell's preferred closing option.

Brebbia allowed a hit and struck out one in a scoreless inning in Sunday's 13-4 loss to the White Sox. He did not factor in the decision.

Brebbia was the opener in what was ultimately a bullpen game. This is the second time he's served in that role this season, while he's added 35 relief appearances. The right-hander has allowed three runs (two earned), 11 hits and four walks with 13 strikeouts in 12.2 innings since the start of June. He could continue to see time as an opener while the Giants' rotation is short-staffed, but he's most likely to return to a middle-relief role.

Kimbrel (back) underwent scans that came back negative after exiting Sunday's game against the Padres, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

While Kimbrel doesn't appear to be dealing with a significant injury after being hit by a comebacker Sunday, manager Dave Roberts said that the right-hander will be unavailable for a few days. Kimbrel has displayed some inconsistency recently, but Roberts said that he's "not even considering" removing the 34-year-old from the closer's role.

Rogers allowed a run on two hits and struck out one to earn the save in Sunday's 4-2 win over the Dodgers.

For much of the game, it appeared Rogers' services wouldn't be needed. The Padres then erupted for four runs in the top of the ninth, and the southpaw was able to protect a lead despite giving up a sacrifice fly to Freddie Freeman. It's been a shaky run of late for Rogers, who has surrendered three runs in his last 6.2 innings, though he's still 4-for-5 in save chances across those six outings. Overall, the Padres' closer is 23-for-27 in saves with a 3.03 ERA, 0.86 WHIP and 38:7 K:BB through 32.2 innings, and it doesn't seem like he's in any danger of losing his role despite his recent inconsistency.

Thompson registered a no-decision during Sunday's 4-2 loss to Boston, allowing two runs on seven hits and three walks with three strikeouts in four innings.

Thompson held Boston scoreless through three innings despite five baserunners with the help of two double plays but allowed five more hitters to reach base in the fourth, resulting in two runs. The 27-year-old lasted fewer than five innings for the third time in six starts, and Thompson's ERA has spiked from 1.99 to 3.41 during the rough stretch. He's in for a tough test with a start against the Dodgers scheduled for next weekend.

Kimbrel exited Sunday's game against the Padres in the top of the ninth inning due to an apparent back injury, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Kimbrel was hit by a comebacker with one out in the top of the ninth inning and initially remained in the game, but he was ultimately removed by a trainer after he gave up a double and a single to the next two batters. The extent of his injury isn't yet clear, and whether he's forced to miss time remains to be seen.

Norris (finger) is scheduled to face rehabbing teammates Nick Madrigal (groin) and Frank Schwindel (back) in a live batting practice session Tuesday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

If all goes well during the throwing session, Norris could be cleared to head to the minors for what would presumably be a brief rehab assignment. Norris has been on the 15-day injured list since June 23 with a left middle finger strain.