MLB Player News

Diaz (biceps) will require at least two more throwing sessions before he's cleared to return, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

The Reds initially hoped Diaz would be able to be reinstated from the injured list Friday, but he'll instead toss a bullpen Saturday prior to throwing a live BP on Monday. Once the right-hander is officially activated, it's possible he takes on a setup role since manager David Bell expressed confidence in Hunter Strickland as the Reds' closer last weekend.

Helsley (3-1) allowed two runs on two hits and a walk with three strikeouts in one inning, taking a blown save and a loss in Wednesday's 4-3 loss to the Marlins.

Prior to Wednesday, Helsley had allowed two runs (one earned) all season. That changed when he surrendered the go-ahead two-run home run to Avisail Garcia in the ninth inning. This was Helsley's third blown save of the year, and he's converted six saves while adding five holds in 30.2 innings. Despite the misstep in this contest, he still owns a 0.88 ERA, 0.65 WHIP And 45:10 K:BB. Giovanny Gallegos pitched a perfect eighth inning and would be first in line to pick up save chances if Helsley begins to struggle over an extended stretch.

Pallante allowed two runs on five hits and a walk with two strikeouts over seven innings in a no-decision versus the Marlins on Wednesday.

Pallante threw 60 of 96 pitches for strikes, though he was able to avoid taking a loss for a fourth straight start. He left the game in line for the win, but Ryan Helsley blew the save in the ninth inning. Pallante is now stretched out fully as a starter, and the Cardinals' injury-plagued rotation means he's likely to remain in that role for a while. He owns a 2.10 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 33:22 K:BB in 55.2 innings across 23 appearances (five starts) overall. The rookie right-hander is projected for a road start in Atlanta next week.

De Los Santos struck out one without allowing a baserunner in a scoreless ninth inning to earn the save Wednesday against the Nationals.

With David Bednar (back) unavailable, De Los Santos was called upon to protect a one-run lead. Though he's made only 12 big-league appearances, De Los Santos locked in his first career save in straightforward fashion. Bednar is expected to avoid a stint on the injured list, so De Los Santos isn't likely to see many additional save opportunities moving forward. Even so, he's been fairly impressive in his opening stint in the majors, maintaining a 2.92 ERA and 13:4 K:BB across 12.1 frames.

Smith struck out two in a scoreless inning to earn the save in Wednesday's 4-1 win over the Phillies.

With Kenley Jansen (irregular heartbeat) on the injured list, A.J. Minter and Smith have split the last two save opportunities, each converting with a perfect inning. Atlanta's bullpen situation is likely to evolve into a committee for now, with Smith a part of that late-inning mix. He has three saves, nine holds, three blown saves and an 0-1 record to go with a 3.30 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 31:14 K:BB through 30 innings overall.

Hader allowed a hit and a walk during a scoreless ninth inning to earn the save in Wednesday's 5-3 win at Tampa Bay. He did not strike out a batter.

The left-hander certainly wasn't at his best Wednesday as he allowed the first two batters to reach via a single and a walk, but he retired the next three hitters to lock down the win. It was only the fourth time in 26 outings this year he's failed to record a strikeout. Hader is 24-for-25 in save opportunities and has a 1.09 ERA, 0.69 WHIP and 41:7 K:BB across 24.2 innings.

Martinez picked up the save Wednesday against the Diamondbacks. He allowed two hits and one walk without a strikeout over three scoreless innings.

Martinez has earned his first two MLB saves in his last two appearances, both of the three-inning variety. While the right-hander's return stateside hasn't been overly impressive from a statistical standpoint (4.55 ERA and 1.46 WHIP entering Wednesday's contest), he can spot start for the club and mop up where necessary. The volume and team context keep him relevant in some deeper formats.

White is scheduled to start Thursday's game against the Padres in Los Angeles, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

He'll be getting a second straight turn through the rotation while Andrew Heaney (shoulder) remains on the injured list. White hasn't covered more than five innings in any of his five starts with the Dodgers this season, and manager Dave Roberts' reluctance to let the right-hander work deep into outings could hurt his chances of picking up wins even though he'll be backed by one of baseball's top lineups.

Norris (finger) was able to play catch off flat ground Wednesday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Norris has started up his throwing program after landing on the 15-day injured list just under a week ago with a left index finger strain. He doesn't look like he'll be in store for a long-term absence, though the Cubs may not have much urgency to rush him back. The lefty has been handling a low-leverage role out of the bullpen all season and has submitted a 7.24 ERA over his 24 appearances.

Hoffman (undisclosed) was reinstated from the COVID-19 injured list Wednesday.

Hoffman landed on the COVID-19 injured list Friday, but his quick return likely means that he didn't test positive for the virus. He should be available out of the bullpen Wednesday against the Cubs after right-hander Jared Solomon was sent down.