MLB Player News

Wittgren (1-0) allowed a hit in a scoreless inning to earn the win Saturday over the Reds.

Wittgren kept the deficit to one run in the top of the ninth inning, and Tommy Edman walked it off for the Cardinals in the bottom of the frame. Despite allowing nine runs, 14 hits and five walks in his last nine innings, Wittgren has picked up a save and a win in his two scoreless outings in that span without taking any losses or blown saves. The right-hander has a 5.79 ERA, 1.67 WHIP and 11:10 K:BB in 23.1 innings overall, so he'll likely be limited to middle relief -- he hasn't picked up a hold since May 2.

Uceta was optioned to Triple-A Reno on Sunday.

Uceta's latest stint with the big-league roster lasted just four days. His lone appearance saw him cruise through 4.1 innings of scoreless relief work Friday against the Phillies, striking out two while allowing two hits. He'll make way for Luke Weaver to return from an elbow injury.

Wilson (4-1) earned the win over Colorado in Game 1 of a doubleheader Saturday with a perfect inning during which he struck out one batter.

The low-scoring game went into extra frames, and Wilson was tasked with containing the Rockies in the top of the 10th. He started off the inning by striking out Connor Joe and retired all three batters he faced on only eight pitches. Wilson was credited with the win when San Diego scored in the bottom of the frame. The rookie right-hander has four victories, five holds and one save this season. He's posted a 3.97 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 22:7 K:B across 22.2 innings.

Rucker was optioned to Triple-A Iowa on Sunday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Rucker's latest stint in the majors lasted just one day. He gave up two runs on four hits in three innings of relief Saturday against the Mets. Sean Newcomb is expected to take his place on the roster.

Knehr tossed 4.2 scoreless frames in long relief but didn't factor into the decision Saturday in the Padres' 6-2 loss to the Rockies in the second game of a doubleheader. He scattered three hits and walked none while striking out three.

Knehr was one of two pitchers summoned from Triple-A El Paso in advance of the twin bill after fellow hurlers Mike Clevinger and Adrian Morejon were placed on the COVID-19-related injured list. Though he performed admirably in long relief after starter MacKenzie Gore was chased midway through the third inning, Knehr's 65-pitch workload means he likely won't be available out of the bullpen for at least the next couple of days. As a result, Knehr could be a candidate for a demotion back to El Paso if the Padres want to swap him out for a fresh arm in the bullpen.

Long threw three scoreless innings against the Dodgers on Saturday, allowing three hits while striking out one batter. He didn't factor in the decision.

Long was making a spot start in place of Alex Cobb (neck), and he was able to give San Francisco a season-high 48 pitches. The left-hander didn't allow any extra-base hits, limiting Los Angeles to a single in each of his three innings. It's unclear if Long will get another chance to start or if he will return to the bullpen. Of his 12 major-league appearances this season, eight have been as a reliever.

Rainey struck out two and gave up a two-run home run in the ninth inning of Saturday's 8-6 win over the Brewers.

Called upon to protect a four-run lead in the ninth, Rainey issued a one-out walk to Andrew McCutchen before Luis Urias took him deep to chop that lead in half, but the Nationals' closer was able to escape by striking out Rowdy Tellez. Rainey has been scored upon in three straight appearances -- the second such stretch for him this season -- and his 3.38 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 22:7 K:BB through 18.2 innings mark him as one of the less reliable closers in the league.

Nelson will serve as the Diamondbacks' opening pitcher Sunday against the Phillies, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.

By tapping the left-handed Nelson, Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo hopes to neutralize sluggers Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper, lefty hitters at the top of the Phillies' order. Nelson is not expected to go much more than an inning. Luke Weaver, who Arizona added to its taxi squad Saturday, is expected to pitch multiple innings following Nelson. The need for a fill-in starter was created when Humberto Castellanos (elbow) was added to the 15-day injured list.

Martinez did not factor in the decision against Colorado in Game 1 of a doubleheader Saturday, but he struck out nine over 5.2 innings while allowing just one run on five hits and three walks.

Martinez was originally scheduled to start Sunday's contest, but he was moved up a day due to Mike Clevinger landing on the COVID-19 injured list. The late change didn't seem to bother Martinez at all, as he fell one out shy of a quality start and struck out a season-high nine batters. The right-hander didn't allow a run until the sixth inning, when Brendan Rodgers doubled home Charlie Blackmon to register the Rockies' only run of the game. Martinez hasn't earned any wins over his past five starts despite posting a 2.92 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 26:10 K:BB across 24.2 innings over that span.

Reed was recalled by the Mets on Saturday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Reed made a pair of relief appearances for the Mets back in May, throwing three scoreless innings. He's up to replace Colin Holderman, who landed on the injured list with a right shoulder impingement.