MLB Player News

Long will start Saturday's game versus the Dodgers, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

With Alex Cobb (neck) out, the Giants have elected to give Long a start rather than cobble together another bullpen game. Long will be on only three days' rest after his longest outing of the season Tuesday versus the Rockies (three innings), so it doesn't seem likely he'll qualify for the win. The southpaw has a 2.35 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 10:7 K:BB through 15.1 innings in 11 appearances (three starts) this year.

Junis was diagnosed with a left hamstring strain after exiting Friday's game against the Dodgers in the top of the sixth inning, Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic reports.

Junis limped off the field after slipping on the mound in the top of the sixth inning, and he's dealing with a hamstring strain. The grade of the strain isn't yet clear, and the team hasn't revealed whether the right-hander will require a trip to the injured list. If he's able to make his next start, Junis tentatively lines up to take the mound at home against the Royals on Wednesday.

Junis was removed from Friday's game against the Dodgers in the top of the sixth inning due to an apparent left hamstring injury, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Junis slipped on the mound in the top of the sixth inning and appeared to be grabbing at his left hamstring as he limped off the field afterward. The right-hander threw 92 pitches (64 strikes) prior to his departure and allowed two runs on five hits and a walk while striking out five in five innings. The severity of his injury hasn't yet been revealed.

Miller signed a minor-league contract with the Giants on Wednesday.

Miller was let go by the Yankees last week but landed a minor-league deal with San Francisco a week later. The 31-year-old will report to Triple-A Sacramento to begin his time with his new organization.

Helsley struck out two in a perfect inning to earn the save in Friday's 2-0 win over the Reds.

The Cardinals went ahead 2-0 in the first inning, and Helsley was able to protect that lead in the ninth for his fourth save of the season. The right-hander has logged 5.2 scoreless innings in his last four appearances, though he has a blown save in that span for allowing inherited runners to score last Saturday. The 27-year-old has been excellent this year with a 0.39 ERA, 0.51 WHIP, 32:6 K:BB, four holds and a 2-0 record through 19 appearances across 23.1 innings. Giovanny Gallegos allowed three walks in a scoreless eighth inning for the hold Friday -- he and Helsley should continue to be the top candidates for closing duties.

Pallante (2-0) pitched 5.1 shutout innings, allowing four hits and two walks with four strikeouts to earn the win Friday over the Reds.

After going 64 pitches last week, Pallante stretched out to 78 pitches (52 strikes) in a strong start Friday. Three of the six baserunners he allowed were in the first inning, but he was able to settle down after the shaky opening frame. Through 34.2 innings, Pallante has pitched to a 1.04 ERA, 1.41 WHIP and 24:16 K:BB in 19 appearances (two starts). With Jack Flaherty (shoulder) and Steven Matz (shoulder) unlikely to return next week, it seems likely Pallante gets at least one more turn in the rotation -- he lines up for a home start versus the Pirates next week.

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

Jansen tossed just six of his 12 pitches for strikes Friday but he quickly retired the Pirates in order to finish off the 4-2 win. He's converted five straight saves, making his 17 for 20 on the year. The veteran righty now owns a 3.38 ERA with a 37:8 K:BB through 26.2 frames.

Suarez recently underwent knee surgery to clean up "some loose impediments" and will be shut down for a few weeks, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

While it's discouraging that Suarez required a procedure to address his knee injury, it seems unlikely that he'll require a significant absence. The right-hander will spend more than the minimum of 15 days on the injured list, and a better timetable for his return should come into focus once he ultimately resumes throwing.

Bender (back) threw a 15-pitch bullpen session Thursday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Bender resumed playing catch last week, but he was able to throw off a mound Thursday. The right-hander exclusively threw fastballs during the bullpen session, but it was a significant step forward in his recovery process. Assuming he continues to ramp up his workload in the coming days, it wouldn't be surprising to see him return to game action soon.

Rucker was optioned to Triple-A Iowa on Friday, Gordon Wittenmyer of NBC Sports Chicago reports.

Rucker allowed four runs (three earned) without recording an out his last time on the mound June 4, and he'll now make his way back to the minors. Chris Martin (personal) was reinstated from the restricted list in a corresponding move.