MLB Player News

Kuhnel was reinstated from the restricted list Monday.

Kuhnel was prevented from travelling to Canada for the Reds' last series versus the Blue Jays since he is unvaccinated, but he'll return to the team ahead of their four-game series against the Cubs. The reliever has pitched three innings this season, allowing one run on three hits and a walk while striking out four.

The Cardinals optioned Rondon to Triple-A Memphis on Monday.

Rondon's demotion comes one day after he was called up from Memphis to provide St. Louis with a multi-inning option out of the bullpen for Sunday's series finale with the Pirates. The 24-year-old right-hander ended up seeing more usage than expected in the Cardinals' 18-4 win, as he was needed in long relief after starter Steven Matz lasted just four pitches before checking out of the contest due to a shoulder injury. Rondon proceeded to strike out four while blanking the Pirates over five innings en route to collecting his first career MLB win. Matz is set to undergo an MRI on Monday and could wind up on the injured list, but at least for the short term, the Cardinals decided that Rondon's spot on the active roster was better used for another player. Even if Matz's shoulder issue results in an IL stint, the Cardinals won't need to replace him in the rotation until May 30, at which point Rondon or Matthew Liberatore could be called up from Triple-A if needed to fill in as St. Louis' fifth starter.

Lambert (forearm) threw two scoreless innings Sunday, allowing one hit and one walk in a rehab outing with Triple-A Albuquerque.

Lambert has made two appearances with Albuquerque, combining to throw three innings. He was sidelined while recovering from Tommy John surgery for much of 2021 but did return to throw 5.2 frames. However, Lambert has been on the injured list early in 2022 with forearm inflammation, and once activated he should either fill a bullpen role in Colorado or remain a starter at Albuquerque.

Rodriguez retired the only batter he faced on one pitch Sunday, recording his fifth hold of the season in a win over the Rockies.

With two outs and two on in the eighth inning and the Mets nursing a 2-0 lead, Rodriguez was brought in to face Ryan McMahon and got him to line out to third base. Three of the lefty's last five appearances have lasted less than one inning, but his 3.86 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 18:7 K:BB through 14 innings on the year give him some deep-league fantasy value in formats that score holds.

Wilson (0-3) allowed seven runs on six hits and two walks while striking out two in 1.2 innings to take the loss Sunday against the Cardinals.

The Cardinals' offense combined to score 18 runs during Sunday's blowout loss, and Wilson was charged with his third loss in his last four starts. He's given up at least three earned runs in each of his last three outings, but Sunday's start was his worst of the year. Since the start of May, the right-hander has posted a 10.80 ERA and 2.25 WHIP in 13.1 innings over four appearances (two starts). Wilson isn't guaranteed to keep his spot in the starting rotation, particularly since the Pirates recalled Roansy Contreras following Sunday's game.

Rondon (1-0) allowed a hit and three walks while striking out four in five scoreless innings to earn the win in Sunday's game against the Pirates.

Rondon was called up by the Cardinals prior to Sunday's game, and he was effective as a long reliever after starter Steven Matz (shoulder) was removed after throwing just four pitches. Rondon threw 86 pitches and picked up his first major-league win while holding the Pirates scoreless. Matz will receive an MRI to determine the extent of his injury, but Rondon will be a candidate to fill a rotation role if Matz requires a trip to the injured list.

De Los Santos had his contract selected by the Pirates on Sunday, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

De Los Santos began the season at Triple-A Indianapolis and posted a 1.72 ERA and 0.64 WHIP in 15.2 innings over 12 relief appearances. The 24-year-old hasn't yet made a major-league appearance but should provide a boost to the Pirates' bullpen. If he remains effective in the big leagues, it's possible that De Los Santos will work his way into high-leverage work at some point.

Martinez will start Monday's game against the Brewers, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Martinez struck out six in four scoreless innings as a long reliever Wednesday against the Phillies after starting in his first six appearances this season. However, he'll reclaim a starting role in Monday's series opener after Mike Clevinger (triceps) was placed on the 15-day injured list. If the Padres choose to remain with a six-man rotation in Clevinger's absence, Martinez will likely continue to work as a starter over his next few appearances.

Diaz earned the save, allowing one hit and striking out two in the ninth inning of a 2-0 win Sunday in Colorado.

After striking out the first batter, Diaz allowed a one-out single to Brendan Rodgers before finishing off the final two batters in order. The closer has recorded two or more strikeouts in eight of his last nine outings, fanning a whopping 20 batters in nine frames. While he's always been known as a prolific strikeout pitcher, punching out 38.6 percent of batters coming into this season, he's improved that rate to 47.9 percent in 2022.

Thompson (4-0) earned the win during Sunday's 5-4 victory over Arizona, allowing one run on two hits with four strikeouts in three relief innings.

Thompson relieved starter Wade Miley in the seventh inning and let in the go-ahead run, but Chicago was able to rally in the bottom of the eighth to give the 27-year-old his fourth win. Thompson figures to keep a high-leverage bullpen role now that Chicago has five healthy starters and can still prove to be a valuable asset, though a 3.53 FIP suggests his 1.54 ERA will increase soon.