MLB Player News

Kimbrel saved Sunday's 6-3 win over Detroit, walking one while preventing any runs in two-thirds of an inning.

Kimbrel came into the game with one out and a runner on second to protect a three-run lead and got the final two outs without letting any more runs cross the plate. Though he's made only six appearances, Kimbrel has been clutch with four saves while allowing just one run in 5.2 innings.

Helsley struck out four batters in two perfect innings to earn the save in Sunday's 7-5 win over the Diamondbacks.

Helsley was efficient, throwing 14 of 18 pitches for strikes. It was a little intriguing that manager Oli Marmol stuck with Helsley for a second inning even though Giovanny Gallegos hasn't pitched since a four-run meltdown for a blown save April 25. For his part, Helsley has allowed just one hit while piling up 16 strikeouts in 8.1 innings in a high-leverage role. The hard-throwing right-hander has also logged three holds in addition to the save he earned Sunday.

Hicks allowed two runs on two hits and two walks with four strikeouts in 3.1 innings in a no-decision versus the Diamondbacks on Sunday. He also hit a batter.

Both of the hits Hicks allowed left the yard, as he surrendered solo home runs to Jordan Luplow and Christian Walker. The good news is Hicks showed no ill effects from a bruised wrist that took him out of his last start prematurely. The right-hander stretched out to 63 pitches (35 strikes) in this start, his longest of three this season. Through 12.1 innings, he's logged a 3.65 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 13:8 K:BB and a 1-2 record. He's projected to make his next start on the road in San Francisco.

Marte was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento on Sunday, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Marte posted a 1.50 ERA and 0.83 WHIP in six innings over his first six relief appearances of the season, but he gave up five runs in 1.2 innings over his last two outings. The right-hander will try to sort things out in Sacramento, where he has a 4.76 ERA and 0.58 WHIP in 5.2 innings over four appearances this year.

Avila was optioned to Triple-A El Paso on Sunday.

Avila was called up by San Diego on April 13, but he made just two relief appearances during his time with the major-league club. The 25-year-old allowed two runs in four innings, and he should see more consistent work in El Paso following Sunday's demotion.

Rogers struck out two in a perfect ninth inning to earn the save in Sunday's 5-2 win over the Pirates.

Rogers has been one of the most reliable ninth-inning options in baseball over the first few weeks of the season, as he hasn't yet allowed a run and has converted nine of 10 save chances. The southpaw has already matched his save total from 2021, and he's establishing plenty of job security as the Padres' closer.

Perez was optioned to Triple-A Rochester on Sunday, Jessica Camerato of MLB.com reports.

Perez was recalled by the Nationals on April 20, and he posted a 2.08 ERA in 4.1 innings over five relief appearances while pitching in low-leverage situations. He tossed five scoreless innings in Rochester to begin the year.

Manager Dave Martinez said after Sunday's win over the Giants that Finnegan is dealing with a cut on his finger, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Finnegan gave up a run on no hits and two walks in one-third of an inning Sunday, and Martinez believes the right-hander's laceration contributed to his struggles. The Nationals have a scheduled day off Monday, and it's not yet clear whether the 30-year-old will be available for Tuesday's series opener in Colorado.

Pirates general manager Ben Cherington said Sunday that Banda (illness) was able to complete a simulated game earlier in the weekend, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.

Facing hitters without issue represents a step forward for Banda, who was placed on the injured list Tuesday after developing pneumonia. The Pirates are hopeful that the 28-year-old lefty will be able to return from the IL at some point during their six-game road trip that begins Tuesday in Detroit.

The Reds optioned Sanmartin to Triple-A Louisville following Sunday's 10-1 loss to the Rockies, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. He dropped to 0-4 after giving up six earned runs on six hits and two walks while recording just two outs in his start.

Sanmartin has allowed five or more runs in four of his five outings this season, with the one exception being when he came in after Luis Cessa opened for him. With the Reds needing to pare down their roster from 28 to 26 prior to Monday's deadline, Sanmartin was an obvious option to be demoted. The Reds have a doubleheader coming up next Saturday against Pittsburgh, so Sanmartin could be designated as the 27th man for the twin bill and make his return from Louisville if needed to make a spot start.