MLB Player News

Estevez appears to have taken over as Colorado's closer after Daniel Bard was removed from the role, Danielle Allentuck of The Denver Gazette reports.

Estevez picked up his third save of the season Friday while Bard pitched the eighth inning, and manager Bud Black confirmed after the contest that Bard was no longer the closer. Estevez wasn't officially named the replacement, but he's the logical candidate given he secured the save Friday and hasn't allowed a run in his past 11 appearances. He has a 4.08 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 47:16 K:BB over 46.1 innings for the season, but Estevez has pitched better since the All-Star break.

Manager Bud Black said after Friday's win over the Dodgers that Bard is no longer the Rockies' closer, Danielle Allentuck of The Denver Gazette reports.

The veteran right-hander pitched the eighth inning Friday while Carlos Estevez picked up the save, and the skipper confirmed the role change after the contest. Bard delivered a scoreless frame as a setup man to earn a hold, but he surrendered eight earned runs and had two blown saves over his previous five appearances to lose the job. He could end up receiving another look in the ninth inning if he can get back on track, but for now it appears Estevez will be the top option for saves in Colorado.

Diaz recorded a strikeout over a shutout inning of work Saturday night, picking up his 26th save of the season in the Mets' 5-3 win over the Nationals.

After going four straight appearances without a save, Diaz made the most of his opportunity Saturday night. Though he did plunk Riley Adams with a pitch to bring the tying run to the plate, the right-hander needed just 10 pitches to secure the win for the Mets. The 27-year-old now has a 2.00 ERA in August, well below his season mark of 3.48.

May (6-2) allowed one run on two hits with two strikeouts in an inning of work Saturday night, picking up the win in the Mets' 5-3 victory over the Nationals.

May allowed a run to score on a wild pitch Saturday night, but struck out Juan Soto with a runner in scoring position to limit the damage. While this outing does break the 31-year-old's five-appearance scoreless streak, May hasn't lost a decision since June 1.

Nolin allowed two runs on six hits with six strikeouts through 5.1 innings, taking a no-decision in Saturday's 5-3 loss to the Mets.

In just his third major-league start since returning from a six-year hiatus, Nolin turned in his best outing of the season. He handled everybody not named Kevin Pillar on the night, as the only damage to his line came via two solo homers off the bat of the Mets' outfielder. He has now allowed four home runs in just 12.1 innings.

Phillips (quadriceps) threw a bullpen session Saturday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Phillips has been out for just over a week with a strained right quadriceps. His exact return date remains unclear, but it looks as though he may not need a long stay on the injured list.

Peters was placed on the 10-day injured list with a lower back strain Saturday.

Peters started against the Cardinals on Friday and allowed three runs on six hits while striking out four in five innings to take the loss. However, he apparently sustained a back injury and will miss at least one turn through the rotation as a result. It's not yet clear when the southpaw will be able to return.

Howard (oblique) was reinstated from the 10-day injured list Saturday.

Howard spent a month and a half on the 10-day injured list after he suffered a right oblique strain just before the All-Star break. However, he made four rehab appearances at Triple-A Indianapolis and allowed two hits and two walks while striking out six in 4.2 scoreless innings.

The Cubs selected Effross' contract from Triple-A Iowa on Saturday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Effross has appeared in 23 games for Triple-A Iowa this season, posting a 3.64 ERA and 0.91 WHIP in 42 innings. Having never pitched in the majors, the righty will likely be eased into things with low-leverage relief work, or perhaps a spot start if necessary.

Jackson was optioned by the Dodgers on Saturday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Jackson pitched well enough in his second start of the year Friday against the Rockies, allowing on run over 4.2 innings of work, but he'll head to the minors nonetheless. Edwin Uceta will take his spot on the roster, giving the Dodgers and extra bullpen arm, but Jackson could return once rosters expand in September.