MLB Player News

Gilbreath was recalled as the 27th man for Saturday's doubleheader against the Pirates.

The Rockies are scheduled to play their second doubleheader in the last three days, so Gilbreath will provide bullpen depth once again. He didn't take the mound in Thursday's twin bill and will likely return to the minors following Saturday's doubleheader.

Lamet didn't factor into the decision in Friday's 10-3 extra-innings win over the Astros, giving up two runs on five hits and two walks over three-plus innings. He struck out three.

The right-hander blanked Houston for three frames before running into trouble to begin the fourth, and Lamet got the hook after 64 pitches (37 strikes). The Padres have yet to allow him to record more than nine outs in an appearance, and he'll take a 2.57 ERA and 15:6 K:BB through 14 innings into his next outing.

Ponce de Leon allowed one run on two hits over 1.1 innings against the Diamondbacks on Friday to earn the save. He struck out two and did not walk any batters.

Usual closer Alex Reyes was unavailable for the contest after pitching each of the previous two games, allowing Ponce de Leon to collect his second save in as many days. The right-hander was called upon in the eighth inning with two outs and the go-ahead run at the plate, and he managed to strike out David Peralta to end the threat. Ponce de Leon then stuck around for the ninth frame, allowing a run on a pair of hits and a hits batsman but finishing off the contest successfully. Reyes is 14-for-14 in save chances this season and has a stranglehold on the closer role for the Cardinals, but Ponce de Leon appears to be the favorite for save opportunities when the former is unavailable or deployed prior to the ninth inning.

Jansen (0-2) lost Friday's 8-5 game with the Giants, allowing three runs (two earned) on two hits and a walk with a strikeout in 0.2 innings.

Jansen was brought in for the 10th inning but allowed inherited runner Steven Duggar to score before giving up an Evan Longoria two-RBI double. He was then removed with two outs. The blowup outing was Jansen's first of the campaign, as he had allowed only three runs on the season prior to Friday. He remains a quality closer option.

Garcia pitched 1-2-3 10th inning with no strikeouts to save Friday's 8-5 extra-inning win over the Dodgers.

Garcia got the save opportunity because typical back-end pieces Jake McGee and Tyler Rogers had already been exhausted. Garcia pitched an easy 10th to secure the San Francisco win. Though he pitched well Friday, a 4.41 ERA suggests more save opportunities probably aren't in his future.

Kimbrel struck out one in a perfect ninth inning to earn the save against the Reds on Friday.

Kimbrel has now pitched on three of the last four days, but he held the Reds in check Friday to pick up his 12th save of 2021. The right-hander has now converted each of his last five save chances, and he's recorded a 0.82 ERA and 36:8 K:BB in 22 innings to begin the season.

Alzolay (3-4) allowed five hits and three walks while striking out six in 5.2 scoreless innings to earn the win against the Reds on Friday.

The Cubs were only able to put one run on the board with a strong wind blowing in at Wrigley Field, but that was one more than Alzolay and the bullpen gave up to the Reds. The right-hander has posted a 3.81 ERA and 0.93 WHIP in 49.2 innings across nine starts to begin the season. He tentatively lines up to make his next start at home against the Padres on Wednesday.

Graterol (forearm) felt good following his live batting practice Friday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Graterol reached 94-98 mph during his throwing session Friday while facing hitters for the first time since he suffered his forearm injury. The right-hander will likely see game action as part of his rehab assignment in the coming days.

Nelson (forearm) is scheduled to throw a bullpen this weekend, J.P. Hoornstra of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.

Nelson has been on the injured list with right forearm inflammation since Sunday, but he'll resume mound work this weekend. The right-hander is also slated to throw live BP on Tuesday, so he appears to be progressing well in his recovery so far.

Ramirez was recalled by the Padres on Friday, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Ramirez served as the 27th man during a doubleheader in mid-May, and he'll now return to the major-league bullpen ahead of Friday's series opener against the Astros. Ramirez has posted a 6.23 ERA and 1.50 ERA in 8.2 innings across six major-league appearances this year.