MLB Player News

Castro started and struck out a batter in a perfect first inning Tuesday in the Mets' 4-3 win over Atlanta. He didn't factor into the decision.

Rather than summoning a starter from Triple-A Syracuse to aid a banged-up rotation, the Mets opted for a bullpen game Tuesday. Castro was the first of seven pitchers to work Tuesday, getting through the opening inning unscathed before Tommy Hunter took over. Castro has posted a 3.14 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 21:8 K:BB across 14.1 innings over his 15 appearances on the season.

Martin (0-1) took the loss against the Dodgers on Tuesday, pitching five innings and allowing three runs on four hits and four walks while striking out six.

Martin's Arizona debut got off to an ominous start when Mookie Betts tagged him for a home run leading off the bottom of the first inning. However, Martin bounced back nicely, preventing any scoring over the next three frames. He then served up a two-run shot to Chris Taylor in the fifth inning, which gave the Dodgers a 3-1 lead and set Martin up for the loss. The 25-year-old struggled with his command in the outing, issuing four walks and throwing only 55 of 96 pitches for strikes, but he helped himself by striking out six batters. The right-hander will face a tough task in his next start, as he'll head to Coors Field to take on the Rockies.

Littell allowed a run on two hits and struck out one in one inning to earn a hold in Tuesday's 4-2 win over Cincinnati.

The right-hander gave up a solo home run to Nick Castellanos and a single to Tyler Naquin in the eighth inning. Littell has started to feature in high-leverage work, netting three holds in his last four outings. The homer Tuesday was the first run he's allowed in 7.2 innings, and he's added a 1.17 WHIP and 5:3 K:BB in nine appearances. The 25-year-old isn't likely to challenge for save opportunities -- Jake McGee and Tyler Rogers have filled that role for San Francisco this season.

Pomeranz (lat) could throw a light bullpen session Wednesday or Thursday, 97.3 The Fan reports.

The left-handed pitcher played catch on the field Monday, per Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune, and appears likely to get back on the mound within the next two days. Though the organization has yet to provide an expected return date for Pomeranz, it's not out of the question that he could rejoin the club soon after the team's Thursday off day.

Reyes walked one in a scoreless ninth inning Tuesday to record his 12th save of the season in a 5-2 win over the Pirates.

The 26-year-old continues to roll as the Cards' closer. Reyes has yet to blow a save this season and has only been scored upon once in 20 appearances, leading to a 0.41 ERA accompanied by a 28:20 K:BB through 22 innings. That walk rate is a concern, but he's been almost unhittable so far this year.

Kimbrel pitched a clean ninth inning with two strikeouts to record the save Tuesday against the Nationals.

One of the two batters Kimbrel struck out reached base when the pitch got away from the catcher, but the closer was otherwise perfect in his inning of work. It was a nice bounce-back effort after Kimbrel blew his second save of the season in his last appearance Saturday. The veteran reliever now has eight saves in 10 chances to go along with a strong 1.08 ERA.

Graterol (forearm) completed a 20-pitch bullpen session Tuesday and is scheduled for another session Friday, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Assuming all goes well Friday, the right-hander will throw another bullpen session next Tuesday before embarking on a rehab assignment. Graterol seems on track for a return from the injured list at the end of May or first week of June.

Vesia was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Tuesday, Eric Stephen of SBNation.com reports.

The 25-year-old was optioned to Triple-A on Monday, but it was a short absence with Garrett Cleavinger (forearm) landing on the injured list. Vesia has given up five runs (three earned) with a 7:5 K:BB through four innings this season.

Cleavinger was placed on the 10-day injured list Tuesday with left forearm inflammation, Eric Stephen of SBNation.com reports.

The 27-year-old last pitched Saturday against the Marlins and covered two-thirds of an inning without allowing a run. It's unclear how long Cleavinger is expected to be sidelined.

Megill (forearm) will throw a bullpen session Thursday, Maddie Lee of NBC Sports Chicago reports.

Megill hit the injured list with a strained forearm in late April. He doesn't have a clear timeline and may not return to the big-league roster once healthy, as he's only made two career MLB appearances, tossing two scoreless innings with two hits, a walk and two strikeouts prior to his injury.