MLB Player News

Castro (illness) was traded from the Orioles to the Mets in exchange for Kevin Smith on Monday, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.

Castro, who isn't expected to miss much more time with his sinus infection, could have had the opportunity to pick up save chances in Baltimore but will now likely fill a setup role unless the Mets get sick of Edwin Diaz again. Castro had never posted a strikeout rate north of 22.3 percent prior to this season but has a 34.3 percent mark through his first 15.2 innings this year. He's also trimmed his walk rate to a career-low 7.1 percent while posting a career-high 55.0 percent groundball rate, suggesting that he could improve on his respectable 4.02 ERA going forward.

Chafin (finger) was traded from the Diamondbacks to the Cubs on Monday in exchange for a player to be named later, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.

Chafin has been sidelined since Aug. 19 with a sprained left index finger, and he'll suit up for a new team once he returns. The southpaw was wearing a splint for the past week to help his finger heal, although it's unclear when he'll be able to take the mound again. Chafin allowed six runs on nine hits and four walks while striking out 10 over 6.2 innings this season.

Helsley (illness) threw a bullpen session Sunday and is with the team on its road trip that begins Monday, the Associated Press reports.

Helsley's return is apparently imminent, with Sunday's bullpen possibly the final step toward being cleared for activation. The right-hander could potentially still face live hitters before one of the Cardinals' upcoming games as yet another benchmark in his recovery from COVID-19 infection, but under any scenario, it appears Helsley will soon be available out of the bullpen again for manager Mike Shildt.

Suter will start Monday's game against the Pirates, Will Sammon of The Athletic reports.

Suter will be the first to toe the rubber for Milwaukee on Monday as the team plans to rely heavily on its bullpen. It'll be the southpaw's first start in the past two seasons. To begin the year, Suter made nine relief appearances while posting a 3.68 ERA and 18:1 K:BB over 14.2 innings.

Jurado was optioned to the Mets' alternate training site Monday.

Jurado received his first callup of 2020 on Sunday, joining the Mets as the 29th man for their doubleheader with the Yankees. He went unused in either contest and will now head back to the alternate site as the Mets reduce their active roster to the standard 28 men ahead of Monday's make-up game against the Marlins.

Smith was optioned to the Mets' secondary training site Monday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Smith leaves the roster just one day after joining it Sunday. He allowed four runs (three earned) in his lone inning of work, picking up the loss against the Yankees. Hunter Strickland's contract was selected in a corresponding move.

Minter (1-0) was perfect over 1.2 innings Sunday, striking out four and earning the win versus the Phillies.

Minter was the third pitcher of the game for the Braves, and he was able to finish off the fourth inning cleanly. He then pitched a clean fifth and was credited with his first victory of the year. The 26-year-old reliever has a stellar 0.73 ERA, 0.89 WHIP and 15 strikeouts through 12.1 innings this season. Minter has added three holds.

Melancon pitched a perfect ninth inning for the save in Sunday's 12-10 win over the Phillies.

While runs reigned early in the contest, Melancon was able to lock things down in his appearance, earning his sixth save of the season. The 35-year-old closer has a 3.09 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and six strikeouts across 11.2 innings this season, and he's now 6-for-7 in save chances. He's given up runs in three of his last five outings, so he'll need to build on Sunday's scoreless effort to protect his claim to the closer role.

Adams (knee) was traded from the Mariners to the Padres on Sunday in a trade involving Ty France several players, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

Adams has been recovering since undergoing knee surgery in September of 2019, but he appears to be nearing his return to the mound. The right-hander had been throwing to begin the season, but he'll have to face live hitters at some point before he's cleared to return to game action. Adams made 30 appearances (two starts) with the Nationals and Mariners in his first major-league season in 2019, and he posted a 3.94 ERA and 53:16 K:BB over 32 innings.

Voth (0-4) took the loss against Boston on Sunday, allowing five runs on six hits and a walk across two innings. He struck out three.

Voth has now allowed 19 runs in 13.2 innings over his last four starts. No announcement has been made about whether the right-hander will stay in the rotation going forward, but it would come as no surprise if Washington decides to look elsewhere for innings. If Voth manages to make another start, it will likely come Friday in Atlanta.