MLB Player News

Ponce de Leon is a candidate to make another start Wednesday in place of Adam Wainwright (hamstring), Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Ponce de Leon worked four innings in a spot start Friday, allowing a run on two hits and four walks while recording three strikeouts. The fact the 27-year-old wasn't sent back down to Triple-A Memphis on Saturday following Friday's doubleheader keeps him firmly in the conversation for the assignment, as does manager Mike Shildt's comment that Ponce de Leon "did a lot to help his cause" with his outing. A final decision on Wednesday's starter should be imminent, and it's worth noting that fellow prospect Alex Reyes is also considered a viable option to get a callup from the Redbirds.

Leone, who was called up from Triple-A Memphis as the 26th man for Friday's doubleheader, was sent back down to the Redbirds on Saturday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

The right-hander ultimately wasn't utilized in the twin bill, and he'll now continue to toil away for Memphis. Leone has struggled at both the Triple-A and major-league levels this season, so he could well spend most of the balance of the campaign in the minors trying to right the ship.

Diaz allowed one run on three hits in the ninth inning to earn the save in Saturday's 8-7 win over the Cardinals. He had one strikeout and zero walks.

Jeff McNeil cut down the tying run at the plate to finish the game, preventing Diaz from being charged with his second straight blown save. The 25-year-old converted his first 12 saves of the season but since that point has given up eight runs across nine innings and is 3-for-6 in save opportunities.

Smith grabbed his 18th save of the season Saturday against the Brewers, allowing one run on two hits while striking out two batters over one inning.

Smith entered with a two-run lead in the top of the ninth and wound up needing the insurance run. After a pair of strikeouts to start the inning, he gave up a homer to Christian Yelich to bring the game within one run. He shut the door following a Ryan Braun single and has now saved 18 of the Giants' 30 wins. According to Amy Gutierrez of NBC Sports Bay Area, manager Bruce Bochy said Smith won't be available for Sunday's series finale after throwing four of the last five days. Reyes Moronta and Mark Melancon are likely candidates should a save opportunity arise Sunday.

Clarke struck out six and gave up three runs on seven hits and no walks across 4.2 innings in a no-decision against the Nationals on Saturday.

Staked to a two-run lead in the top of the first inning, Clarke allowed three runs in the bottom of the first inning on a sacrifice fly and solo homers by Juan Soto and Matt Adams. The right-hander then shut out the Nationals until he was removed with two outs in the fifth after 97 pitches. The 26-year-old has won only one of his six starts and has a 5.34 ERA and a 1.42 WHIP with a 25:9 K:BB for the season. Clarke is next slated to face the Giants at home Friday.

Nelson lasted just four innings Saturday against San Francisco, allowing four runs on five hits and three walks while striking out six batters.

The strikeouts are encouraging, but the rest of the line was poor for Nelson in his second appearance of the year. The outing was not without its encouraging moments, however. After allowing singles to the first two batters of the game, Nelson retired the next 11 batters. He gave up one run in the fourth inning, though, and then walked the bases loaded in the fifth and left before recording an out in that frame. All three walks would come in to score. Nelson now owns a 10.29 ERA and an 8:6 K:BB in seven innings of work. He lines up to pitch again Thursday against the Reds, assuming he's given the chance to work through his struggles.

Alexander (forearm) will do some light throwing Saturday, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Alexander hasn't pitched since June 5 due to left forearm inflammation but now appears to be progressing towards his return. The 29-year-old is eligible to return from the 10-day injured list early next week but will likely require additional time given he just resumed his throwing program.

Maton was recalled from Triple-A El Paso on Saturday.

Maton owns a 5.82 ERA in 17 innings for the Padres this season but has a far better 2.30 ERA in 15.2 frames for El Paso. Miguel Diaz was optioned to Triple-A El Paso in a corresponding move.

Peralta was placed on the 10-day injured list Saturday with a right hip flexor strain.

The injury perhaps partially explains Peralta's poor outing Friday against the Rangers, when he allowed three runs on two hits and two walks while recording just two outs. Outfielder Phillip Ervin was called up in a corresponding move.

Yamamoto will stick in the Miami rotation and make his next start Tuesday against the Cardinals in St. Louis.

The Marlins' decision not to send Yamamoto back to Double-A Jacksonville immediately following his MLB debut Wednesday telegraphed the organization's intention of keeping him in the big-league rotation. With Jose Urena (back) recently joining Caleb Smith (hip) on the injured list, there will be room for both Yamamoto and Elieser Hernandez to make another turn versus the Cardinals during the upcoming week. With the rematch coming on the road, Yamamoto may be hard pressed to replicate the seven shutout innings he delivered in Miami a few days ago.