MLB Player News

Nelson (shoulder) allowed four runs in five hits in 4.2 innings in a rehab start for Triple-A San Antonio on Thursday, striking out six batters while walking three.

Nelson cruised through four scoreless innings before allowing four runs in his fifth frame. Prior to the appearance, reports suggested Thursday's outing could be Nelson's final rehab start. It's unclear whether the one poor inning will change those plans.

Reyes (finger) allowed an earned run on two hits and two walks across five innings in High-A Palm Beach's win over Charlotte on Thursday. He struck out six.

Reyes was making his return to action after missing just under a month with a fractured pinkie. The right-hander was impressive while working up to 70 pitches, and his six strikeouts were a season high. Reyes could remain at the High-A level for at least another rehab start before working his way back to Triple-A Memphis.

Diaz didn't allow a baserunner and struck out two across a scoreless ninth inning to record the save Thursday against the Nationals.

Diaz entered the game in the ninth inning with the Mets up two runs and had little trouble closing out the game. He now has 12 saves on the season and has yet to blow an opportunity. Diaz has also provided elite ratios, recording a 0.97 WHIP and 1.83 ERA while striking out 30 across 19.2 innings for the campaign.

Neris picked up the save against the Cubs on Thursday, giving up two hits and an earned run over 1.1 innings, striking out two and walking one in the Phillies' 9-7 victory.

It wasn't smooth sailing as Neris allowed three baserunners and a run, but he was ultimately able to preserve his eighth save in as many opportunities. This wasn't his best outing, but Neris has been doing good work overall as Philadelphia's top closer option to this point, as he's sporting a 2.08 ERA, a 0.97 WHIP and a 29:7 K:BB through 21.2 innings.

Richards threw 5.2 innings in a no-decision against the Tigers on Thursday, giving up one earned run on eight hits, striking out six and walking one as the Marlins won 5-2.

Richards turned in a solid effort but had to settle for the no-decision after departing the contest with the Marlins down 1-0 before they staged a ninth-inning comeback and got the victory. The right-hander owns a 4.14 ERA, a 1.40 WHIP and a 50:27 K:BB through 54.1 innings.

Pivetta is one of two candidates, along with Vince Velasquez, to start Tuesday against the Cardinals, Matt Breen of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

The Phillies have an opening in the rotation after demoting Cole Irvin to Triple-A, and it will be one of Pivetta or Velasquez. Pivetta has a 3.41 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 50 strikeouts in 37 innings through six starts at Triple-A Lehigh Valley, but he has also walked at least three batters in every start he has made at Triple-A this season. Manager Gabe Kapler noted Wednesday that Velasquez, who is on the 10-day injured list with a forearm strain, would be a good fit in the bullpen and went out of his way to say that Velasquez doesn't automatically get to return to the rotation when he is healthy, but there has also been speculation that Pivetta could move to the bullpen at some point this season.

Strop (hamstring) may not need a rehab assignment before being activated, potentially soon after Saturday's scheduled bullpen session, Bruce Levine of 670TheScore.com reports.

He has been out since May 5 with the hamstring strain, but he threw two strong bullpen sessions this week, with a final test coming Saturday. After that session, the Cubs will decide whether to send him on a rehab assignment or to activate him. Steve Cishek has been an admirable replacement as the closer, but Strop figures to get back in the ninth-inning mix upon his activation.

The Cardinals optioned Helsley to Triple-A Memphis on Thursday.

Lane Thomas was expected to get sent back to minors after serving as the 26th man in Wednesday's doubleheader with the Royals, but the Cardinals instead elected to keep him around a little longer as outfield depth. Consequently, Helsley will be dropped from the active roster since he was unlikely to be available for the next day or two after pitching 1.2 innings in relief Wednesday.

Gsellman struck out one in a perfect seventh inning during Wednesday's win over the Nationals.

With his team in a 1-0 hole, Gsellman breezed through the bottom of the Nats' order on seven pitches (five strikes). The right-hander has turned in eight straight scoreless appearances, posting a 12:5 K:BB over 12 innings during that stretch, and he now sports a 2.48 ERA and 1.17 WHIP on the season. Gsellman isn't seeing the highest-leverage work -- he has zero wins or saves and only three holds through 21 appearances -- but his current form could move him into the setup crew for the Mets in the near future.

Barraclough (0-1) took the loss Wednesday, getting charged with two runs on a hit and a walk over two-thirds of an inning while striking out one as the Nationals fell to the Mets.

The right-hander entered the game to begin the eighth inning and protect a one-run lead, but after he gave up a double and a walk to put the tying run in scoring position, Barraclough gave way to closer Sean Doolittle, who promptly fell apart and allowed both inherited runners to score -- plus four more. Barraclough now has a 5.40 ERA, 1.75 WHIP and 21:10 K:BB through 18.1 innings, but despite his weak numbers he'll likely remain in a setup role for now given the Nats' lack of better options.