MLB Player News

Strahm (1-2) picked up the win against the Braves on Thursday, giving up two earned runs on eight hits over six innings, striking out six and walking none in the Padres' 11-2 victory.

Strahm capitalized on a big day from the Padres' lineup, hurling a quality start and picking up his first win of the season. The 27-year-old was tagged for five earned by the Diamondbacks in his first start of the season, but he hasn't given up more than two runs in any of his four starts since then, leaving him with a solid 3.03 ERA, a 1.10 WHIP and a 27:5 K:BB over 32.2 innings.

Manager Dave Martinez said Williams (shoulder) threw 40 pitches at extended spring training earlier in the week, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

Martinez also noted that Williams is recovering well from the sprained AC joint that forced him onto the injured list in mid-April. The 26-year-old Williams will continue to work his way back at extended spring training before ultimately being cleared to rejoin the big-league bullpen.

The Brewers optioned Hart to Triple-A San Antonio on Thursday.

As one of the few members of the Milwaukee bullpen with minor-league options remaining, Hart will head to Triple-A as the Brewers exchange him for a fresher relief arm (Taylor Williams) ahead of Thursday's series finale with the Rockies. Hart was one of six pitchers used in the Brewers' bullpen game Wednesday and was by far the most effective, blanking Colorado over three innings while allowing only two baserunners.

Clarke allowed two hits and one walk while striking out one over five scoreless innings for Triple-A Reno on Wednesday.

Clarke is on schedule for the next time the Diamondbacks need a fifth starter. With Zack Godley headed to the bullpen, Arizona manager Torey Lovullo has yet to name a replacement, but Clarke is one possible candidate to join the major-league rotation.

Minter struck out two in a perfect ninth inning Wednesday during a 5-1 win over the Padres.

The southpaw has only been scored upon in three of 12 appearances this season, but the trio of meltdowns have led to one blown save, an 0-3 record and an 8.38 ERA. Minter remains in the late-inning mix for Atlanta, but he might need a couple more strong efforts in non-save situations before he gets entrusted with ninth-inning duty again.

Beede will be called up from Triple-A Sacramento to start Friday's game at Cincinnati, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Beede was reported to be the top candidate for the spot start Friday and manager Bruce Bochy made it official prior to Wednesday's game. The 25-year-old has enjoyed a fantastic start to the season through 22.2 innings with the Rivers Cats and has a 1.99 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 34:10 K:BB in five starts.

Blach was returned to Triple-A Sacramento on Wednesday.

Blach made just one appearance during his most recent stint with the big club, allowing seven runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out one across 3.1 innings of relief during Tuesday's 10-3 loss to the Dodgers. Stephen Vogt was summoned to the majors in a corresponding roster move.

Ferguson (oblique) threw a bullpen session Wednesday, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Ferguson landed on the injured list over the weekend with a sore oblique, but the fact that he's already resumed mound work suggests his stay on the shelf won't be an extended one. The southpaw will be eligible to return May 8, should he prove ready.

Robertson (elbow) has yet to be cleared to throw, Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Robertson has already been out over two weeks with a right flexor strain. The issue was considered Grade 1, but it doesn't sound as though he's particularly close to returning.

Maton was optioned to Triple-A El Paso on Wednesday.

Maton's latest stay on the roster lasted just one day. He did not appear in a game. He'll make way on the roster for Cal Quantrill, who starts against the Braves on Wednesday in his big-league debut.