MLB Player News

Hicks was credited with his first career save in Saturday's win over the Reds, allowing a hit but recording three strikeouts.

In the late stages of May, Hicks began working with pitching coach Mike Maddux on refining his slider in an attempt to boost his strikeout rate. The initiative has been a rousing success, with Hicks now having recorded 15 of his 24 punchouts on the season since May 23, a span of nine appearances. Eight of those whiffs have come over his first four June outings, a span during which the phenom has notched two holds and Saturday's save. He's not expected to step into the closer role despite this wrapup, though. Bud Norris had worked on each of the previous two days, including a Friday blown save marred and interrupted by a rain delay.

Ottavino (oblique) felt good after throwing a 20-pitch bullpen session Saturday, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Ottavino, who has been sidelined since May 28 with a left oblique strain, didn't experience any pain when throwing his high-intensity bullpen session Saturday. He remains without a firm return date, but manager Bud Black stated that "things are pointing in the right direction."

Suero was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse on Sunday, Chelsea Janes of The Washington Post reports.

Suero will quickly make his way back to the big leagues following Stephen Strasburg (shoulder) and Brandon Kintzler (forearm) being placed on the 10-day disabled list Sunday afternoon. Suero held a 4.15 ERA over 13 innings of relief prior to being optioned to Triple-A on Saturday.

Gott was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse on Sunday, Chelsea Janes of The Washington Post reports.

Gott and fellow minor-league reliever Wander Suero have been summoned from Syracuse following the placements of Stephen Strasburg (shoulder) and Brandon Kintzler (forearm) on the disabled list. Gott owned a 5.28 ERA over 15.1 innings of relief with the Nationals prior to his demotion May 31.

Vizcaino allowed one hit but threw a scoreless inning to record the save Saturday against the Dodgers.

Vizcaino needed only eight pitches to record his 11th save of the season, as he allowed a leadoff single that was promptly cancelled out by a double play. He has now recorded four consecutive save chances and has not been charged with an earned run in his past six appearances. He is locked into the closer's role for the Braves, but ranks only 10th in the National League in saves.

Koch allowed seven runs (five earned) on eight hits and a walk while striking out two across five innings Saturday against the Rockies. He did not factor into the decision.

Koch struggled with Coors Field as he surrendered three home runs, the first time he has allowed multiple home runs in a start since May 16. The one positive to take from his effort was that he wasn't handed a loss thanks to the run support he received from the Diamondbacks' offense. With both Shelby Miller and Robbie Ray nearing a return to the rotation, Koch may have a limited number of starts remaining in his future.

Wilson tossed a scoreless eighth inning with two strikeouts in Saturday's 2-0 win over the Pirates to earn his fifth hold of the season.

Wilson was a bit choppy to begin the season but he's been dialed in lately, as he's been scored on just once in his last 16 appearances. The lefty has lowered his season ERA to 2.36 and he should continue to serve as a high-leverage arm out of the Chicago bullpen with plenty of opportunities to increase his holds total.

Hand picked up his third hold of the season Saturday, striking out one batter in a clean inning against the Marlins.

Manager Andy Green deployed Hand in the eighth inning after the Padres took the lead on a Travis Jankowski single. Hand answered the bell with another scoreless frame to drop his ERA back down to 1.95. He'll resume closer duties the next time a save opportunity arises.

Yates picked up the save Saturday against the Marlins. He registered one strikeout over a clean 16-pitch inning.

Brad Hand had already tossed a lockdown inning, so the Padres turned to Yates to finish things off after taking the lead in the eighth on a Travis Jankowski RBI single. Yates has allowed just three earned runs over his last 20 outings (20.1 IP) while notching 24 strikeouts over that span. The Padres will sometimes deploy Hand in non-closer duties if tough left-handed hitters come up before the ninth -- as was the case Saturday with Miami's Justin Bour -- and Yates might grab more than the occasional closing chance should the odds fall in his favor . A similar situation allowed Yates to save last Sunday's victory. Deep-league fantasy players could try to scrounge for such opportunities from Yates. Hand also could be trade fodder for San Diego around this year's deadline, which might open up the closer job for Yates should he hang around.

Suter (6-4) earned the win Saturday, allowing three runs on four hits and a walk in the 12-3 win over Philadelphia. He recorded five strikeouts.

Suter's only real blemish of the day was a three-run home run in the third inning by Rhys Hoskins. The 28-year-old left-hander has yet to work a full six innings in a start this season, but is usually a solid bet to go five-plus innings while giving up a few runs. Suter lines up to face the Phillies again next Friday in Milwaukee.