MLB Player News

Pivetta was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley following Thursday's loss to the Rangers.

With Aaron Nola (back) expected to make his next start Sunday, Pivetta was sent back to Lehigh Valley as he is no longer needed as the Phillies' fifth starter. The 24-year-old struggled across four starts with the big club, going 0-2 with a 5.12 ERA across 19.2 innings. He'll continue to serve as depth at Triple-A.

Hoffman is a candidate to make a spot start Monday against the Phillies, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

With German Marquez having his start pushed back to Thursday after a rainout, the Rockies will need to deploy an extra starter for Monday's series opener in Philadelphia to avoid pitching Marquez on short rest. Hoffman seems to be the likely candidate, as he made a spot start against the Dodgers last week, allowing three hits while striking out eight through 5.1 innings en route to his first major-league win. He holds a 3.46 ERA through 39 innings (seven starts) with Triple-A Albuquerque this season.

Maurer (0-3) gave up two runs on four hits to take the loss Wednesday against the Brewers.

Maurer has now allowed runs in three of his past four outings, with Wednesday's debacle actually being the most tame of the bunch. This stretch brought his ERA up to a sky-high 6.75 mark, which makes it hard to fathom that he'll be able to keep a hold on the closer job for much longer.

Estevez will serve as the 26th man Thursday for Game 2 of the Rockies' doubleheader against the Twins, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Estevez will merely serve as a depth piece should the bullpen run busy in the first installment. The right-hander carries a 7.94 ERA in 11.1 big-league innings this year but has twirled 5.2 shutout frames at Triple-A Albuquerque.

Gomez (elbow) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Thursday, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Gomez has been on the disabled list since May 6 with an impingement in his right elbow. He will likely need a rehab assignment before he is able to rejoin the Phillies' bullpen.

Montero gave up a walkoff home run to lead off the 11th inning of Wednesday's loss to Arizona.

This appearance lasted just six pitches until Chris Herrmann sent a 430-foot blast over the fence in left center. Montero has been absolutely brutal on the mound this year, as his 9.89 ERA and 2.85 WHIP are embarrassing statistics for a major leaguer. It's hard to imagine a fantasy format where he's relevant.

Gsellman gave up a run on a hit and a walk while recording a strikeout over an inning of work in his first MLB relief appearance Wednesday against Arizona.

He was charged with a blown save because that run cost the Mets their 4-3 lead. Gsellman's issues have clearly not been solved by his temporary move to the bullpen, and while he's supposed to return to the rotation relatively soon, it's not necessarily clear what the Mets will choose to do if he continues to struggle.

Johnson was recalled from Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday.

Johnson was recalled to take the place of Jeimer Candelario, who was sent back to Triple-A earlier Wednesday. The 26-year-old owns a 3.21 ERA through with an impressive 13.5 K/9 through 14 innings with Iowa this season, though his 7.1 BB/9 makes his numbers a little less enticing. He should be available Wednesday against the Reds, though he likely won't see any high-leverage roles given the pedigree of arms already in the Cubs' bullpen.

Grace was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse on Wednesday, Dan Kolko of MASN Sports reports.

With Joe Blanton (shoulder) landing on the disabled list, a spot opened up for the well-traveled southpaw to head back to the big leagues. Grace struggled a bit in his first cup of coffee with the Nationals, allowing three runs in 4.1 innings pitched, so he'll look to improve upon that in his upcoming tenure in the nation's capital.

Melancon (elbow) was activated from the 10-day disabled list Wednesday, Alec Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

With Derek Law working in relief four of the past five games, the Giants opted to bring back their primary closer to aid the back end of the bullpen. Melancon should resume his normal role closing out games for San Francisco. To make room for him on the active roster, Kelby Tomlinson was sent back to the minors.