MLB Player News

Hoover tossed a scoreless inning in relief during Thursday's 6-2 win over the Padres.

Though the Diamondbacks held a four-run lead when Hoover entered the game in the top of the ninth inning, his appearance did bear some resemblance to a save situation and perhaps gave manager Torey Lovullo a glimpse of how the right-hander would perform in such a scenario. In generating three groundball outs in 12 pitches, Hoover seemingly aced the test, and it appears likely that he'll be the leading candidate to close out games in the event that the struggling Fernando Rodney is removed from the role. Rodney has converted 6-of-7 save chances this season, but owns a bloated 11.00 ERA and 2.11 WHIP to go with a 11:5 K:BB ratio over nine innings.

Neris needed just seven pitches to retire the side in order and register his third save of the season during Thursday's win over Miami.

The 27-year-old righty appears to have solidified himself as the Philadelphia closer, and while he's had some ups and downs early this season, he's a must-own arm in all settings. Neris currently sports a 2.19 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 9.5 K/9.

Stephenson might get sent down to Triple-A Louisville later this season to get stretched out as a starter, MLB.com's Mark Sheldon speculates.

This doesn't appear to be imminent, and in fact Sheldon's comment was spurred by a reader question. But this isn't a surprise, given Stephenson's draft pedigree and usage in the minors. He's coming off of a rough relief outing in Milwaukee, having given up five runs (four earned) over two-thirds of an inning Tuesday.

Miller (elbow) was transferred to the 60-day DL on Thursday.

This move comes as no surprise, as it was recently reported that Miller is dealing with a partial UCL tear that may require Tommy John surgery. In addition to the UCL tear, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reported that Miller is dealing with a flexor strain. In a corresponding move, Arizona recalled T.J. McFarland from Triple-A Reno.

Miller has a partially torn UCL and may need to undergo Tommy John surgery, Jack Magruder of Fanragsports.com reports.

Miller is currently exploring his options to determine whether or not Tommy John surgery is the best course of action. Regardless of the choice he ultimately makes, Miller is on track to miss an extended period of time to the injury. After Miller was placed on the DL, Zack Godley was brought up from Triple-A Reno to join the Diamondbacks' rotation.

Howard (undisclosed) started Saturday's contest for Double-A Hartford, allowing no runs two hits and a walk while striking out three in four innings of work.

Howard spent the beginning of the season at extended spring training due to an undisclosed ailment, but all concerns about his health seem to be gone at this point. Look for the southpaw to continue developing as a starter with the Yard Goats as the season rolls along.

Montero could start for the Mets on Sunday if Noah Syndergaard (biceps) can't take the mound, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

Montero is scheduled to pitch Saturday for Triple-A Las Vegas and could just have the extra day of rest to join the big-league club. Sean Gilmartin is another backup plan should Thor receive bad news from his medical exams.

Grace was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse on Thursday, Byron Kerr of MASN Sports reports.

The left-hander was demoted to make room for Stephen Strasburg, who's returning from the paternity list. Grace will continue serving as organizational depth.

Maurer recorded his fourth save of the season in Wednesday's 8-5 win over the Diamondbacks, pitching a clean ninth inning and recording two strikeouts.

Maurer disposed of Jake Lamb, Yasmany Tomas and Daniel Descalso on just 10 pitches, retiring both Lamb and Descalso on swinging strikes after Ryan Schimpf and Yangervis Solarte had given the Padres the lead in the visitors' half of the frame. The 26-year-old closer has had a couple of stumbles this season, but he's notched four saves in as many opportunities and recorded multiple strikeouts in three of his last four trips to the mound.

Rodney recorded just two outs and surrendered five earned runs on six hits while taking his first loss and blown save of the season in Wednesday's 8-5 loss to the Padres.

Rodney had previously converted each of his first six save chances of the season, but frequently walked the tightrope in those outings, as evidenced by his 6.48 ERA and 1.56 WHIP heading into Wednesday. The other shoe finally dropped for Rodney, who couldn't protect a 5-3 lead entering the ninth inning. After retiring Austin Hedges on a groundout to open the frame, Rodney allowed two hitters to reach on singles before serving up a 439-foot three-run blast to Ryan Schimpf. Manager Torey Lovullo still intended to let Rodney finish the inning, but the 40-year-old couldn't even manage to do that, as he gave up another pair of singles and then allowed a two-run double before mercifully getting the hook. Despite his ERA now sitting at a bloated 11.00 for the season, Rodney's extensive experience in the ninth inning should afford him an opportunity to right the ship, but if he's unable to do so in his subsequent appearances, J.J. Hoover would seemingly be first in line to take over the closing duties.