MLB Player News

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts intimated Tuesday that Diaz (elbow) is likelier to be activated from the 60-day injured list next week than this weekend, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

A return for Diaz this weekend hasn't been totally ruled out, but rather than activate the closer for one series on the east coast this weekend versus the Mets, the Dodgers will likely wait until they begin a homestand next Tuesday. Out since late April following surgery to remove loose bodies in his right elbow, Diaz has tossed four scoreless innings with a 7:1 K:BB in four rehab outings.

Scott gave up two hits and struck out two over 1.2 scoreless innings Tuesday to record his 15th save of the season in a 2-1 win over the Phillies.

The southpaw continues to be effective in the closer role while the Dodgers wait for Edwin Diaz (elbow) to get cleared to return from the IL, something that could happen as soon as this weekend. Scott has been scored upon just once in his last 13 appearances dating back to June 11, posting a 1.98 ERA, 0.73 WHIP and 21:2 K:BB in 13.2 innings over that stretch.

The Pirates recalled Murdock from Triple-A Indianapolis ahead of Wednesday's doubleheader versus the Yankees.

Pittsburgh has designated Murdock as its 27th man for the twin bill, so he'll likely be headed back to Indianapolis on Thursday. The 27-year-old righty has turned in a 3.24 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 26:5 K:BB in 16.2 innings out of the Triple-A bullpen this season.

Estrada (knee) moved his rehab assignment up to Triple-A El Paso, walking two and allowing one hit over one-third of an inning in an appearance Tuesday.

Working his way back from right knee inflammation, Estrada began a rehab assignment last week in the rookie-level Arizona Complex League. He's been shelved since early June, so Estrada could be asked to make another rehab appearance or two before being reinstated to the Padres' active roster.

Sewald allowed two runs on two hits and struck out two without walking a batter over one inning to take a blown save versus the Athletics on Tuesday.

Sewald served up a two-run home run to Jacob Wilson in the ninth inning, squandering the Diamondbacks' lead. Arizona went on to win in the 10th. Given his recent form, it was only a matter of time before Sewald took a blown save -- he's been scored upon in seven of his last 11 outings, giving up 11 runs over 10 innings in that span. For the season, he's 23-for-25 in save conversions while posting a 4.95 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 42:9 K:BB across 36.1 innings. Sewald's not in danger of losing the closer job yet, but his performance over the last month isn't inspiring confidence.

Pagan struck out one in a perfect inning to earn the save in Tuesday's 4-2 win over the Mariners.

This was Pagan's second save in five outings since he returned from a hamstring injury. He's allowed two runs while posting an 8:2 K:BB over 4.1 innings in that span. The right-hander is at a 5.89 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 19:8 K:BB with eight saves in 11 chances over 18.1 innings this season. Pagan is still the Reds' top closing option due to the absences of Tony Santillan (oblique) and Graham Ashcraft (elbow), but the team's last-place status makes it tough to expect many saves.

Mikolas allowed three runs on six hits and no walks while striking out one batter over 3.2 relief innings in a no-decision against Colorado on Tuesday.

Mikolas inherited a 4-2 deficit when he entered with two outs and a runner on first base in the second inning. The right-hander got out of that frame without allowing the inherited runner to cross the plate, but Washington scored in three of the remaining four innings in which he appeared. Mikolas has been better this season as a bulk reliever than as a traditional starter, but his overall 5.60 ERA and 4.7 K/9 make him an unappealing fantasy asset in all but the deepest of leagues. He's projected to make his next appearance -- either as a starter or in bulk relief -- at home versus Toronto.

Romano earned a save against the Nationals on Tuesday, striking out two batters over one perfect inning.

Every inning before the ninth featured at least one run by one or both teams, so Romano's task protecting an 8-7 lead didn't look like it would be an easy one. However, the veteran reliever made quick work of the three batters he faced, retiring the side on just 11 pitches. Romano has three saves in six appearances since making his Rockies debut July 4, so he appears to be the team's first choice to close games. Though he still carries a 6.59 ERA overall this season, Romano has surrendered just one run over 5.2 frames with Colorado.

Phillips (2-5) completed 4.1 innings, allowing three runs (two earned) on five hits and one walk while striking out two batters in a loss to Houston on Tuesday.

Phillips fell behind quickly, giving up a leadoff homer to Jeremy Pena in the bottom of the first inning. The righty hurler got through the third and fourth frames facing the minimum six batters, but he was pulled with one out in the fifth and was charged with an additional run, which was unearned, following his departure. While his final line wasn't entirely disastrous, Phillips managed just two punchouts and saw his season record drop to 2-5. He's lined up for a tough matchup against Philadelphia his next time out.

Lopez (4-3) took the loss against the Padres on Tuesday, allowing five runs on nine hits and three walks with six strikeouts over 4.1 innings.

Lopez allowed runs in three separate innings, including solo homers in the fourth and fifth. The 32-year-old allowed one earned run in each of his first three starts upon returning to the rotation June 26 but has now surrendered nine earned runs over two straight losses. He'll take a 3.95 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 60:28 K:BB across 66 innings this season into a road matchup with the Orioles this weekend.