MLB Player News

Pomeranz (6-7) allowed three runs on six hits and one walk while striking out seven over six innings to earn the win Sunday against the Nationals.

Although he wasn't at his best, Pomeranz fired a quality start, and the Padres gave him plenty of run support to pick up the win. He's now held opponents to three or fewer earned runs in 12 of his 14 starts, and he has a 3.00 ERA on the year. He'll make his next start Saturday at the Reds.

Rodney struck out the side in the ninth inning to earn his 14th save Sunday against the Nationals.

Rodney was protecting a three-run lead, and closed the door without allowing a baserunner. He continues to be absolutely unstoppable, as he's yet to allow a run this year while striking out 27 hitters in 25.1 innings of work.

Jansen (3-2) pitched a perfect ninth inning while striking out one to earn the win Sunday against the Brewers.

Jansen was protecting a one-run lead and only needed six pitches to close the door on the Brewers. He's now struck out eight batters in his last four innings of work to give him 33 on the season.

Hand has allowed seven earned runs across 9.2 innings in the month of June, bringing his ERA up to 3.89 for the season.

Hand has continued to strike out plenty of batters this season, as he has an 11.4 K/9, but his struggles with control remain an issue. His walk rate is currently 13.5 percent, contributing to an opponent on-base percentage of .339. However, Hand's endurance has been valuable to the Padres, as he frequently throws two or more innings out of the bullpen.

Okert was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento on Sunday, freelance writer Andrew Baggarly reports.

The Giants are simply being proactive here, as they will option an extraneous reliever in order to make room for the pending activation of Santiago Casilla from the paternity list. Okert appeared in two games for the Giants since his Friday call-up, tossing a total of five pitches.

Kiekhefer was optioned to Triple-A Memphis on Sunday, MLB.com reports.

Kiekhefer hasn't pitched for the Cards since June 8, and has allowed seven earned runs over 11 innings this season. The team needed a roster spot for the activation of righty Seth Maness, and with Kiekhefer last in the bullpen pecking order, the middle reliever will ultimately head back to Memphis.

Underwood gave up one run in four innings against Double-A Jackson on Friday, but he also gave up four hits, two walks, and hit a batter.

Underwood got off to a late start this year due to an elbow injury, but he's struggled all season for Tennessee. He's 0-4 with a 5.12 ERA in 10 starts and has walked 24 in 45.2 innings. Though he's still considered one of the best pitching prospects in the Cubs' system, Underwood appears to have a lot of work to do.

Gearrin was called on in a save opportunity Saturday because closer Santiago Casilla (paternity leave) was unavailable.

Gearrin converted Saturday's save opportunity, his second of the season, but did give up a homer in the Giants' 6-4 win over the Rays. The right-hander has pitched well of late for San Francisco, having posted 11 straight scoreless appearances before Saturday's outing.

Ottavino (elbow) struck out the side while earning his first save Thursday during a rehab appearance with High-A Modesto, Nick Groke of the Denver Post reports.

Ottavino did allow two hits, but neither of the baserunners crossed the plate. The right-hander, who is in the process of returning from Tommy John surgery, is making good progress in his return and is expected to return to the Rockies bullpen around the second week of July.

Boscan is a candidate to make a spot start Tuesday against the Giants, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

With Juan Nicasio on the restricted list and unlikely to rejoin the team for a few days, the Pirates will likely need a spot starter for Tuesday's contest against the Giants. Boscan is reportedly in line to start that day at Triple-A Indianapolis according to Berry, so he'd be a logical choice to get the call-up given that he'd be going on regular rest. While no move will likely be made official until early in the week, Boscan will be a name to monitor over the next few days. Boscan has not started at the major league level this season, but in nine starts at Triple-A Indianapolis, he has a 2.92 ERA with a 1.14 WHIP.