MLB Player News

Castro (shoulder) threw 25 pitches off flat ground Wednesday, Nick Groke of the Denver Post reports.

Castro was nervous about throwing at first, but once he got through the session, he said that he felt good and that his shoulder is feeling better. The right-hander is able to come off the disabled list Monday, and he could meet this goal if he continues to feel well while ramping up his throwing program during his recovery.

Lopez, 22, has a 4.91 ERA and 19:8 K:BB through 22 innings for Double-A Harrisburg.

The flamethrowing righty has been snake bitten by the home run ball, allowing five dingers through four starts. Lopez also remains a tad wild. His upside is high, but he remains a project, and his future role is still yet to be determined.

Gearrin didn't allow a hit while walking one and striking out two in 1.1 innings of work Wednesday.

In a game where the Giants' bullpen surrendered four runs, Gearrin was the clear standout. Through 10.1 innings he has posted a 2.61 ERA with two holds. If the rest of San Francisco's middle relievers continue to struggle, then Gearrin should gain manager Bruce Bochy's trust to be used in in the later innings while Sergio Romo (elbow) and George Kontos (elbow) are sidelined.

Leone was optioned to Triple-A Reno on Wednesday.

A corresponding roster move will be announced on Thursday, the team reports, and it figures to be another arm. Leone tossed just 1.2 innings for the Diamondbacks in one appearance since an April 25 call-up, giving up four hits and three earned runs. He figures to be an option for the bullpen down the road if a need arises.

Neris earned his fifth hold of the season Wednesday with a scoreless inning against the Nationals.

Neris has a 0.69 ERA with a 20:4 K:BB ratio in 13 innings this season. He has been used in the eighth inning lately, perhaps indicating he is next in line for saves should Jeanmar Gomez stumble.

Melancon played a dangerous game in the 12th inning Wednesday against Colorado, walking two batters before getting the final two outs to secure his fifth save.

Putting men on base in Coors Field is dangerous, to say the least, but Melancon was able to escape the jam after his offense gave him a one-run lead to preserve in the top of the 12th. These were also his first two walks of the year, and he bounced back effectively after giving up two runs in Arizona on Sunday -- two facts that should provide comfort to Melancon's fantasy owners.

Gomez pitched a perfect ninth inning to pick up his sixth save of the season, as Philadelphia beat Washington 3-0 on Wednesday.

He induced two fly balls and struck out one batter against the Nationals. Gomez is off to a fantastic start. He has a 2-0 record and is 6-for-6 in save opportunities with a 2.08 ERA. Gomez also has 11 strikeouts and three walks in 13.0 innings.

Weber was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett on Wednesday, Kevin McAlpin of 680 The Fan reports.

After allowing a total of eight earned runs in his last two outings and owning a 10.57 ERA, the Braves hope that Weber will rediscover his game in the minors. In a corresponding move, Atlanta recalled fellow righthanded reliever John Gant.

Wittgren was optioned to Triple-A New Orleans on Wednesday, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

Wittgren only appeared twice with the Marlins since being called up on April 19, but he'll head back to the minors with the Marlins needing another starting pitcher to fill out their staff. The right-hander could be back with the major league club if another injury strikes or if he impresses more in the minors. Left-hander Justin Nicolino will take his place on the 25-man roster.

Belisle (calf) was placed on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday with a right calf strain.

Belisle left Tuesday's game with the ailment, and it apparently is serious enough to warrant a trip to the disabled list. The right-hander's presence will be sorely missed, as he's only allowed one earned run through six innings so far this season. The Nationals recalled left-hander Sammy Solis to fill his spot in the Washington bullpen.