MLB Player News

Diaz recorded his third save of the season in Friday's 7-6 win over the A's, giving up two runs on one hit and two walks in the ninth inning. He struck out one.

Called in to protect a 7-4 lead, Diaz nearly made a hash of it as he led off the ninth by issuing two walks sandwiched around a strikeout of Brent Rooker. A Shea Langeliers double and a JJ Bleday sacrifice fly brought home both free passes, but Diaz got Jacob Wilson to ground out to escape the jam. The veteran closer has yet to blow a save in 2025, but Diaz has been tagged for five runs in his last two appearances, leaving him with a 7.94 ERA, 1.76 WHIP and 7:4 K:BB through 5.2 innings.

Graveman (back) threw a bullpen session Friday, Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports reports.

Graveman, who missed all of spring training with the injury, will require at least one more bullpen session before the next step in his recovery, which is facing live batters. After that, there is expected to be a rehab assignment.

Ginkel (shoulder) threw a bullpen session Friday, Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports reports.

Ginkel, whose shoulder injury surfaced late in spring training, has thrown a couple of sessions and is ready to face live batters. Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said it's likely that Ginkel will throw a rehab game before being activated.

Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said Friday that Matz remains on track to start April 16 against the Astros as part of a six-man rotation, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.

Matz will be available out of the bullpen this weekend against the Phillies, although maybe not for multiple innings since he has a start looming Wednesday. It's not yet clear how long the Cardinals plan to use a six-man rotation, but it sounds like Matz will be in line to make multiple starts. The left-hander has pitched well out of the bullpen so far this season, permitting three runs (two earned) with a 5:1 K:BB over 9.1 frames. Matz's high pitch count among his four appearances is 53, and that came back on April 4. He's thrown 16 and 11 pitches over his last two appearances, respectively, so he'll likely have workload limitations versus Houston.

Pagan struck out two batters in a perfect ninth inning to collect his third save of the season in Friday's 5-3 win over the Pirates.

Friday's outing was exactly what Pagan needed to bounce back from his last appearance Wednesday, which saw him give up a walk-off home run against the Giants. He sent Endy Rodriguez and Ke'Bryan Hayes down on strikes, and Jack Suwinski ended things quickly with a flyout on the first pitch he saw. Pagan is still the only reliever in the Reds' bullpen with multiple saves, though he may not get many more ninth-inning chances with Alexis Diaz (hamstring) approaching a return from the IL.

Finnegan earned the save in Friday's 7-4 win over the Marlins, allowing one hit while striking out a batter in a scoreless ninth inning.

Finnegan gave up a leadoff double to Otto Lopez, but the 33-year-old closer proceeded to fan Kyle Stowers before logging two straight groundouts to secure the win. Finnegan has registered a save in each of his last five outings, and he's allowed just one run on six hits and four walks while striking out six across 6.2 innings to begin the season.

Helsley earned the save after allowing one hit in a scoreless ninth inning Friday against the Phillies.

Trea Turner brought the possible tying run to the plate with a leadoff single, but Helsley quickly put out the next three batters he faced on just six pitches to protect a 2-0 victory. The hard-throwing right-hander has blown one save and has struggled with his control to begin the season, posting a 1.67 WHIP and 9:5 K:BB over six frames, but Helsley has given up just two runs and remains St. Louis' go-to weapon in save situations.

Brasier (groin) threw a bullpen session Friday, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Friday appears to be the first time Brasier has thrown off a mound since he landed on the injured list at the end of March with a groin strain. The Cubs will likely look to get the 37-year-old righty a few reps against live hitters before activating him, but he could be nearing the end of his stay on the IL.

Assad (oblique) will make his first rehab start at Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Assad has been pitching in extended spring training games since the start of the season, though Tuesday will mark the first time he's pitched at a minor-league affiliate since landing on the IL with an oblique strain. He'll likely require multiple additional rehab outings, but he shouldn't be more than a few weeks away from returning to Chicago.

The Brewers optioned Peguero to Triple-A Nashville on Friday.

After turning in a career-best 2.98 ERA last season, Peguero has struggled to begin 2025, allowing four earned runs in just 6.1 innings. He'll now head to Triple-A in order to get back on track, and his roster spot will be given to Jose Quintana, who officially joined the big-league club for his season debut Friday.