MLB Player News

Montgomery earned the save in Tuesday's 4-1 win over the Tigers, striking out two batters in a scoreless ninth inning.

Braxton Ashcraft took care of business through the first eight innings on just 80 pitches, but the Pirates turned to Montgomery to keep the team's lead safe. The first batter reached base safely on a throwing error, but Montgomery proceeded to strike out the next two hitters he faced before closing the game with a groundout. He's earned the save in three of his last five outings and has not yielded a run over his last eight appearances. Montgomery has a 3.47 ERA and 1.11 WHIP across 49.1 innings this season.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters Tuesday that Diaz's placement on the 15-day injured list is due to neck inflammation, Jack Harris of the California Post reports.

Diaz will head back to Los Angeles to undergo further tests for his neck issue Wednesday, and the initial expectation is that the right-hander will return this season, per Jack Harris of the California Post. Diaz saw his fastball velocity bottom out at 93 mph during Monday's outing against the Rockies, when he allowed three runs on four hits in one inning. Tanner Scott figures to serve as the Dodgers' preferred closer for as long as Diaz is sidelined.

The Cubs are expected to activate Palencia (elbow) from the 60-day injured list in the coming days, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

The Cubs haven't committed to an exact date for Palencia to return from the IL, but manager Craig Counsell told reporters Tuesday the 26-year-old right-hander will be activated "soon." A right flexor strain has sidelined Palencia since mid-June, but he won't have a defined role upon his return, per Bruce Levine of 670TheScore.com. It appears that, for now, the Cubs prefer keeping Jacob Webb as the main closer, with Palencia getting some work in high-leverage situations.

The Dodgers are placing Diaz on the 15-day injured list Tuesday with an apparent upper-body injury, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.

The right-hander was activated from the injured list in late July after missing more than three months following surgery to remove loose bodies from his elbow, and he's now headed back to the shelf after surrendering 11 runs and blowing three of six save chances in nine appearances since returning. According to Jack Harris of the California Post, Diaz's fastball bottomed out at 93 mph in a low-leverage appearance Monday, when he gave up three runs on four hits in one frame. It's encouraging Diaz isn't believed to be dealing with an arm issue, but his return timeline will remain up in the air until more information is available on the injury.

The Dodgers outrighted Irvin to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Aug. 6.

After being called up from Oklahoma City on July 31, Irvin made a six-inning relief appearance in a loss to the Red Sox before being dropped from the 40-man roster a day later. Rather than opting to become a free agent, the 32-year-old lefty has settled back into the rotation at Oklahoma City. He's given up two runs while striking out 11 batters over 11.2 innings in two starts since returning to Triple-A.

The Pirates optioned Mattson to Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday, Jason Mackey of MLB.com reports.

Mattson was needed for two innings and 41 pitches in Monday's loss to the Tigers, so he wasn't going to be available for a day or two. Antwone Kelly will absorb Mattson's spot on the roster and in the bullpen.

The Pirates recalled Kelly from Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday, Danny Demilio of PittsburghBaseballNow.com reports.

It's the fourth stint in the majors this season for Kelly, with his three prior stays all lasting two days or fewer. The right-hander has struggled in his first three MLB appearances, surrendering five earned runs with a 4:4 K:BB over 7.1 innings.

The Mets reinstated Warren (forearm) from the 15-day injured list Tuesday.

The right-hander has been sidelined nearly six weeks due to a forearm strain, and he's now ready to rejoin the active roster after an eight-outing rehab assignment. Warren has a 4.63 ERA, 1.49 WHIP and 37:18 K:BB across 35 innings (26 appearances) for the Mets this year.

The Mets optioned McDermott to Triple-A Syracuse on Tuesday.

He's clearing off the roster to make room for the return of Austin Warren (forearm) from the injured list. McDermott has made four relief appearances between the Dodgers and Mets this season, allowing four runs with a 4:2 K:BB over 5.2 innings.

Romero (abdomen) will throw a live batting practice session Friday, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Romero is slated for a multi-inning bullpen session Tuesday before facing hitters Friday. If things go well during his live BP, Romero will be cleared to begin a rehab assignment. Coming back from an appendectomy, Romero should join the Brewers' bullpen later this month.