MLB Player News

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.

Reynolds (foot) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Friday, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Reynolds is battling through a stress reaction in his right foot, which caused him to miss all of spring training and led to him starting the season on the 15-day injured list. He's progressed enough in his recovery to begin his throwing program, and the 26-year-old right-hander is aiming to throw live batting practice next week before embarking on a minor-league rehab assignment. Reynolds appeared in nine regular-season games out of the bullpen for the Padres in 2024 and logged a 0.82 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 21:5 K:BB across 11 innings.

The Pirates recalled Nicolas from Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday.

Nicolas has struggled this season with Indianapolis, yielding nine earned runs in just 6.1 innings. However, he has a big arm and could eventually work his way into high-leverage situations as part of an unsettled Pirates bullpen.

Diaz (hamstring) will make back-to-back appearances with Triple-A Louisville on Friday and Saturday, Charlie Goldsmith of the Dayton Daily News reports.

This sets Diaz up for a return early next week, assuming he bounces back well from the back-to-backs. Reds manager Terry Francona has said on multiple occasions that he wants to get Diaz back in the closer role eventually, but it's not a lock that the right-hander will immediately reclaim ninth-inning duties. The hamstring injury affected Diaz's command and control in spring training, as evidenced by his five walks in 3.1 Cactus League innings.

The Marlins designated Curry for assignment Friday.

A spot on the 40-man roster was needed for the addition of catcher Rob Brantly. Curry has yielded four runs (two earned) over three innings out of the Marlins' bullpen this season. He has previously been outrighted off the 40-man roster, so Curry will have the option to elect free agency if he clears waivers again.

Atlanta placed Bummer on the bereavement list Friday.

Bummer will miss at least the weekend series in Tampa Bay but could rejoin the club early next week in Toronto. Zach Thompson has taken his spot in the bullpen.

Ross (1-1) took the loss after allowing three runs (two earned) on two hits in the 11th inning Thursday against Atlanta, failing to record an out.

Ross was brought on to protect a one-run lead, but Austin Riley promptly doubled in the tying run, which was unearned. However, Marcell Ozuna lifted a two-run homer to walk it off for Atlanta in the ensuing at-bat. Ross is a candidate for high-leverage work in the Philadelphia bullpen due to Jordan Romano's struggles, but he's blown both of his save opportunities in 2025 and will need to improve on his 6.35 ERA over 5.2 innings to avoid moving back into a long-relief role.