MLB Player News

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Thursday that there's a "good possibility" Yates (hamstring) will be activated from the 15-day injured list this weekend, Benjamin Royer of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Yates threw a simulated game earlier this week and came out of it with no issues, clearing the way for his return. The veteran reliever has been out since mid-May with a right hamstring strain but will skip a rehab assignment and rejoin the Dodgers' bullpen sometime during the team's weekend series in St. Louis.

The Rockies optioned Chivilli to Triple-A Albuquerque on Thursday.

Chivilli had just been recalled Tuesday and did not make an appearance during his most recent stint in the majors. The Rockies will announce a corresponding roster move prior to Friday's game versus the Mets.

The Diamondbacks designated McGough for assignment Thursday.

He will cede his spot on the 40-man roster to left-hander Andrew Saalfrank, who was reinstated after serving a one-year suspension. McGough is likely to go unclaimed off waivers after he submitted a 6.43 ERA, 1.71 WHIP and 6:5 K:BB in seven innings over his seven relief appearances with Arizona before he was optioned to Triple-A Reno on Sunday.

The Diamondbacks reinstated Saalfrank (suspension) from the ineligible list and optioned him to the rookie-level Arizona Complex League on Thursday.

Saalfrank will take back a spot on the Diamondbacks' 40-man roster and will be available to compete again after he served a one-year suspension stemming from violations of MLB's gambling policy. Before he was handed the ban last June, Saalfrank appeared in two games out of the Arizona bullpen but had otherwise pitched exclusively at Triple-A Reno, where he logged a 2.63 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 28:10 K:BB in 24 innings. Since he wasn't able to pitch in any rehab games while he was suspended, Saalfrank will ease back into action in rookie ball before likely reporting back to Reno within the next few weeks.

Castillo gave up two hits and struck out two in two scoreless innings of relief Wednesday, recording his third hold of the season in a win over the Dodgers.

The 29-year-old was picked up off the scrap heap in May after being designated for assignment by the Diamondbacks, but he's been sharp for the Mets. Castillo has yet to allow an earned run with his new club while posting an 8:3 K:BB in six innings. He's the most reliable lefty in the bullpen right now, and as a result Castillo has collected a hold in three straight appearances as he earns the trust of manager Carlos Mendoza.

McGreevy could be recalled from Triple-A Memphis to make a spot start Sunday against the Dodgers, Daniel Guerrero of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

The Cardinals are likely to use a spot starter at least once this month as they navigate a stretch with 28 games in 29 days. McGreevy was pulled from Tuesday's start with Memphis after throwing 75 pitches over 4.1 scoreless innings, seemingly in an effort to keep his arm as fresh as possible for a start this weekend. Giving McGreevy a start Sunday would allow extra rest for Andre Pallante, who has a 7.47 ERA over his last three starts.

Hjelle (1-0) earned the win in Wednesday's 6-5 victory over San Diego, allowing one walk and striking out one in 2.2 scoreless innings.

The 28-year-old was recalled from Triple-A Sacramento on Tuesday after Jordan Hicks (toe) was placed on the 15-day injured list. Hjelle threw 18 of his 28 pitches for strikes and retired seven straight batters after allowing a walk. The right-hander had posted a 2.97 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and a 32:10 K:BB across 30.1 innings in 18 appearances with Sacramento before being recalled.

Iglesias gave up a run on two hits and a walk in the ninth inning of Wednesday's loss to the Diamondbacks. He struck out one.

The Atlanta closer was brought in for the top of the ninth with his team down 1-0, but Iglesias couldn't prevent an insurance run from crossing the plate -- something which loomed large when Atlanta scored its only run of the game in the bottom of the frame. Iglesias has been tagged for at least one run in seven of his last 10 appearances, posting a ghastly 7.71 ERA, 2.04 WHIP and 8:3 K:BB in 9.1 innings over that stretch while converting two of three save chances. As yet, there's been no indication manager Brian Snitker is considering removing Iglesias from the closer role, but his strikeout rate on the season has swooned to a career-low 24.8 percent, and there's little sign of a turnaround in his recent performances.

The Cardinals recalled O'Brien from Triple-A Memphis on Thursday.

O'Brien will serve as the 27th man for Thursday's doubleheader against the Royals and will likely be sent back down after the twin bill. The right-handed reliever has made three appearances in the majors this season, allowing three runs with a 2:2 K:BB 2.2 innings.

Rodriguez notched a save against the Padres on Wednesday, striking out one batter in a perfect two-thirds of an inning.

The Giants carried a one-run lead into the ninth inning, and with primary closer Camilo Doval having blown a save and thrown 28 pitches Tuesday, manager Bob Melvin turned to Ryan Walker to shut the door. However, Walker allowed two hits and retired only one batter, so Melvin pulled him and instead turned to Rodriguez. The righty came through, striking out Jackson Merrill and getting Gavin Sheets to pop out to secure his first career major-league save. Rodriguez has been remarkable this season, posting a minuscule 0.66 ERA and 0.62 WHIP with a 39:3 K:BB over 27.1 innings. He has a modest six holds (along with Wednesday's save) across his 26 appearances, but he seems to be working into a higher-leverage role with three of those holds coming over his past seven outings. Doval remains entrenched as the Giants' go-to closer, but considering Walker's inconsistent results, Rodriguez could be a compelling option to close on days when Doval is down or if he were to miss time.