MLB Player News

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said Friday that he is removing Sewald from the closer role, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.

The veteran right-hander allowed two runs on three walks in one-third of an inning Wednesday versus Washington, which capped an ugly July that saw him blow four saves and give up 12 earned runs across 10 innings. Sewald appeared to have turned things around with five straight scoreless appearances after an awful start to the month, but he finished with five runs allowed in his last four outings. Lovullo didn't say who will replace Sewald as Arizona's closer, but A.J. Puk and Kevin Ginkel are the likeliest candidates and could even form a matchup-based committee. Ryan Thompson could also be in the mix.

The Diamondbacks recalled Castellanos from Triple-A Reno on Friday.

The right-hander was sent to Reno on July 23 but will return to the majors as Bryce Jarvis (elbow) heads to the injured list. Castellanos has appeared in seven big-league games this season and has a 5.23 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 7:4 K:BB over 10.1 innings.

The Diamondbacks placed Jarvis on the 15-day injured list Friday due to a sprained right elbow.

It's unclear when exactly the right-hander sustained the injury, but he last pitched Tuesday against the Nationals and allowed two hits with two strikeouts over a scoreless frame. Jarvis will be eligible to be reinstated in mid-August, but it's possible he faces a longer absence.

O'Brien (forearm) could be activated from the 60-day injured list next week after making two more rehab appearances with Triple-A Memphis, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

O'Brien will make back-to-back appearances with Memphis on Saturday and Sunday, which would appear to be the final box he'll need to check before rejoining the Cardinals' bullpen. The reliever has been sidelined since suffering a right flexor strain back on Opening Day.

The Giants activated Hjelle from the bereavement list Friday, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Hjelle had been away from the club since Sunday. He will return to a middle relief role.

Turnbull (lat) tossed a 10-pitch bullpen session Monday at Citizens Bank Park, MLB.com reports.

Assuming Turnbull escaped the side session free of setbacks, he'll shift his rehab program to the Phillies' spring training facility in Clearwater, Fla. and continue building back up. At the time Turnbull was placed on the 15-day injured list June 27 with a right lat strain, manager Rob Thomson estimated that the right-hander would be sidelined for 6-to-8 weeks. Since Turnbull doesn't look as though he'll be a realistic option to return from the IL until mid-to-late August, the Phillies have already indicated that the 31-year-old probably won't have sufficient time to get stretched out for a starting role and will likely be ticketed for the bullpen.

Kinley picked up the save in an extra-inning win over the Angels on Thursday, striking out one over a perfect 10th inning.

Kinley's number was called in the bottom of the 10th as Colorado looked to hang onto its 3-2 lead. The right-hander did not disappoint, retiring all three batters he faced on 15 pitches to secure his sixth save of the campaign and first since June 11 against the Twins. Victor Vodnik has been serving as the primary closer for the Rockies in the absence of Daniel Bard, though Kinley got the late-inning call after the former was needed in the ninth. The 33-year-old has not allowed any hits or runs in three straight appearances.

Helsley (4-4) blew the save and was charged with the loss against the Cubs on Thursday, allowing three runs on four hits over two-thirds of an inning.

Helsley entered the contest with a two-run lead in the bottom of the ninth and retired the first batter on a groundout before surrendering a solo homer to Cody Bellinger. He would then allow three of the next four batters to reach as the Cubs took the game in dramatic fashion. It marked Helsley's third blown save on the season while the loss was his fourth. He had not allowed an earned run in 10 straight appearances coming into Thursday's loss, though he's now failed to convert two of his last four save opportunities.

Iglesias notched a save against the Marlins on Thursday, striking out one batter in a perfect ninth inning.

Prior to Thursday, Iglesias' most recent save came on July 14. He had pitched five scoreless innings since then but hadn't gotten a save opportunity. The veteran closer didn't falter with a save in his sights Thursday, needing just 10 pitches to retire the side in order in the ninth frame. Iglesias has now converted each of his past 15 save chances and is tied for fourth in the majors with 23 saves overall on the season.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell said Thursday that Alzolay will undergo surgery on his right forearm, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

The date of Alzolay's surgery and the type of procedure he will receive are yet to be determined, though more details will come once he receives a second opinion. The 29-year-old righty has been sidelined since May due to a flexor strain, and a return timeline likely won't be available until after the surgery.