MLB Player News

Smyly tossed two scoreless innings of relief in Saturday's 3-0 loss to the Diamondbacks. He allowed a hit and struck out one.

Smyly continues to pitch well for the Cubs in a long-relief role, as he's allowed just one run this month in six appearances. Overall, the veteran lefty has lowered his ERA to 2.92, which would be the second-lowest mark of his 11-year MLB career. Chicago seems content to keep Smyly in the bullpen, though fifth starter Kyle Hendricks has a 6.69 ERA and could get bumped from the rotation if the team decides to mix things up at some point.

Ortiz (5-2) picked up the win Saturday, allowing three hits and two walks over seven scoreless innings in a 4-1 victory over the Phillies. He struck out two.

The right-hander continued an impressive stretch that has seen him give up only three runs in 26.2 innings over his last five appearances (four starts) with a 23:3 K:BB. Ortiz may not be able to hang onto a rotation spot once Jared Jones (lat) gets healthy no matter how well he does, but he's making a strong case to be in the Pirates' long-term pitching plans. Ortiz will take a 2.57 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 59:21 K:BB through 73.2 innings this season into his next outing, which is scheduled to come on the road next weekend in Arizona.

Diaz struck out one in a perfect ninth inning Saturday to record his 11th save of the season in a 1-0 win over the Marlins.

He closed out the combined shutout on 12 pitches (nine strikes), with his fastball topping out at 98.5 mph. Diaz appears to be back in nearly peak form -- he hasn't given up a run in eight appearances since coming off the IL in mid-June, piling up six saves and two wins with a 0.78 WHIP and 8:3 K:BB over 7.2 innings during that stretch.

Ginkel did not allow a hit or walk over a scoreless inning to earn a hold in Saturday's 3-0 win over the Cubs.

Ginkel hurled a 1-2-3 sixth inning to claim his eighth hold. He entered earlier than normal and was the first of four relievers to throw a scoreless frame after starter Zac Gallen grinded through five scoreless innings on102 pitches. Following a rough stretch in May, Ginkel has been an effective arm; the right-hander has a 0.78 ERA and has allowed just two walks over his last 23 innings (22 appearances).

Leahy recorded his first career save in the second game of Saturday's doubleheader split with Atlanta, giving up a hit and striking out two over two scoreless innings.

The 27-year-old righty was called up to be the 27th man for the twin bill, and he surprisingly got the nod in a high-leverage spot with St. Louis winning 6-5 in the eighth inning. When the Cards tacked on three more runs in the top of the ninth. manager Oliver Marmol elected to leave Leahy on the mound to clean things up. He hasn't pitched poorly during his time on the big-league roster this season, posting a 3.90 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 22:7 K:BB through 32.1 innings over 19 appearances, but Leahy's likely headed back to Triple-A Memphis despite this performance.

Finnegan earned a save against the Reds on Saturday, striking out one batter in a perfect ninth inning.

Finnegan earned a save in Washington's first game of the second half Friday, and he was back on the mound one day later to close things out again. The right-hander did so without much stress, retiring the side in order on 15 pitches. Finnegan is up to 27 saves on the campaign, third most in the majors and one short of the career-high mark he established last season.

Sewald allowed a hit and struck out one in a scoreless inning to earn the save in Saturday's 3-0 win over the Cubs.

Sewald hasn't allowed a run in his last five innings after opening July with three shaky appearances, all of which ended in blown saves. It appears he's gotten his troubles under control, and he's now 15-for-18 in save chances this season. Sewald has added a strong 3.09 ERA, 0.86 WHIP and 23:4 K:BB through 23.1 innings.

Leahy is with the Cardinals and will be the team's 27th player for the nightcap of Saturday's doubleheader against Atlanta, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Leahy will give the Cardinals and additional bullpen arm for Game 2 after St. Louis lost 3-2 in 10 innings during the matinee. Leahy has thrown 30.1 big-league innings with a 4.15 ERA and 1.09 WHIP. He'll likely be sent back to Memphis following the contest.

Williams (back) will appear in a rehab game at Triple-A Nashville on Saturday, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Williams was outstanding in his first rehab appearance, striking out all three batters he faced last Saturday at High-A Wisconsin. He'll now move up to Nashville in order to face some tougher competition, and he may return to the Brewers' bullpen before the end of the month if he continues to dominate.

Garrett (elbow) began a throwing progression Saturday, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

Garrett landed on the 15-day injured list July 10 due to right elbow inflammation, and Saturday marks the first time he has done any sort of throwing since then. The 31-year-old said he's hoping for a quick ramp-up process, though it remains unclear if he'll be able to pitch again before the end of July.