MLB Player News

Neris was not used to close out Wednesday's 6-5 win over the Giants, with Colten Brewer getting the save instead.

Neris took the loss and blew a save against the Giants on Monday, allowing three runs (two earned) in an inning of work, and he's allowed a total of seven earned runs over his last three outings. The veteran's ERA has climbed to 4.73 as a result of his recent struggles, and he's blown four saves this year in 14 chances. Chicago manager Craig Counsell said following Monday's game that he didn't plan on making a change at closer, according to James Neveau of Yahoo Sports, but this situation could be fluid. Brewer is at least worth keeping an eye on in the short term.

Brewer worked around two walks to pitch a scoreless ninth inning and earn the save in Wednesday's 6-5 win over the Giants.

Brewer just returned from the injured list last week and he's possibly already moved up the bullpen hierarchy. Regular closer Hector Neris has allowed seven earned runs over his last three appearances with two blown saves, including in Monday's contest. The veteran Neris may have simply been getting some rest, and there's been no official word that the team is making a change, but this is a situation worth monitoring. Brewer would, of course, see a jump in fantasy value if he starts getting regular save opportunities.

The Brewers designated Hernandez for assignment Wednesday.

The 29-year-old signed a one-year contract with Milwaukee on June 8 and delivered 5.2 scoreless frames in his first three appearances, but he allowed two runs on two hits while recording just one out Tuesday in Anaheim. Hernandez has a 6.32 ERA and 8:5 K:BB over 15.2 innings between his time with the Brewers and Dodgers this year.

The Brewers recalled Blalock from Double-A Biloxi on Wednesday.

Blalock was sent down by Milwaukee in late May but is back with the big club ahead of Wednesday's series finale in Anaheim. The 23-year-old was up with the Brewers for a few days in May but is still looking to make his MLB debut.

Bednar earned the save Wednesday against the Reds, pitching a perfect ninth inning to seal a 1-0 victory.

It's the second straight hitless appearance from Bednar after he allowed home runs in each of his previous two outings. Still, the right-hander has been solid of late following a rocky start to the campaign, allowing just three runs in his last 17.1 innings. Overall, Bednar's converted 16 of 19 save opportunities this year while pitching to a 5.17 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 32:7 K:BB across 31.1 innings.

Suarez struck out one in a perfect ninth inning Wednesday to record his 18th save of the season in a 5-2 win over the Phillies.

One day after blowing his first save chance of the season, Suarez was back in his usual form, firing nine of 13 pitches for strikes as he shut down the Phillies' 6-7-8 hitters. The 33-year-old right-hander came into 2024 with only one career save, but he's having a breakout campaign as the Padres' closer, posting a 1.17 ERA, 0.78 WHIP and 29:6 K:BB through 30.2 innings.

Petersen (1-0) earned the win over Colorado on Tuesday, allowing one run on one hit and one walk while striking out two batters over two innings.

After being called up from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Sunday, Petersen saw his first big-league action Tuesday at Coors Field. He entered in the seventh inning with Los Angeles down four runs and allowed the Rockies to increase their lead on a walk, single and sacrifice fly. Petersen returned for the eighth and retired the side in order, then found himself in the win column after the Dodgers pulled ahead with a seven-run ninth frame. Petersen will likely be used mainly in low-leverage spots during his time with the big club.

Ortiz (shoulder/ankle) was removed from his rehab appearance Tuesday with Triple-A Lehigh Valley due to forearm soreness, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Ortiz was placed on the 15-day injured list March 31 with a sprained left ankle, but he's now picked up new injuries on both of his rehab assignments. He began his initial assignment in late April, only to get shut down after two appearances with Single-A Clearwater due to right shoulder inflammation. He restarted the assignment June 11 and made three appearances before the forearm issue flared up. The severity of the forearm issue isn't yet fully known, but expect Ortiz to get shut down again for some time before he's cleared to start pitching in rehab games.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell said that Brown (neck) resumed throwing Tuesday, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Brown landed on the 15-day injured list June 11 with what the Cubs labeled as a stress reaction to the left side of his neck. Counsell said that the pain in Brown's neck is already subsiding, and the fact that the right-hander is throwing again bodes well for his chances of avoiding an extended absence. Jordan Wicks (oblique) was placed on the IL just four days after Brown, so the Cubs have turned back to Kyle Hendricks as their No. 5 starter in the meantime.

Roycroft (1-1) allowed two runs (one earned) on three hits over two-thirds of an inning to take a blown save and the extra-inning loss versus the Marlins on Tuesday.

Due to recent workloads, the Cardinals were short in the bullpen Tuesday, leaving Roycroft to protect a one-run lead in the 10th inning. It didn't work out, as the right-hander saw his 6.2-inning scoreless streak come to an end. It's his first blown save, though he's still done a decent job at run prevention this year with a 3.38 ERA over 13.1 innings. He has a less-impressive 1.65 WHIP and 12:8 K:BB while mainly working in a low-leverage role.