MLB Player News
-
Phil Maton RP | CHC
Cubs' Phil Maton: Lands on injured list
The Cubs placed Maton (knee) on the 15-day injured list Friday with a right knee injury, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.
Maton last appeared Thursday against the Mets, when he allowed two hits, including the game-tying home run in the bottom of the seventh. Even prior to that appearance, the 33-year-old had not been himself this season, and overall he's posted a 6.08 ERA, 1.76 WHIP and 31:15 K:BB in 26.2 innings. As the corresponding move, the Cubs added David Peterson to the 26-man roster as he prepares for his Cubs debut Saturday. This marks the second time this season that Maton has hit the IL with a right knee injury.
-
Tony Santillan RP | CIN
Reds' Tony Santillan: Nursing significant oblique strain
Reds manager Terry Francona said Friday that an MRI on Santillan's left oblique showed a significant strain, Charlie Goldsmith of Fox 19 Now Cincinnati reports.
Santillan -- who has notched each of the Reds' last three saves -- was placed on the 15-day injured list earlier Friday, and he appears to be facing a prolonged absence. Emilio Pagan (hamstring) is expected back from the IL soon and could immediately retake his closer job. Until then, Pierce Johnson and/or Tejay Antone could get a look in the ninth inning.
-
Zak Kent RP | WAS
Nationals' Zak Kent: Back in majors
The Nationals recalled Kent from Triple-A Rochester on Friday.
He'll grab the bullpen spot vacated by Gus Varland, who was optioned to Rochester following Thursday's loss to the Phillies. Kent has made six appearances this season in the majors between the Twins and Nationals, allowing nine runs (six earned) over 9.1 frames.
-
Tony Santillan RP | CIN
Reds' Tony Santillan: Shelved by oblique strain
The Reds placed Santillan on the 15-day injured list Friday with an oblique strain, Charlie Goldsmith of Fox 19 Now Cincinnati reports.
It's unclear when he was hurt, but Santillan last pitched Monday versus the Brewers. The right-hander had stabilized the Reds' closer job of late, turning in a 1.13 ERA and 6:1 K:BB over his last eight innings while notching three saves. Though he will be eligible for activation July 8, Santillan could be held out until after the All-Star break, given the nature of the injury. Emilio Pagan (hamstring) is on a rehab assignment and is likely to retake the Reds' closer job before Santillan returns from the IL.
-
Trent Thornton RP | CHC
Cubs' Trent Thornton: Steps in for save
Thornton earned a save against the Mets on Thursday, retiring all three batters he faced with no strikeouts in the 10th inning.
The Cubs are without closer Daniel Palencia, who is on the injured list due to a flexor strain. Jacob Webb earned the team's first save following Palencia's injury, but he was deployed in the ninth inning Thursday and kept the game tied. After Chicago took a one-run lead in the top of the 10th, Thornton was called upon to close things out. He needed just 10 pitches to retire the side in order and notch the second save of his eight-year MLB career. The closer situation for the Cubs is hazy with Palencia out of the picture, so Thornton could be called upon again to close given his strong 2.86 ERA and 1.05 WHIP through 17 outings this season. However, he doesn't fit the typical closer profile, as he's recorded only 10 strikeouts across 22 innings.
-
Clayton Beeter RP | WAS
Nationals' Clayton Beeter: Can't put out fire in blown save
Beeter blew the save Thursday against the Phillies, as he was charged with no runs while allowing no hits and two walks in two-thirds of an inning.
Beeter was charged with his fourth blown save after allowing two inherited runners to score and tie the game in the seventh inning. Washington's beleaguered bullpen is searching for answers, as it surrendered 15 combined runs in the ninth inning over this four-game series with Philadelphia. The Nationals optioned the struggling Gus Varland to Triple-A Rochester immediately following Thursday's loss, likely rendering Beeter, who has a 3.33 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 26:18 K:BB over 24.1 frames, as the favorite for saves while the team evaluates their high-leverage arms. Richard Lovelady could also be in the mix.