MLB Player News

The Cardinals optioned Loutos to Triple-A Memphis on Tuesday.

St. Louis is swapping out right-handed relievers, replacing Loutos with Chris Roycroft. Loutos contributed 1.1 scoreless innings over two appearances during his brief time in the majors.

Atlanta transferred Matzek (elbow) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Tuesday, Grant McAuley of 92.9 The Game Atlanta

The transaction frees up a spot on the 40-man roster for infielder Brian Anderson, who signed a one-year deal with the club. Matzek has been sidelined for nearly a month with left elbow inflammation and now won't be eligible to return for at least another month.

Walston is scheduled to start Tuesday's game against the Giants at Chase Field.

After he was called up from Triple-A Reno on May 26, Walston made his first big-league start later that day against the Marlins, striking out four over 4.2 scoreless innings in a no-decision. Arizona had previously confirmed Walston for a start against the Mets this past weekend, but he was ultimately pushed back in the pitching schedule after the Diamondbacks elected to call up Slade Cecconi from Reno to slot into the rotation following Zac Gallen's (hamstring) placement on the 15-day injured list. Until one of Gallen, Merrill Kelly (shoulder) or Eduardo Rodriguez (shoulder) returns from the IL, the Diamondbacks should have back-end rotation spots available for both Walston and Cecconi.

The Diamondbacks transferred Frias' (shoulder) rehab assignment to Triple-A Reno on Tuesday.

Frias has been on Arizona's injured list since April 19 with right shoulder inflammation but finally looks to be inching toward a return to the active roster. He began his rehab assignment in the rookie-level Arizona Complex League over the weekend, tossing a scoreless inning in his lone outing. He'll likely make a handful of relief appearances for Reno before rejoining the big-league bullpen.

Major League Baseball announced Tuesday that Saalfrank has received a one-year suspension for violating the league's gambling policy, Jared Diamond of the Wall Street Journal reports.

MLB's investigation revealed that Saalfrank made a total of 29 baseball bets -- including 28 on MLB games -- while he was on a minor-league contract with the Diamondbacks. He didn't appear in any of the games on which he bet and MLB has determined the outcomes of the contests weren't compromised in any way. Saalfrank has made two appearances out of the Arizona bullpen this season but was optioned to Triple-A Reno on May 1.

Pagan (triceps) is not expected to be activated when eligible June 4, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Reds manager David Bell indicated Pagan might need a few more days beyond the 15-day minimum. The right-handed reliever is expected to have one more side bullpen session. Pagan was added to the injured list after experiencing right triceps soreness during a game against the Dodgers on May 19.

Diekman pitched two-thirds of an inning and picked up the save in Monday's 8-7 victory over Washington. He struck out one and did not allow a baserunner.

Adam Ottavino came on in the ninth inning to preserve a three-run Mets lead, but he allowed one earned run before exiting with one out and the bases loaded. Diekman entered the game and allowed a sacrifice fly that cut the lead to 8-7 before striking out the final batter to record his second save of the season. Diekman rebounded from Sunday's blown save, but Adam Ottavino was the first one called upon in the ninth. With Reed Garrett also in the mix for saves, the Mets bullpen situation is very unclear while Edwin Diaz (shoulder) is on the injured list.

Rodriguez (1-1) allowed two runs on two hits and struck out one in one-third of an inning, taking the loss Monday versus the Diamondbacks.

Rodriguez served up a walk-off two-run blast to Pavin Smith in the ninth inning. After looking steady in the second half of May, Rodriguez has faltered by allowing four runs over his last 2.1 innings across three appearances. He's at a 3.57 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 23:7 K:BB over 17.2 innings while seeing most of his work in low-leverage spots, Monday's outing being a rare exception.

Romero (2-1) allowed four runs (three earned) on three hits and struck out two over one inning, taking the loss and a blown save versus the Astros on Monday.

Romero allowed just two runs over 13 innings in May, but he won't fare as well in June after this brutal outing. He was responsible for an Alex Bregman solo shot and a two-run home run by Yainer Diaz as part of the Astros' comeback. Even with the poor appearance, Romero has a 2.10 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and 30:4 K:BB with 18 holds and two blown saves through 30 innings. The southpaw is unlikely to be removed from a setup role after just one bad outing, so he should still be a steady source of holds and solid strikeout numbers.

Howard yielded two runs on four hits over 4.2 innings in a no-decision Monday. He struck out three during the loss to Arizona.

Both runs against Howard came during the second inning after he took over for Erik Miller, who opened the game with a scoreless frame. Howard found a groove and didn't face much of a threat after that second-inning hiccup. In two outings since being recalled from Triple-A Sacramento, he's posted a 7:0 K:BB and a 2.08 ERA through 8.2 innings. With Blake Snell (groin) back on the injured list, Howard could make another start or be used as a bulk reliever again later this week.