MLB Player News

Nardi collected his 12th hold of the season in Wednesday's win over the Rays, walking one and striking out three in a scoreless sixth inning.

The southpaw was considered the favorite to take over closing duties for the Marlins after Tanner Scott was traded to the Padres, but instead manager Skip Schumaker called on Nardi in the sixth inning Wednesday to protect a 4-2 lead. Miami wound up adding to its lead in the seventh, eliminating a potential save chance, but it still wasn't encouraging usage for any fantasy GMs hoping Nardi will pick up saves down the stretch. Anthony Bender, another potential closing option, was called on in the eighth inning after the lead was extended to 6-2 while Calvin Faucher worked the ninth, leaving the bullpen picture for the Marlins very murky.

Johnson (4-2) picked up the win Wednesday over the Brewers, allowing one hit and one walk over 1.1 scoreless innings. He struck out two.

The right-hander recorded the final out of the sixth inning in relief of Chris Sale, just in time to watch Atlanta's offense break open a 2-2 tie in the top of the seventh. Johnson has given up only one earned run over his last 13 appearances dating back to June 15, posting a 0.67 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 18:4 K:BB through 13.1 innings over that stretch while pocketing two wins and two holds.

Vodnik picked up the save against the Angels on Wednesday, pitching a perfect ninth inning while striking out one.

Vodnik needed only eight pitches to run through the middle of the Angels lineup and secure his fourth save of the season, striking out Kevin Pillar with a 99 mph fastball before getting Logan O'Hoppe to ground out for the final out. The right-hander has now converted each of his last four save opportunities and has recorded at least one strikeout in 15 consecutive appearances. Vodnik also hasn't issued a walk in five straight outings.

Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said Sewald is having issues with his delivery, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports. "There's something that's going on with his delivery," Lovullo said. "It's not allowing him to throw the ball where he wants to, have the finish on the ball and make the pitches that he's normally making."

Lovullo made those comments moments after Wednesday's win in which Sewald, tasked with closing out a two-run lead, allowed a run on three walks and a hit before being removed for Ryan Thompson, who picked up his first save of the season. Sewald has a 13.50 ERA over his last four appearances to finish out a rocky July (10.80 ERA, 10 innings, four blown saves). The manager plans to take time to review the situation and feels there are "really good candidates" in house to replace Sewald as the closer, if that's what Lovullo decides. The names under consideration are likely Thompson, Kevin Ginkel and A.J. Puk.

Thompson earned a save against Washington on Wednesday, issuing a walk and striking out a batter over a scoreless two-thirds of an inning.

Paul Sewald got a chance at a save with Arizona up three runs entering the ninth frame, but he retired only one batter while walking three and allowing a double. Thompson then came in to put out the fire and did so successfully despite allowing an inherited runner to score on a passed ball and issuing an intentional walk. After the game, Arizona manager Torey Lovullo was non-committal about Sewald remaining the team's closer, but that doesn't necessarily mean that Thompson would get the next crack at the role if a change is made. The right-hander has been very successful in a setup role this season with a 1.81 ERA, 19 holds and 32:5 K:BB, yet Kevin Ginkel and A.J. Puk -- both of whom pitched before the ninth frame Wednesday -- have more closing experience and would be more likely candidates to step in as closer, temporarily or otherwise, if Sewald is moved out of the role.

Sewald struggled in a save opportunity against the Nationals on Wednesday, allowing two runs on one hit and three walks in just one-third of an inning. He was pulled after throwing only nine of 24 pitches for strikes, and Ryan Thompson finished the inning. Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo attributed Sewald's issues to a delivery problem and did not confirm any changes to the closer role.

Exercise caution with Sewald and be ready to make changes based on his future performances and any official updates about his role. If more reliable closers are available on the waiver wire, you may want to consider dropping Sewald for a more stable option.

The Padres placed Kolek on the 15-day injured list Wednesday due to right forearm tendinitis.

The right-hander presumably suffered the injury during his appearance against the Dodgers on Tuesday, during which he allowed two walks over a scoreless inning. Kolek is without an official timeline for his return but will be eligible to be reinstated in mid-August.

The Padres optioned Gillaspie to Triple-A El Paso on Wednesday.

Gillaspie will lose his spot in the major-league bullpen as the Friars make room for Martin Perez, Tanner Scott and Bryan Hoeing -- all of whom were acquired Tuesday ahead of the trade deadline. After his promotion to San Diego on July 10, Gillaspie allowed three earned runs in 5.2 innings while striking out one batter and walking none.

The Padres designated Davis for assignment Wednesday.

The Padres needed to clear space for new acquisitions Martin Perez, Tanner Scott and Bryan Hoeing, so Davis will be jettisoned off both the active roster and the 40-man. The 31-year-old southpaw appeared in seven games for San Diego, allowing seven runs in seven innings while striking out six batters and walking five.

The Cubs reinstated Kilian (shoulder) from the 60-day injured list and optioned him to Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Kilian had been on the shelf all season while recovering from a teres major strain of his right shoulder, but he's healthy again after completing an eight-appearance rehab assignment in the minors. The last five of those outings came at Iowa, with whom Kilian gave up seven runs (six earned) on eight hits and five walks while striking out three over eight innings. Though his results were generally poor, Kilian tossed three no-hit innings in his most recent appearance Sunday. Kilian had been working in relief during his rehab assignment, but since the Cubs didn't have a spot in the bullpen available for him upon his activation, he could get stretched back out for starting duty with Iowa.