MLB Player News

Martinez (5-5) took the loss Thursday to the Mets, allowing a run on two hits while striking out two over one inning.

Martinez was brought into a 2-2 tie in the ninth inning and was made to pay for Jesse Winker's double. He's allowed runs in three of the last four outings, but Martinez remains the Diamondbacks' primary closer for now.

Blalock (1-1) took the loss Thursday against the Marlins, allowing seven runs (six earned) on nine hits and a walk over four innings. He struck out three.

It was a tough day for Blalock, who allowed a pair of runs in his first three innings before giving up a five-spot in the fourth. The 23-year-old right-hander had gotten off to a nice start before Thursday, pitching to a 3.06 ERA across his first 17.2 big-league innings. Blalock now sports a 4.98 ERA on the season with a 1.62 WHIP and 14:8 K:BB. Should the Rockies elect to keep him in the rotation, Blalock would line up for a road start in Atlanta next week.

Hoffman struck out one in a perfect inning to earn the save in Thursday's 5-4 win over Atlanta.

Both Hoffman and Carlos Estevez had gone two days without pitching, so it's unclear why Hoffman got the save chance in this outing. This was his fourth scoreless outing in a row, and he's allowed three runs over 9.1 innings across his last 11 appearances since a four-run meltdown at Seattle on Aug. 3. Hoffman hadn't logged a save since July 10, and it's unclear if this signals a changing in the bullpen hierarchy or not, though manager Rob Thomson is known to prefer a committee for closing duties. For the year, Hoffman has a 1.92 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 74:15 K:BB through 56.1 innings while adding 10 saves and 17 holds.

Zulueta was recalled by the Reds on Thursday, Francys Romero of BeisbolFR.com reports.

Zulueta has spent the majority of his season at Triple-A Louisville but will be back to provide depth in the Reds' bullpen. He will be serving as the 27th man in Friday's doubleheader against the Brewers, so it's possible he's sent back down immediately after the twin bill. Across 11.2 innings in the majors, he's maintained a 3.09 ERA and 1.20 WHIP with an 11:5 K:BB.

Diaz earned the save in Thursday's 3-2 win over the Diamondbacks, striking out two in a perfect ninth inning.

It was a much-needed outing for Diaz, who allowed four runs on a pair of home runs in his last two appearances, both losses. After surrendering a go-ahead grand slam to Corbin Carroll on Wednesday, Diaz made quick work of the Diamondbacks on Thursday, striking out Lourdes Gurriel and Josh Bell before coaxing a game-ending pop-out from Jake McCarthy. Diaz is now 15-for-21 in save chances with a 4.19 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 56:15 K:BB across 38.2 innings this season.

Diaz allowed three runs on three hits and a walk while failing to record an out, taking a blown save in Thursday's 10-9 win over the Athletics.

Diaz has blown his last two save chances and hasn't converted one since Aug. 13. He served up a solo home run to Lawrence Butler and a two-run single to Seth Brown before he was pulled from the contest, and Emilio Pagan was able to prevent any further damage. The Reds then rallied for three runs in their half of the frame to spare Diaz from the loss. Diaz is now 24-for-28 in save chances this year while pitching to a poor 4.86 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 46:28 K:BB across 46.1 innings. The homer he allowed Thursday was the career-high sixth he's given up this year, which is more concerning given this is also Diaz's smallest workload in his three-year career.

Graterol (hamstring) did fielding drills, including covering first base, Thursday, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Graterol has been ramping up his activity throughout the week, as he also threw a bullpen session Wednesday. He's expected to throw a simulated game this weekend and should head out on a rehab assignment shortly thereafter.

Helsley earned the save Thursday, turning in a perfect ninth inning with no strikeouts in a 4-1 win over San Diego.

Helsley has now gone eight straight innings without allowing a run, lowering his ERA to 2.38 on the season with a 1.18 WHIP and 62:22 K:BB across 56.2 frames. He's converted an MLB-leading 41 saves in 44 chances.

Beck (arm) made the fifth start of his rehab assignment Wednesday with Triple-A Sacramento, striking out five over three innings while giving up one earned run on two hits and one walk.

After retiring just five batters while giving up seven runs (six earned) his last time out with Sacramento on Friday, Beck bounced back nicely Wednesday, giving up just one extra-base hit (a solo home run) and spotting 29 of his 41 pitches for strikes. He's now thrown exactly three innings in four of his rehab outings and hasn't thrown more than 56 pitches on any occasion, so the Giants may envision him serving as a multi-inning reliever in September rather than being an option for the rotation. Beck has been on the injured list all season with an upper right arm aneurysm that he addressed through surgery March 4.

Cronin was removed from Thursday's game against the Rockies due to an apparent injury, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Cronin was able to remain in the game after his first visit from the Marlins' training staff, though the decision was eventually made to pull him after he had trouble fielding a groundball in the sixth inning. It's not immediately apparent what is bothering the 26-year-old righty, but the team should have more information on his status sometime after the game.