MLB Player News

Smyly (hip) will throw a bullpen session Tuesday, Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network reports.

He's continuing his throwing progression as he works his way back from a right hip impingement. Smyly has already missed a couple weeks of action and will probably be asked to make at least one rehab appearance before being activated.

The Marlins optioned Brazoban to Triple-A Jacksonville on Tuesday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports..

Brazoban missed all of spring training and spent the first month of the season on the restricted list with visa issues. Those have been resolved, but he will head to Jacksonville for now to knock the rust off as he looks to earn a spot back in the Marlins' bullpen.

The Diamondbacks reinstated Sewald (oblique) from the 15-day injured list Tuesday.

The 33-year-old right-hander has been sidelined by an oblique strain but is ready to rejoin the team following three rehab appearances. Manager Torey Lovullo said Tuesday that Sewald will immediately reclaim the closer role, per Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic. Kevin Ginkel -- who has tallied five saves with a 2.57 ERA in 14 appearances -- will return to a setup role.

McGough was optioned to Triple-A Reno on Tuesday.

McGough's demotion creates room for Paul Sewald's reinstatement from the 15-day IL. McGough has endured a rocky 2024 campaign, falling to a 6.75 ERA and a 10:10 K:BB ratio over 16 innings (15 appearances) with a 1-3 record and a pair of blown saves. He'll look to get back on track with Reno.

The Reds transferred Gibaut (forearm) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Tuesday.

Gibaut was shut down from throwing late in April due to lingering issues with his strained right forearm and has now been put on the 60-day IL. He's consistently had his timetable for return pushed back after it was once believed he'd have a chance to be ready for Opening Day. He's still eligible to return in late May but may not be healthy by that point.

The Nationals activated Garcia (illness) from the 15-day injured list Tuesday, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

Garcia was down for a couple weeks with the flu but is ready to roll now after making just one rehab appearance. The 27-year-old has allowed six runs but has struck out 13 over 8.1 relief innings with the Nats this season.

McLean has posted a 2.84 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 22:7 K:BB through 19 innings for High-A Brooklyn.

The 22-year-old right-hander hasn't allowed a run in four of his five outings to begin the year, with only a six-run stumble against Jersey Shore on April 17 marring his numbers. McLean is still being used as a two-way player and is DHing when he doesn't pitch, but he's been less impressive as a hitter, batting .220 (9-for-41) with a 3:22 BB:K -- although eight of his nine hits have gone for extra bases, including three homers. A third-round pick in 2023 out of Oklahoma State, McLean may have to give up hitting as he moves up the ladder but may have a bright future on the mound.

Atlanta recalled Kerr from Triple-A Gwinnett on Tuesday, Grant McAuley of 929 The Game reports.

Kerr holds a 4.50 ERA and an impressive 22:5 K:BB across 14 innings this season with Gwinnett. He will give manager Brian Snitker another left-handed bullpen option while Tyler Matzek (elbow) is sidelined.

Atlanta placed Matzek on the 15-day injured list Tuesday with left elbow inflammation, Grant McAuley of 929 The Game reports.

Matzek missed the entire 2023 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery and has struggled in 2024, collecting a 9.90 ERA and 10:3 K:BB across 10 relief innings. It's not clear at this point how long he might be sidelined. Ray Kerr is up to take Matzek's spot in Atlanta's bullpen.

Vesia earned a save against the Marlins on Monday, striking out one batter in a perfect ninth inning.

When Evan Phillips (hamstring) was placed on the injured list Sunday, there arose uncertainty about whom Dodgers manager Dave Roberts would turn to when the next save chance came up. The answer turned out to be Vesia, who has been arguably the team's best reliever (outside of Phillips) this season with a 1.56 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 20:12 K:BB over 17.1 innings. The southpaw handled the opportunity well, retiring the side in order on 13 pitches, nine of which were strikes. It's worth noting that the Marlins were due to send up two left-handed hitters among the first three batters in the frame (though both lefties were swapped for a righty pinch hitter), so that may have played into the Roberts' decision to call upon Vesia rather than a righty reliever. It's too early to assume that Vesia will be the primary closer while Phillips remains out, but he certainly appears to be in the mix for save chances along with Daniel Hudson and possibly Blake Treinen.