MLB Player News

Bednar pitched a scoreless ninth inning to notch his 18th save of the season Monday against the Cardinals, allowing one hit and zero walks while striking out one batter.

Bednar allowed a two-out single to Paul Goldschmidt but he promptly struck out Nolan Gorman to secure the win for Pittsburgh. The 29-year-old has rebounded from a tough start to the season, logging a 2.45 ERA and converting all seven of his save chances since June 1. Bednar still owns a 4.98 ERA on the season, but his 1.08 WHIP is more reflective of his performance.

Diaz picked up his 12th save of the season Monday against Miami, allowing one earned run on two hits and one walk in one inning. He struck out one.

The Marlins gave Diaz and the Mets a big scare in the ninth inning, loading the bases with just one out. An RBI groundout from Josh Bell cut the lead to 6-4, but Diaz induced a pop out to end the game. The 30-year-old has been excellent since returning from suspension July 6, allowing just one earned run in 5.2 innings while going 5-for-6 in save opportunities.

Manager Dave Roberts stated Monday that the club could begin deploying Phillips any time from the seventh inning on, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Roberts didn't explicitly say that Phillips is no longer the closer, but his struggles over the last three weeks or so can't be ignored, especially with Daniel Hudson proving that he's capable of getting the job done. The Dodgers will likely choose Phillips' spots carefully in an effort to build his confidence back up. The right-hander has now allowed at least one run in four of his last five appearances.

Brasier (calf) will throw to hitters Tuesday before beginning a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City on Saturday, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Brasier landed on the injured list April 29 due to a right calf strain, and he was transferred to the 60-day IL on June 13. He appeared in 12 games prior to his injury, posting a 4.63 ERA and 1.11 WHIP across 11.2 frames. Given how long he's been out of action, Brasier will likely need multiple rehab outings before joining the Dodgers' bullpen.

The Cubs transferred Little (lat) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Monday.

The move frees up a spot for Julian Merryweather's (ribs) return from the 60-day IL. Over the weekend, manager Craig Counsell said Little would likely miss the rest of the season due to a left lat strain.

The Cubs optioned Bigge to Triple-A Iowa on Monday.

Bigge has made a good initial impression with the Cubs in allowing one run with a 5:2 K:BB over 3.1 frames during two short stints in the majors. He will be back in the big-league bullpen eventually but will head back to Iowa for the time being.

The Cubs activated Merryweather (ribs) from the 60-day injured list Monday.

Merryweather has missed most of this season with a rib stress fracture but is ready to go after allowing one run with a 5:0 K:BB over 4.2 innings during his rehab assignment. The hard-throwing right-hander should handle high-leverage spots for the Cubs, though he might be eased back into such situations.

The Rockies recalled Davis from Triple-A Albuquerque on Monday.

Davis will join the 26-man active roster as a replacement for German Marquez (elbow), who was placed on the 15-day injured list. Marquez had been in line to start Tuesday's game against the Red Sox, but after he tossed three innings and 71 pitches in his most recent outing for Albuquerque on Friday, Davis might not be available to fill the opening in the rotation on three days' rest. Instead, the right-hander could provide length out of the bullpen. Davis allowed three runs in one three-inning relief appearance with the Rockies earlier this season and holds a 5.86 ERA and 59:29 K:BB over 58.1 innings in 2024 with Albuquerque.

Hoeing struck out a batter and gave up one hit over a scoreless inning in Saturday's 1-0 loss to the Mets.

Hoeing had made a pair of three-inning starts in his final two appearances before the All-Star break, but the Marlins have moved him back to the bullpen for their first series of the second half. Miami don't have a fifth starter for Tuesday's game against the Orioles, so the right-hander could be part of the plan for that contest if the Marlins don't elect to call up a pitcher from Triple-A Jacksonville to start the game.

The Mets designated Sulser for assignment Monday, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

The transaction frees up a spot on the 40-man roster for the addition of Logan Porter. Sulser, 34, has been tagged for four runs over four appearances during his brief time with the Mets this season.