MLB Player News

Martinez (5-5) was the pitcher of record in Tuesday's 6-3 win over the Cubs, allowing four hits and no walks while striking out three over four scoreless innings out of the bullpen.

Martinez entered the game behind opening pitcher Tony Santillan and threw his most innings since late May. The Reds shipped starter Frankie Montas out to the Brewers on Monday and will now have a permanent opening for the fifth spot in the rotation. Cincinnati could turn to Martinez to fill the void, given that he's already relatively built up and made five starts earlier this season.

Diaz struck out two over 1.1 perfect innings Tuesday to record his 13th save of the season in a 2-0 win over the Twins.

The Mets closer fanned Byron Buxton and Royce Lewis en route to his fifth straight successful conversion. Diaz has been brilliant since coming off the IL in mid-June, posting a 0.82 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 13:5 K:BB over 11 innings with two wins and eight saves in 11 appearances.

Stratton allowed two hits and struck out two over one inning Tuesday against the Astros.

Stratton made his first appearance since being activated from the injured list and worked the ninth inning in a non-save situation. Both Aroldis Chapman and David Bednar were likely unavailable, though Stratton should work in some high-leverage spots in the final two months of the season.

The Dodgers designated Ramirez for assignment Tuesday.

Ramirez and Gus Varland will both be forced off Los Angeles' 40-man roster in order to make room for Kevin Kiermaier and Jack Flaherty, who were both acquired ahead of Tuesday's trade deadline. Ramirez was lit up for four runs in just two innings during his last MLB outing July 4, though he's given up just one earned run in 4.2 Triple-A frames since then.

The Dodgers designated Varland for assignment Tuesday.

Varland will join Nick Ramirez as the Dodgers' roster casualties, as the team needed to create space on the 40-man roster for new additions Kevin Kiermaier and Jack Flaherty. Varland has given up just two runs in six innings with the Dodgers this season, though his 7.99 ERA at Triple-A may make other teams hesitant to claim the 27-year-old righty off waivers.

The Pirates designated Ryan for assignment Tuesday.

During his last stint in the majors, Ryan allowed five earned runs in just four innings, and he surrendered four earned runs in just one-third of an inning during his most recent Triple-A appearance. He'll now be pushed off the 40-man roster in favor of Jake Woodford, who was selected from Indianapolis in a corresponding move.

The Pirates transferred Jefferies (elbow) to the 60-day injured list Tuesday.

Elbow inflammation forced Jefferies onto the injured list July 6, and his move to the 60-day IL ensures he'll be sidelined until at least Sept. 4. His spot on the 40-man roster will be given to Jalen Beeks, who was acquired in a trade with Colorado on Monday.

Castro was designated for assignment by the Diamondbacks on Tuesday, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports.

Castro appears to be the odd man out in the bullpen after Arizona acquired right-hander Dylan Floro from the Nationals on Tuesday. Castro will now be placed on waivers, and if he goes unclaimed, he'll either report to Triple-A Reno or elect free agency.

The Cubs recalled Roberts from Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

The Cubs traded Mark Leiter to the Yankees on Tuesday, so Roberts will now come up from the minors to fill the open spot in Chicago's bullpen. The 27-year-old hasn't allowed a run in six MLB innings this season, though he has surrendered three earned runs in three frames since returning to Triple-A earlier this month.

Mlodzinksi was placed on the 15-day injured list Tuesday due to a right shoulder strain, Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

The right-hander presumably suffered the injury in his appearance against the Astros on Monday, during which he allowed a hit and a walk over a scoreless inning. Mlodzinski will be eligible to be reinstated in mid-August, though it's unclear if he's expected to be healthy by that point.