MLB Player News

Manager Craig Counsell said Saturday that Merryweather (ribs) will not return until after the All-Star break, Tony Andracki of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Merryweather has been on the IL since early April due to a rib stress fracture in his back. He's only a couple weeks into his throwing program, but the Cubs have already determined that it will take at least another month-and-a-half to get the 32-year-old reliever ready for game action. As Merryweather continues to check off boxes in his rehab process, a more exact return date should emerge.

The Brewers recalled Junk from Triple-A Nashville on Saturday.

Junk will come up from the minors to fill the open spot in Milwaukee's pitching staff following the demotion of Tobias Myers to Triple-A on Saturday. Junk made three appearances for the Brewers during his first big-league stint this season, giving up five earned runs over five innings. He's turned in a 2.45 ERA and 1.36 WHIP with Nashville since being sent back down, but he will likely be limited to low-leverage work in the majors. The 28-year-old righty also has experience as a starter, opening the door for a potential spot start if Joe Ross (back) isn't able to return from the injured list when eligible June 5.

The Phillies transferred Covey (shoulder) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Saturday.

Covey has been on the IL since the beginning of the season due to a right shoulder strain, so his move to the 60-day IL has no effect on his return date. The transaction does, however, open a spot on Philadelphia's 40-man roster for right-hander Freddy Tarnok, whom Philadelphia claimed off waivers from Oakland on Saturday.

The Phillies claimed Tarnok (hip) off waivers from Oakland on Saturday. The Phillies reinstated him from the 60-day injured list and optioned him to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Tarnok has been on the injured list all season while recovering from a hip procedure he underwent in August. He began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Las Vegas on May 8 and allowed 11 earned runs in just 7.1 innings before Oakland removed him from its 40-man roster. He'll remain in Triple-A upon making a full recovery and shifting to a new organization, though a drastic turnaround in performance would likely be necessary before Tarnok spends any time in Philadelphia. Dylan Covey (shoulder) was transferred from the 15-day IL to the 60-day IL to open up a spot on the 40-man roster for Tarnok.

The Padres recalled Gillaspie from Triple-A El Paso on Saturday.

With Yu Darvish (groin) and Joe Musgrove (elbow) both headed for the injured list, Gillaspie and Randy Vasquez will come up from the minors to fill the openings in San Diego's pitching staff. Gillaspie has appeared in two games for the Padres this year, throwing 2.2 shutout innings, but he has posted a 5.17 ERA and 1.51 WHIP through 15.2 frames in Triple-A. He will likely be limited to low-leverage situations while with the big-league club.

Sanchez came away with a no-decision in Friday's 8-2 win over the Rangers, giving up two runs on four hits and a walk over four-plus innings. He didn't strike out a batter.

After throwing at least 76 pitches in each of his three prior starts, Sanchez saw his workload ratcheted back in this one as he tossed only 53 pitches (29 strikes), getting the hook after allowing back-to-back hits to lead off the fifth inning. The right-hander is still looking for his first win of the season -- and first since Sept. 13, 2020. He has completed five innings only once since getting a chance to start, but he figures to continue plugging a hole in the Marlins' rotation until Edward Cabrera (shoulder) gets healthy or the team decides to bring Max Meyer back up. Sanchez will carry a 6.06 ERA, 1.60 WHIP and 17:14 K:BB through 35.2 innings into his next outing, which is scheduled to come at home next weekend against the Guardians.

Smyly (2-3) allowed two runs on a hit and three walks across 1.1 innings of relief Friday against the Reds. He struck out three.

While Smyly was effective at missing bats, he was equally ineffective finding the plate. The three walks are a new season high and his BB/9 for the year is now up to 5.1, which would be a new career worst. Smyly will need to exhibit better control if he wants to chip away at his 5.06 ERA, and he's off the fantasy radar at the moment given his role and recent performance.

Beeks struck out two over 1.1 perfect innings to earn the save in Friday's 4-1 win over the Dodgers.

Beeks faced runners on the corners with two outs in the eighth inning after relieving Victor Vodnik, and he was able to strike out Freddie Freeman. Beeks stayed in for the ninth and kept his line clean to earn his second save in three outings. He allowed a run in four straight appearances from May 22-27, allowing Tyler Kinley to work his way into the closer conversation, but Beeks is still in the mix as well. He leads the Rockies with six saves and has added a 2.93 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 23:13 K:BB over 27.2 innings this season.

Suarez picked up the save Friday against Kansas City. He pitched one-third of an inning with no strikeouts, allowing no runs on one hit.

Suarez entered to collect the last out in a bases-loaded jam with a five-run lead. After yielding a two-RBI single to Freddy Fermin, the San Diego closer induced a Nelson Velazquez flyout to secure the win. Suarez is now tied with Emmanuel Clase for second in the majors with 17 saves, trailing Ryan Helsley by one. The 33-year-old righty has been brilliant as the Padres closer this year, firing a 0.72 ERA, 0.72 WHIP and 24:5 K:BB over 25 innings.

Iglesias allowed a run in the ninth inning while picking up a save against Oakland on Friday.

Iglesias notched his 14th save of the year with a fascinating outing. He gave up a leadoff double to Zack Gelof before recording three outs on three consecutive pitches. Gelof would come in to score after two straight groundouts but Atlanta secured the 4-2 win. Iglesias has converted six straight save chances and owns a 2.53 ERA through 21.1 innings.