MLB Player News

Suarez picked up a save against Atlanta in the first game of a doubleheader Monday, retiring all three batters he faced in the ninth inning.

For most of the contest it seemed unlikely that Suarez would be deployed, as Atlanta got out to an early lead and was ahead 5-0 through four innings. However, San Diego fought back and took a one-run lead in the eighth, giving Suarez a chance to close things out in the ninth. He did so easily, needing just seven pitches to set down the side in order. Suarez had been used in the eighth inning to face the heart of Atlanta's order his previous time on the mound, but there's little doubt that he's San Diego's primary closer. The right-hander has registered a minuscule 0.44 ERA and 0.64 WHIP along with an 18:4 K:BB while racking up 13 saves in 13 chances on the season.

Helsley walked one and struck out none over a scoreless and hitless inning to earn the save in Monday's 6-3 win over the Orioles.

Helsley hadn't pitched since last Tuesday, but he didn't show much rust. The closer is on a 10-inning scoreless streak, and he's earned seven saves and a win in that span. For the season, he's 14-for-15 in save chances with a 2-2 record, a 1.29 ERA, 0.86 WHIP and 23:3 K:BB over 21 innings. Helsley's strong pitching has helped him go unquestioned as the Cardinals' closer this year, though the team's 21-26 record leaves some doubt about whether he can keep picking up saves at such a strong pace.

Scott (4-4) earned the win Monday against the Brewers, allowing no hits and one walk in one shutout inning. He struck out one.

Scott gathered his fourth win by shutting down Milwaukee in the top of the tenth and benefitting from a walk-off Josh Bell single in the bottom of the inning. The Marlins lefty has tossed seven consecutive scoreless outings, notching three wins, one save and one hold with a 9:5 K:BB over 7.1 innings. Despite owning an 8.1 BB/9, Scott sports a 1.80 ERA in 20 innings overall.

Kerr was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett after Game 2 of Monday's doubleheader against the Padres.

Kerr had a shaky performance his last time out Sunday against the Padres, surrendering two runs on four hits while striking out four over 3.1 innings of work. He'll return to Triple-A following Monday's move, where he's posted a 4.50 ERA and 1.29 WHIP with 22 strikeouts over 14 frames.

Megill blew the save in Monday's loss to the Marlins. He allowed one run on two hits and no walks over one inning while striking out one.

Megill gathered the first two outs of the ninth inning on three pitches before yielding a single to Nick Gordon. Gordon promptly stole second and then was subsequently driven home via an Otto Lopez single to tie the game. This is Megill's first blown save of the season, so he should maintain his role as the Milwaukee closer.

Salazar was designated for assignment by the Dodgers on Monday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Salazar was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Thursday, and he'll now be placed on waivers after being dropped from the Dodgers' 40-man roster. If he goes unclaimed, he'll likely remain with Oklahoma City. The Dodgers acquired reliever Yohan Ramirez via trade from the Mets on Monday, and he'll replace Salazar on the 40-man roster and join the Dodgers ahead of their three-game series with the Diamondbacks.

Kelly (shoulder) is set to begin his throwing program Monday, Eric Stephen of SBNation.com reports.

Kelly has been on the 15-day injured list since May 6 with a right shoulder strain, and he will now take the first step toward making his return. The right-hander will likely need to build up his workload and even potentially make a trip to the minors for a rehab assignment. Kelly will receive a timetable for his return, which currently appears to be at least a week away, based on how his shoulder responds to the beginning of his throwing program.

Phillips (hamstring) is expected to make 2-to-3 rehab appearances before being activated from the 15-day injured list, Eric Stephen of SBNation.com reports.

Stephen estimates that Phillips is about a week away from a return, though how the right-hander fares during his rehab outings will ultimately dictate his exact return date. He's been shut down since May 3 after suffering a right hamstring strain.

Middleton (forearm) will be evaluated for potential activation from the injured list following back-to-back rehab appearances with Double-A Springfield on Wednesday and Thursday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Middleton hasn't allowed a hit or a run in two scoreless rehab innings so far, although he's also walked three and has not recorded a strikeout. He's been out all season with a right forearm strain.

Gallegos (shoulder) will throw another bullpen session Tuesday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

It will be his third since going on the injured list two weeks ago with a right shoulder impingement. Gallegos could continue with his mound work after that or perhaps will be cleared to begin a rehab assignment. It sounds like he might be ready to rejoin the Cardinals' bullpen in late May or early June.