MLB Player News

Atlanta optioned Kerr to Triple-A Gwinnett on Sunday, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Atlanta will swap the left-handed Kerr out of its bullpen for a right-hander in Grant Holmes, whose contract was selected from Gwinnett in a corresponding move. After making a pair of spot starts in late May, Kerr shifted into a relief role this month and gave up three earned runs on eight hits and four walks over 5.1 innings spanning four appearances.

Walker (4-3) allowed an unearned run on a hit and a walk with one strikeout over one inning to take the loss Saturday versus the Angels.

Walker's scoreless streak ended at 5.1 innings, though a two-out throwing error by Curt Casali contributed to the Giants giving up the decisive run in the seventh inning. Walker has allowed four runs (three earned) over 7.1 innings in June, and he's added four holds this month as he continues to see an increasingly large high-leverage role. He's at a 2.48 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 46:7 K:BB with 13 holds over 36.1 innings this season. While it hasn't happened yet in 2024, Walker would likely be next in line for save chances whenever Camilo Doval is unavailable, as Tyler Rogers has typically struggled when given ninth-inning assignments.

Megill notched a save against the Reds on Saturday, allowing one run on one hit and one walk in one inning.

A trio of Milwaukee pitchers combined to shut out Cincinnati over eight innings before the ball was handed to Megill for the ninth. The right-hander didn't make things easy, issuing a walk and allowing a run-scoring double before getting his first out, but he was ultimately able to slam the door for the save. Megill has been great in his first venture as a closer this season, going 12-for-13 in save tries while posting a 2.25 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 25:6 K:BB over 20 innings. He appears to have a firm grasp on ninth-inning duties for the Brewers, at least until Devin Williams (back) is able to return from the injured list, potentially in the latter half of July.

Wilson (4-3) earned the win over Cincinnati on Saturday, pitching 5.1 scoreless innings during which he allowed three hits and two walks while striking out six batters.

Milwaukee opted to have Jared Koenig open the contest, and he notched two outs before Wilson entered with a runner on first base in the first inning. The right-hander closed that frame successfully, then kept the Reds off the scoreboard for five more innings before turning the game over to the bullpen. Wilson's excellent outing earned him his first victory since May 24. After opening the campaign in the bullpen, Wilson has been bouncing between a traditional starting role and bulk relief lately, and in either capacity he's pitched pretty well, giving up three or fewer earned runs in all but one of his 17 appearances this season.

Pallante (2-3) took the loss Saturday, giving up two runs (one earned) on five hits over 3.1 innings as the Cardinals were downed 5-1 by the Cubs. He struck out four without walking a batter.

The right-hander didn't pitch badly, blanking Chicago through three innings, but Pallante got lifted after 59 pitches (40 strikes) with two runners on base in the fourth and had to watch Chris Roycroft let them both come around to score. Pallante has been effective in three of four outings since moving into the rotation, posting a 3.64 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 15:7 K:BB through 17.1 innings over that stretch. He lines up to make his next start at home next week against the Giants.

Brewers manager Pat Murphy said Saturday that Williams (back) is expected to be cleared to throw off a mound soon, Jack Stern of Brewer Fanatic reports.

Murphy also added that Williams remains on track to return just after the All-Star break, although that would seem to be a tentative timetable given that the reliever has yet to resume throwing off a mound. Williams is working his way back from multiple stress fractures in his back. Trevor Megill has operated as the Brewers' primary closer with Williams on the shelf.

The Cubs recalled Thompson from Triple-A Iowa on Saturday, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Thompson will provide a fresh arm for a bullpen that was needed to cover 7.1 innings Friday. He holds a 4.97 ERA and 19:6 K:BB over 12.2 relief innings during his time with the Cubs this season.

Wilson is in line to serve as a bulk reliever Saturday versus the Reds behind opening pitcher Jared Koenig, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Wilson has now alternated between traditional starts and bulk relief over his last six appearances. The right-hander had turned in a 3.00 ERA over a stretch of 11 appearances spanning 48 innings from April 10 through June 3, but he had his worst outing of the season in a loss to the Tigers this past Sunday, when he surrendered seven earned runs over 4.1 frames.

Koenig will serve as the Brewers' opening pitcher in Saturday's game against the Reds, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

It's a familiar role for Koenig, who hasn't been scored upon in 4.1 innings as an opener this season. He's expected to be followed Saturday by Bryse Wilson in bulk relief.

Merryweather (ribs) threw a 26-pitch bullpen session Friday, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Merryweather has been on the shelf since early April due to a rib stress fracture and has finally progressed to mound work. While he's moving in the right direction, the reliever would seem to still be several weeks away from a potential return.