MLB Player News

Liberatore allowed four runs on five hits and two walks while striking out one batter over 3.1 innings in a no-decision against the Angels on Monday.

Liberatore hurled two scoreless frames before the Angels tagged him for four runs in the third, with the final two tallies coming on a Kevin Pillar two-run homer. The southpaw departed in line for the loss, but St. Louis' offense eventually heated up to take him off the hook. This was Liberatore's second start of the season, and it came primarily as a result of Steven Matz landing on the injured list due to a back injury. Matz isn't expected back soon, but it wouldn't be surprising if the Cardinals put Liberatore back in the bullpen given his poor results Monday.

Beeks walked three batters in a scoreless and hitless inning to earn the save in Monday's 5-4 win over the Padres.

Beeks has earned a save in four of his last five appearances, including three saves in the last four days. The southpaw has permitted multiple baserunners in back-to-back games, but he continues to dance around trouble. Beeks has four saves, one hold, a 2.21 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP over 20.1 innings this season. He's also sporting a 14:11 K:BB, which casts serious doubt on how long he'll be able to find success in high-leverage situations. Justin Lawrence, who doesn't have a save in May, worked a two-inning assignment and picked up a hold Monday.

Alvarado picked up the save Monday against the Mets. He pitched a clean inning with no strikeouts.

Alvarado collected his first save since May 5 on Monday night, requiring just nine pitches to retire the Mets in the tenth inning. Outside of yielding five runs on Opening Day, the 28-year-old lefty has been a stalwart, firing a 1.06 ERA, 0.76 WHIP and 15:5 K:BB over 17 innings since then. Alvarado will continue to split saves with the rest of the talented Phillies bullpen but should collect the bulk of opportunities.

Diaz blew the save Monday against Philadelphia, allowing two runs on two hits, two walks and a hit batter. He had one strikeout over one inning.

Diaz looked extremely unsettled Monday night, issuing his first free passes since April 20, ending a streak of eight walk-free innings. Even more indicative of his unsteady control, the Mets closer allowed the tying run to score by beaning Alec Bohm with the bases loaded. Despite the ugly outing Monday, Diaz is cemented as the Mets closer with his ERA standing at 3.24 over 16.2 innings.

Bednar struck out one batter in a perfect ninth inning to earn a save over the Brewers on Monday.

Bednar retired the middle of Milwaukee's lineup in order to finish off the 8-6 win. He's converted eight of his 11 save chances this season, including seven in a row. However, he's registered a 6.94 ERA over his last 12 appearances since blowing a save chance against Detroit on April 9. Bednar has given up just one run over his last five frames and appears to be settling back into his usual groove.

Sanchez did not factor into the decision Monday against the Tigers, allowing three runs (zero earned) on five hits and two walks over 4.2 innings. He struck out two.

An error opened the door for a three-run second that was entirely uncredited to Sanchez, who was generally effective throughout the rest of his outing. It was the 10th appearance and fourth start of the season for Sanchez, who allowed 10 earned runs over 10.2 innings during his previous three starts. Most encouraging for Sanchez is that he was able to work his way up to 81 pitches after tossing no more than 68 in any of his previous outings. He's tentatively scheduled to make his next start over the weekend at home when the Mets make the trek to Miami.

The Mets recalled Fujinami from Triple-A Syracuse on Monday and placed him on the 15-day injured list due to a right shoulder strain.

Fujinami hadn't pitched for Syracuse since May 3 due to the injury. He had yet to make his 2024 debut for the Mets, but he was likely recalled and placed on the 15-day IL in the event New York needs to move him to the 60-day IL down the road to open up a 40-man roster spot.

Minter worked around a hit and walk allowed to pick up the save Monday against the Cubs. He pitched a scoreless inning with no strikeouts.

For the second straight night, Minter received the call for the save but was able to escape Monday unlike Sunday evening. Minter allowed Cody Bellinger to reach via an infield single and walked Christopher Morel before securing three outs to finish the game. Raisel Iglesias, who threw 48 pitches over back-to-back outings on Thursday and Friday, was likely slated for additional rest and should retain his closer role over Minter in Atlanta.

Avila was recalled from Triple-A Sacramento on Monday, Shayna Rubin of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Avila will be available out of the bullpen for Monday's game against the Dodgers. He hasn't been able to settle in so far this season with the big-league club, surrendering at least one run in five of his six relief appearances.

The Brewers optioned Junk to Triple-A Nashville on Monday, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Junk's latest stint in the majors lasted just a few days and he didn't make an appearance. Joel Payamps is back from the bereavement list to absorb Junk's roster spot.