MLB Player News

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.

The Brewers activated Payamps (personal) from the bereavement list Monday, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Payamps missed the last three games but will rejoin the rotation for the start of Milwaukee's series against the Pirates. He seems to have fallen behind Trevor Megill in the Brewers' bullpen hierarchy but could still find himself in the mix for saves.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Smith (shoulder) could return from the 15-day injured list Tuesday, Will Sammon of The Athletic reports.

According to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, Smith's minor-league rehab assignment is considered complete, so the Mets will merely need to decide which player will come off the 26-man active roster to create room for the right-handed reliever. Before hitting the shelf April 27 with shoulder inflammation, Smith logged three holds and one save over his 10 appearances out of the Mets bullpen while pitching to a 2.70 ERA and 1.70 WHIP across 10 innings.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell said Almonte is getting imaging done on his right shoulder Monday, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Almonte had been placed on the the 15-day injured list Saturday with a right shoulder strain, but the Cubs apparently still want to glean more information on the extent of the injury. The right-handed reliever had posted a 3.45 ERA and 1.09 WHIP over 15.2 innings out of the Chicago bullpen while gathering one win, one save and six holds prior to landing on the IL.

Smyly (hip) threw another bullpen session Monday, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Smyly continues to work his way back from a right hip impingement, which prompted his placement on the 15-day injured list April 23. The 34-year-old southpaw will need to advance to facing live hitters in batting practice and will likely require a rehab assignment before being activated.

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

Cuas had just been sent down a day ago, but he's back to replace Adbert Alzolay (forearm), who was placed on the 15-day injured list. He will be used in low-leverage spots.

The Cubs placed Alzolay on the 15-day injured list Monday with a right forearm strain, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Alzolay netted a save in Sunday's extra-inning win over the Pirates, although he gave up two runs (one earned) in the process. The righty hasn't displayed strong form this season, collecting a 4.67 ERA and 13:6 K:BB over 17.1 innings. Hector Neris will continue to operate as the Cubs' primary closer.

Diaz (1-1) secured the win over Alanta on Sunday, tossing a perfect ninth frame while striking out a batter.

Diaz entered to begin the ninth with the Mets trailing 3-2 and wound up with the win thanks to a Brandon Nimmo two-run walk off homer in the bottom of the inning. He's bounced back with a save and a win in his last two outings after allowing three runs in his previous four innings. He's also struck out at least one batter in all 15 of his appearances thus far. For the year, Diaz owns a 2.30 ERA, 0.77 WHIP and 23:4 K:BB in 15.2 innings.