MLB Player News

Diaz walked one and struck out two in a scoreless inning to earn the save in Friday's 4-2 win over the Giants.

Diaz had given up five runs over 1.1 innings across his last two outings, which came in non-save situations. This was his first save since April 27, and he's now 7-for-8 in save chances this season. A couple of implosions have wreaked havoc on Diaz's ratios -- he's at a 6.08 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 16:9 K:BB through 13.1 innings, and he's been scored upon in four of his 14 appearances. His walk rate is high, but it hasn't cost him the Reds' closer job yet.

Beeks picked up the save Friday against Texas, pitching a scoreless ninth inning without a strikeout or a walk.

Beeks only required nine total pitches to retire the bottom of the Texas order for his second save of the season. Justin Lawrence, the Rockies' usual closer, was brought in to shut down a rally in the seventh inning after starter Austin Gomber ran into trouble. However, the left-handed Beeks may be the second choice for saves in Colorado as he's been arguably the most dependable option in the bullpen, tossing a 2.45 ERA with a 14:8 K:BB over 18.1 innings.

Iglesias allowed a run on a hit and a walk in the ninth inning Friday to earn a save against the Mets.

Iglesias coughed up an RBI single to Pete Alonso with two outs in the ninth but was able to close out the 4-2 victory. The right-hander has converted 10 of his 12 save chances this year while posting a 10:4 K:BB through 15.1 innings. Friday was the first time he'd allowed an earned run since April 24, and he owns a strong 2.25 ERA.

Smith (shoulder) is slated to make another appearance with Triple-A Syracuse on Saturday, Tim Britton of The Athletic reports.

Smith started his rehab assignment with Syracuse on Wednesday, giving up a solo home run in an inning of relief while throwing 13 pitches. The right-hander is recovering from right shoulder inflammation that landed him on the 15-day IL on April 17.

Johnson (elbow) began throwing off a mound Friday, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

Just six days after landing on the injured list, Johnson has already been given the go-ahead to throw bullpen sessions. He will presumably throw a few more before progressing to facing hitters, but the 33-year-old righty could be on track to return to Atlanta's bullpen when first eligible May 19.

Phillips (hamstring) was out on the field playing catch Friday, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Phillips was placed on the 15-day IL on Sunday due to a Grade 1 right hamstring strain he sustained May 3 against Atlanta. He is eligible to return May 19, and the right-hander might only miss the minimum. Phillips has eight saves with a 0.66 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 17:4 K:BB over 13.2 innings this season.

Rockies manager Bud Black said Friday that Lambert will be moving out of the rotation to the bullpen, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Lambert has started three games for the Rockies this season, giving up at least four runs in each of them. In his last outing against the Cubs on Thursday, Lambert allowed seven runs on nine hits while striking out two over three innings. The right-hander has a 7.61 ERA and 1.69 WHIP over 23.2 innings this season. Southpaw Ty Blach could shift into the rotation for Colorado.

Manager Pat Murphy said Friday that Williams (back) is scheduled to begin playing catch within the next two weeks, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Williams will be looked at by a doctor within the next few days, which will help determine how far away he is from beginning a throwing program. Though he seems to be trending in the right direction, the 29-year-old closer is still not expected back until around the All-Star break.

Middleton (forearm) threw off the mound again Friday and is set for a rehab assignment next week, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Middleton is on the cusp of a rehab assignment according to manager Oli Marmol, who explained that the reliever will report to either Double-A Springfield or Triple-A Memphis for his assignment this upcoming week. The right-hander is eligible to return from the 15-day injured list May 17, and he appears to be on track to return from his forearm injury on or close to that date.

Manager Carlos Mendoza said Friday that Raley (elbow) is "not close" to throwing and will be seeing another doctor, Tim Britton of The Athletic reports.

Raley hasn't received much good news since being placed on the 15-day IL on April 21, initially being expected to return as soon as eligible before having his return date extended. Mendoza said May 2 that they'd be taking it slow with Raley, as it seems the inflammation in Raley's throwing elbow isn't healing as expected. Raley will see orthopedic surgeon Dr. Keith Meister next week and is still weighing all options, including Tommy John surgery or internal brace surgery, but also rest/rehab, per Anthony DiComo of MLB.com.