MLB Player News

Pivetta (forearm) threw a light bullpen session Saturday, MLB.com reports.

Pivetta likely didn't incorporate all of his pitchers or throw at full intensity, but the bullpen session is a step forward nonetheless as he works his way back from a flexor strain. The right-hander will need to complete multiple side sessions before advancing to facing hitters in live batting practice and eventually heading out on an extended rehab assignment. The Padres haven't pinpointed a target date for his return, but Pivetta's stay on the 60-day injured list will likely be extended through at least late July or early August.

Pagan (hamstring) is likely to return from the 15-day injured list this week after tossing scoreless innings in a pair of rehab appearances with Triple-A Louisville over the weekend, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Pagan needed just six pitches to retire the side in his first outing with Louisville on Friday. He then faced the minimum in his second appearance Sunday erasing a leadoff single with a double-play groundout before inducing a lineout to end the frame. Since he threw just nine pitches Sunday, the Reds could be comfortable activating him from the IL ahead of Monday's series opener in Milwaukee, though it wouldn't be surprising if he was given a day to rest before being reinstated Tuesday. Whenever he's added back to the active roster, Pagan should reclaim closing duties for the Reds after converting six of nine save chances before hitting the IL on May 6 due to a Grade 2 left hamstring strain.

Estevez (shoulder) didn't feel great after throwing a bullpen Saturday and will be re-evaluated in the coming days, MLB.com reports.

Estevez had been making progress in his recovery from a right rotator cuff strain, but this marks another potential setback for the right-hander, who has been sidelined since March 29, originally due to a left foot contusion. More clarity on the 33-year-old's outlook will likely come following his pending re-evaluation. With Estevez sidelined for all but one appearance in 2026, Lucas Erceg stepped in as the closer and recorded 12 saves before being removed from the role due to poor performance in favor of Alex Lange, who has converted all seven of his save opportunities in June.

Mears (shoulder) threw a bullpen Saturday, MLB.com reports.

Mears has been on the injured list since May 29 due to a right shoulder impingement, with his progression halted June 16 after a bullpen session reignited the same soreness and pinching feeling that initially landed him on the shelf. The right-hander is now getting back on track in rehab and came out of Saturday's session feeling good, according to Royals manager Matt Quatraro. Provided no further setbacks ensue, Mears is likely to embark on a rehab assignment in the near future before returning to the big-league club. On the year, he owns a 5.12 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 15:11 K:BB across 19.1 innings.

Parker exited in the bottom of the seventh inning during his relief appearance in Sunday's 6-4 win over the Orioles due to left elbow discomfort, MLB.com reports. The left-hander struck out two and gave up two runs on two hits and one walk over 1.2 innings before departing the game.

Parker entered Sunday's game in the bottom of the sixth inning with the Nationals ahead 5-2, but despite surrendering a two-run home run in the appearance, he came away with his seventh hold of the season. The Nationals likely were counting on Parker to finish out the seventh inning, but he was lifted with two outs in the frame after he was in noticeable discomfort following a four-pitch walk. Manager Blake Butera said after the game that Parker won't be available for Monday's series opener against Pittsburgh and will be re-evaluated Tuesday.

Myers didn't factor into the decision Sunday against the Phillies, giving up three runs on six hits over three relief innings as the Mets fell 5-4. He struck out three without walking a batter.

After Cionel Perez worked a perfect first inning as the opener, Myers took the mound and quickly ran into trouble as the visitors piled up three runs in the third. Myers was lifted after 59 pitches (48 strikes), his biggest workload of the year, but Kodai Senga then covered the final five frames. The Mets still have a vacancy in their fifth starter spot after trading David Peterson to the Cubs, but Senga seems a more likely candidate to work in bulk relief than Myers until the team settles on a longer-term solution. Over 24 appearances (three starts) and 42 innings in the majors this season, Myers carries a 6.21 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 32:12 K:BB.

Varland (3-3) took the loss Sunday against the Rangers, striking out the side in the ninth inning but allowing one run on one hit.

With the score tied 2-2, the Blue Jays turned to their closer in the top of the ninth inning with a potential save situation off the table, but Varland suffered a very fluky loss. Following a two-out double by Josh Jung, Varland saw pinch runner Jarred Kelenic race home from second base after a wild pitch took a strange bounce that left catcher Alejandro Kirk unable to find it in time. Varland has been scored upon in three of 12 appearances in June, posting a 2.57 ERA, 0.71 WHIP and 20:3 K:BB over 14 innings on the month while going 8-for-8 in converting save chances.

Natera picked up the save Sunday against the Athletics. He allowed a hit and no walks while striking out two over 1.1 scoreless innings.

Natera entered with two outs in the eighth inning and finished off the game with little resistance, earning the first save of his big-league career. Since having his contract selected June 5, the 26-year-old has posted a 0.96 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 12:6 K:BB across 9.1 innings. Natera could continue to see high-leverage opportunities in a suspect Angels bullpen that lacks a defined closer, with Ryan Zeferjahn, Kirby Yates and Sam Bachman combining for five saves as part of an informal closer committee.

O'Brien picked up the save in Sunday's 2-1 win over Miami. He allowed no hits or walks with a strikeout over one inning.

O'Brien had no issue finishing off the Marlins in the ninth inning, retiring the side in order on 15 pitches (10 strikes) to secure his 20th save. The right-hander has been lights out in save situations this month, converting all six of his opportunities without allowing a run across six innings, though he was tagged for six runs over three innings in non-save appearances during June. Among National League relievers, only Jhoan Duran and Mason Miller (21) have more saves than O'Brien, who owns a 3.93 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 34:11 K:BB across 34.1 innings this season.

Phillips (1-3) took the loss Sunday, allowing two runs on six hits and no walks over 7.1 innings against the Cardinals. He struck out one.

Phillips logged his longest outing of the year, with the only damage coming on a Bryan Torres two-run homer in the second inning, but a lack of run support saddled the right-hander with the loss. Despite working deep into Sunday's contest, Phillips didn't generate many swings and misses, recording his fewest strikeouts in a start this season, though he also didn't issue a walk for the first time as a starter. The 28-year-old will take a 3.02 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 50:30 K:BB across 65.2 innings and 22 appearances (six starts) into his next outing, tentatively scheduled for Friday on the road against the Athletics.