MLB Player News

Diaz earned the save in Thursday's 3-2 win over the Diamondbacks, striking out two in a perfect ninth inning.

It was a much-needed outing for Diaz, who allowed four runs on a pair of home runs in his last two appearances, both losses. After surrendering a go-ahead grand slam to Corbin Carroll on Wednesday, Diaz made quick work of the Diamondbacks on Thursday, striking out Lourdes Gurriel and Josh Bell before coaxing a game-ending pop-out from Jake McCarthy. Diaz is now 15-for-21 in save chances with a 4.19 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 56:15 K:BB across 38.2 innings this season.

Diaz allowed three runs on three hits and a walk while failing to record an out, taking a blown save in Thursday's 10-9 win over the Athletics.

Diaz has blown his last two save chances and hasn't converted one since Aug. 13. He served up a solo home run to Lawrence Butler and a two-run single to Seth Brown before he was pulled from the contest, and Emilio Pagan was able to prevent any further damage. The Reds then rallied for three runs in their half of the frame to spare Diaz from the loss. Diaz is now 24-for-28 in save chances this year while pitching to a poor 4.86 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 46:28 K:BB across 46.1 innings. The homer he allowed Thursday was the career-high sixth he's given up this year, which is more concerning given this is also Diaz's smallest workload in his three-year career.

Graterol (hamstring) did fielding drills, including covering first base, Thursday, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Graterol has been ramping up his activity throughout the week, as he also threw a bullpen session Wednesday. He's expected to throw a simulated game this weekend and should head out on a rehab assignment shortly thereafter.

Helsley earned the save Thursday, turning in a perfect ninth inning with no strikeouts in a 4-1 win over San Diego.

Helsley has now gone eight straight innings without allowing a run, lowering his ERA to 2.38 on the season with a 1.18 WHIP and 62:22 K:BB across 56.2 frames. He's converted an MLB-leading 41 saves in 44 chances.

Beck (arm) made the fifth start of his rehab assignment Wednesday with Triple-A Sacramento, striking out five over three innings while giving up one earned run on two hits and one walk.

After retiring just five batters while giving up seven runs (six earned) his last time out with Sacramento on Friday, Beck bounced back nicely Wednesday, giving up just one extra-base hit (a solo home run) and spotting 29 of his 41 pitches for strikes. He's now thrown exactly three innings in four of his rehab outings and hasn't thrown more than 56 pitches on any occasion, so the Giants may envision him serving as a multi-inning reliever in September rather than being an option for the rotation. Beck has been on the injured list all season with an upper right arm aneurysm that he addressed through surgery March 4.

Trivino's (elbow) rehab assignment is moving to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Thursday, Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reports.

Trivino is being moved to Triple-A after making five appearances for Double-A Somerset. He pitched an inning each outing and allowed just one run, which came in the first game. His rehab moving up a level comes with him nearing a possible MLB return from Tommy John surgery.

Cronin was removed from Thursday's game against the Rockies due to an apparent injury, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Cronin was able to remain in the game after his first visit from the Marlins' training staff, though the decision was eventually made to pull him after he had trouble fielding a groundball in the sixth inning. It's not immediately apparent what is bothering the 26-year-old righty, but the team should have more information on his status sometime after the game.

The Astros optioned King to Triple-A Sugar Land on Thursday, Ari Alexander of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

This looks like merely a numbers game and King having minor-league options available, as his 2.05 ERA and 27:9 K:BB over 22 innings doesn't point to a guy deserving of a demotion. King should be back in the Houston bullpen soon enough.

The Astros activated Pressly (back) from the 15-day injured list Thursday, Ari Alexander of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Pressly missed just the minimum 15 days while recovering from a lower-back strain. He did not go out on a rehab assignment, but manager Joe Espada is unlikely to shy away from using Pressly in high-leverage spots right away.

The Astros designated Junk for assignment Thursday, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The transaction frees up a spot on the 40-man roster for the addition of Jason Heyward. Junk was claimed off waivers earlier this month by the Astros and is now slated to go through the waiver process again.