MLB Player News

Stewart (shoulder) has given up one run in three innings at Triple-A St. Paul with five strikeouts and two walks during a rehab assignment. He'll make at least one more appearance before being activated from the injured list next week, Dan Hayes and Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic report.

Stewart has been on the shelf with shoulder tendinitis since early May. With a 0.66 ERA and 34.8 percent strikeout rate over 41 career innings with the Twins, Stewart will be a big boost to the bullpen once he returns.

Ortiz (5-2) picked up the win Saturday, allowing three hits and two walks over seven scoreless innings in a 4-1 victory over the Phillies. He struck out two.

The right-hander continued an impressive stretch that has seen him give up only three runs in 26.2 innings over his last five appearances (four starts) with a 23:3 K:BB. Ortiz may not be able to hang onto a rotation spot once Jared Jones (lat) gets healthy no matter how well he does, but he's making a strong case to be in the Pirates' long-term pitching plans. Ortiz will take a 2.57 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 59:21 K:BB through 73.2 innings this season into his next outing, which is scheduled to come on the road next weekend in Arizona.

Diaz struck out one in a perfect ninth inning Saturday to record his 11th save of the season in a 1-0 win over the Marlins.

He closed out the combined shutout on 12 pitches (nine strikes), with his fastball topping out at 98.5 mph. Diaz appears to be back in nearly peak form -- he hasn't given up a run in eight appearances since coming off the IL in mid-June, piling up six saves and two wins with a 0.78 WHIP and 8:3 K:BB over 7.2 innings during that stretch.

Ginkel did not allow a hit or walk over a scoreless inning to earn a hold in Saturday's 3-0 win over the Cubs.

Ginkel hurled a 1-2-3 sixth inning to claim his eighth hold. He entered earlier than normal and was the first of four relievers to throw a scoreless frame after starter Zac Gallen grinded through five scoreless innings on102 pitches. Following a rough stretch in May, Ginkel has been an effective arm; the right-hander has a 0.78 ERA and has allowed just two walks over his last 23 innings (22 appearances).

Leahy recorded his first career save in the second game of Saturday's doubleheader split with Atlanta, giving up a hit and striking out two over two scoreless innings.

The 27-year-old righty was called up to be the 27th man for the twin bill, and he surprisingly got the nod in a high-leverage spot with St. Louis winning 6-5 in the eighth inning. When the Cards tacked on three more runs in the top of the ninth. manager Oliver Marmol elected to leave Leahy on the mound to clean things up. He hasn't pitched poorly during his time on the big-league roster this season, posting a 3.90 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 22:7 K:BB through 32.1 innings over 19 appearances, but Leahy's likely headed back to Triple-A Memphis despite this performance.

Finnegan earned a save against the Reds on Saturday, striking out one batter in a perfect ninth inning.

Finnegan earned a save in Washington's first game of the second half Friday, and he was back on the mound one day later to close things out again. The right-hander did so without much stress, retiring the side in order on 15 pitches. Finnegan is up to 27 saves on the campaign, third most in the majors and one short of the career-high mark he established last season.

Sewald allowed a hit and struck out one in a scoreless inning to earn the save in Saturday's 3-0 win over the Cubs.

Sewald hasn't allowed a run in his last five innings after opening July with three shaky appearances, all of which ended in blown saves. It appears he's gotten his troubles under control, and he's now 15-for-18 in save chances this season. Sewald has added a strong 3.09 ERA, 0.86 WHIP and 23:4 K:BB through 23.1 innings.

Spence (6-6) earned the win over the Angels on Saturday, allowing two runs on five hits and three walks with three strikeouts over 5.1 innings.

Spence allowed a run in the third inning and was pulled at 85 pitches after yielding another in the sixth. He generated only six swinging strikes but limited hard contact and received plenty of early run support. On the season, the 26-year-old owns a 4.67 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 75:26 K:BB across 88.2 innings and lines up for a rematch with the Angels next week.

The Royals released Lyles (personal) on Saturday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Lyles had been on the Royals' inactive list since April 20 while tending to a personal matter. The 33-year-old threw five scoreless innings out of the bullpen before being deactivated in late April. He'll have to go through release waivers before hitting the open market, but even if Lyles is ready to return to baseball, it's likely he'll require a ramp-up period before pitching again.

Maciejewski was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre following Saturday's 9-1 loss to the Rays.

Maciejewski was on the mound for the final three innings of Saturday's defeat, surrendering three hits, including a two-run homer by Randy Arozarena in the top of the seventh. After having his contract selected by the Yankees on June 30, the reliever appeared in three total contests, giving up two runs over six frames.