MLB Player News

Joyce allowed a hit and a walk over two shutout innings as the opener Sunday. He struck out three while the Angels lost to San Francisco.

Joyce threw 22 of 42 pitches for strikes and also hit a batter during his appearance but managed to keep the Giants off the board. The Angels bullpen went on to allow 13 runs in six innings in the ugly loss. Joyce lowered his ERA to 7.94 with a 5:4 K:BB through 5.2 frames since being promoted from Double-A Rocket City earlier this month. He's thrown 3.2 scoreless innings over his last two outings.

Helsley allowed two walks during a scoreless ninth inning to pick up the save Sunday against the Cubs. He struck out one.

Helsley tossed just 11 of 23 pitches for strikes and started behind in the count to four of five batters he faced but still managed to finish off the game for the Cardinals when a drive to the gap by pinch-hitter Patrick Wisdom with two on was snagged by Brendan Donovan to preserve the win. It was another shaky outing for Helsley, who has struggled recently with his command, walking four over his last two appearances. Despite the recent trouble, he maintains an ERA of 2.53 and has converted each of his last 24 save opportunities, last blowing a save March 30 during his first appearance of the season.

Triple-A Norfolk placed Heasley on its 7-day injured list Sunday with right shoulder inflammation, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

After a brief stint with the Orioles, Heasley returned to Norfolk on May 24 and posted a 6.75 ERA and 2.16 WHIP over three outings at Triple-A before landing on the IL. Heasley will be shut down for at least the next week while he waits for the inflammation in his shoulder to subside.

The Cubs designated Cuas for assignment Sunday, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

Cuas will now be placed on waivers, and if he goes unclaimed, he'll likely remain in the organization as a reliever at Triple-A Iowa. The right-hander has struggled to a 6.35 ERA over 11.1 innings in 10 appearances in the minors and will have to right the ship before earning another shot on the 40-man roster.

Pearson notched his second save of the season Sunday against Cleveland, retiring the only batter he faced to preserve a 7-6 lead.

Pearson came on in the ninth inning with two outs and runners on the corners, inducing an Andres Gimenez lineout to end the game. Pearson came on to relieve Yimi Garcia, who was forced to leave the game early due to elbow soreness. While both Garcia and incumbent closer Jordan Romano (elbow) are sidelined, save chances will be available for Pearson and fellow relievers Chad Green and Tim Mayza. The 27-year-old Pearson has compiled a 4.23 ERA and a 1.40 WHIP across 27.2 innings, adding four holds and two saves.

Finnegan picked up his 20th save of the season Sunday against Miami, allowing one hit and zero walks while striking out one in a scoreless ninth inning.

Finnegan preserved a 3-1 Nationals lead to notch his 20th save of the season, third in the league behind only Ryan Helsley and Emmanuel Clase. The 32-year-old Finnegan has been outstanding, compiling a 1.78 ERA and a 0.86 WHIP across 30.1 innings, converting 20 of 22 save chances.

The Red Sox are expected to activate Martin (anxiety) from the 15-day injured list Tuesday, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

Martin was placed on the 15-day injured list June 5 after informing the Red Sox that he had been dealing with anxiety, but the right-hander looks to be tracking toward a quick return to the active roster. He began a rehab assignment Sunday with Triple-A Worcester, tossing a scoreless frame. That outing looks like Martin will be all he needs to get the green light to rejoin the Red Sox, as he's set to make the trip with the team to Toronto ahead of Monday's series opener versus the Blue Jays. He'll rest Monday and should be activated prior to Tuesday's game.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider said after Sunday's 7-6 win over the Guardians that Garcia was removed from the contest in the ninth inning with right elbow soreness, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports. "We'll see how he is and know more later [Sunday or Monday]."

Called upon for the save chance with the Blue Jays holding a 7-4 lead entering the top of the ninth, Garcia lacked his usual command in the relief appearance. After inducing a leadoff popout from Kyle Manzardo, Garcia surrendered a base hit to Daniel Schneemann before serving up a two-run home run to Brayan Rocchio. He then got Bo Naylor to foul out before getting lifted from the game after serving up back-to-back singles to Steven Kwan and Tyler Freeman. Nate Pearson came on with two outs and runners on the corners to put out the fire and enable Garcia to earn his 10th hold of the season, but Garcia's health now becomes the greater concern. If Garcia's elbow issue is serious enough for him to join Jordan Romano (elbow) on the injured list, the Blue Jays could turn to Pearson, Chad Green and Tim Mayza to handle any future save chances that may arise.

The Dodgers transferred Kelly (shoulder) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Sunday.

As a result of the transaction, Kelly won't be eligible to return to the Dodgers bullpen until the first week of July. The right-hander threw a 25-pitch bullpen session Friday, so he already seems to be making good progress in his recovery from the right shoulder strain that has kept him out of action since May 6. He could be cleared to begin a minor-league rehab assignment later this week or next.

The Dodgers placed Grove on the 15-day injured list Sunday with a right lat injury, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Grove presumably sustained the injury during his two-inning relief appearance in Saturday's 7-2 loss to the Royals. He gave up a run in the outing for a third consecutive appearance and now holds a 5.06 ERA over 37.1 innings on the season.