MLB Player News

Walston is scheduled to start Tuesday's game against the Giants at Chase Field.

After he was called up from Triple-A Reno on May 26, Walston made his first big-league start later that day against the Marlins, striking out four over 4.2 scoreless innings in a no-decision. Arizona had previously confirmed Walston for a start against the Mets this past weekend, but he was ultimately pushed back in the pitching schedule after the Diamondbacks elected to call up Slade Cecconi from Reno to slot into the rotation following Zac Gallen's (hamstring) placement on the 15-day injured list. Until one of Gallen, Merrill Kelly (shoulder) or Eduardo Rodriguez (shoulder) returns from the IL, the Diamondbacks should have back-end rotation spots available for both Walston and Cecconi.

Triple-A Salt Lake placed Wantz on its 7-day injured list April 19 with a right forearm injury, Taylor Blake Ward of TheSportingTribune.com reports.

Wantz has worked almost exclusively as a reliever at the big-league level with the Angels over the previous three seasons, but he had been working out of the rotation at Salt Lake after being optioned to Triple-A coming out of spring training. The right-hander had gotten off to a solid start in his first four starts with Salt Lake with a 4.15 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 24:8 K:BB across 17.1 innings, but the forearm injury has halted any momentum Wantz might have built toward a possible promotion to the big leagues. It's unclear when Wantz might be ready to head out on a rehab assignment with one of the Angels' lower-level affiliates.

Richards will serve as the Blue Jays' opening pitcher Tuesday against the Orioles, Mike Wilner of The Toronto Star reports.

Richards has gone more than one inning in seven of his 25 relief appearances this season, including a 3.1-inning appearance last Wednesday against the White Sox. However, he hasn't thrown more than 38 pitches in any outing and will be pitching on just one day of rest after making an one-inning appearance Sunday versus Pittsburgh. The expectation is that Bowden Francis (forearm) will be activated from the 15-day injured list to work in bulk relief behind Richards.

The Diamondbacks transferred Frias' (shoulder) rehab assignment to Triple-A Reno on Tuesday.

Frias has been on Arizona's injured list since April 19 with right shoulder inflammation but finally looks to be inching toward a return to the active roster. He began his rehab assignment in the rookie-level Arizona Complex League over the weekend, tossing a scoreless inning in his lone outing. He'll likely make a handful of relief appearances for Reno before rejoining the big-league bullpen.

Major League Baseball announced Tuesday that Saalfrank has received a one-year suspension for violating the league's gambling policy, Jared Diamond of the Wall Street Journal reports.

MLB's investigation revealed that Saalfrank made a total of 29 baseball bets -- including 28 on MLB games -- while he was on a minor-league contract with the Diamondbacks. He didn't appear in any of the games on which he bet and MLB has determined the outcomes of the contests weren't compromised in any way. Saalfrank has made two appearances out of the Arizona bullpen this season but was optioned to Triple-A Reno on May 1.

Major League Baseball announced Tuesday that Kelly has received a one-year suspension for violating the league's gambling policy, Jared Diamond of the Wall Street Journal reports.

MLB's investigation determined that Kelly bet a total of $99.22 on MLB games during a time he was with the Astros' Triple-A affiliate in Sugar Land during the 2021 season. Currently, Kelly is on the Oakland roster and has posted a 2.59 ERA over 28 relief appearances with the big club. He won't appeal the suspension.

The Athletics optioned Basso to Triple-A Las Vegas on Monday.

Basso has made two scoreless relief appearances for the Athletics this season. The left-hander has been used as a starter during his time with Las Vegas and will likely get stretched back out in its rotation.

Pagan (triceps) is not expected to be activated when eligible June 4, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Reds manager David Bell indicated Pagan might need a few more days beyond the 15-day minimum. The right-handed reliever is expected to have one more side bullpen session. Pagan was added to the injured list after experiencing right triceps soreness during a game against the Dodgers on May 19.

Diekman pitched two-thirds of an inning and picked up the save in Monday's 8-7 victory over Washington. He struck out one and did not allow a baserunner.

Adam Ottavino came on in the ninth inning to preserve a three-run Mets lead, but he allowed one earned run before exiting with one out and the bases loaded. Diekman entered the game and allowed a sacrifice fly that cut the lead to 8-7 before striking out the final batter to record his second save of the season. Diekman rebounded from Sunday's blown save, but Adam Ottavino was the first one called upon in the ninth. With Reed Garrett also in the mix for saves, the Mets bullpen situation is very unclear while Edwin Diaz (shoulder) is on the injured list.

Rodriguez (1-1) allowed two runs on two hits and struck out one in one-third of an inning, taking the loss Monday versus the Diamondbacks.

Rodriguez served up a walk-off two-run blast to Pavin Smith in the ninth inning. After looking steady in the second half of May, Rodriguez has faltered by allowing four runs over his last 2.1 innings across three appearances. He's at a 3.57 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 23:7 K:BB over 17.2 innings while seeing most of his work in low-leverage spots, Monday's outing being a rare exception.