MLB Player News

Atlanta outrighted Stephens to Triple-A Gwinnett on Saturday.

Stephens came up from the minors May 4 to replace the injured Pierce Johnson, and will now return to Triple-A as Johnson comes off the IL. Stephens made three appearances in his latest big-league stint, allowing one run over 3.1 innings while striking out two batters and walking one.

Atlanta reinstated Johnson (elbow) from the 15-day injured list Saturday.

Right elbow inflammation forced Johnson onto the injured list May 4, and he'll now return to Atlanta's bullpen following a minimum-length stay. The 33-year-old righty sports a 3.00 ERA and 1.25 WHIP through 12 innings this season, and he figures to see plenty of action during Atlanta's stretch of 17 consecutive games without a day off. Jackson Stephens was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett in a corresponding move.

Hader struck out one batter in a perfect inning and earned the save over the Brewers on Friday.

Hader made quick work of the Brewers, needing just 12 pitches to snag his sixth save of the year. After a disastrous start to his Astros career -- a 9.39 ERA with one save through nine appearances -- Hader has seemingly settled in with his new team. He's allowed just two earned runs over his last 12.1 innings, lowering his season ERA to 4.50. He's riding a 5.1-inning scoreless streak with three saves and a win during that span.

Hjelle (1-1) allowed three hits and struck out one without walking a batter over two scoreless innings to earn the win Friday over the Rockies.

Hjelle was in the game when the Giants rallied ahead in the fifth inning, and they kept the lead the rest of the way. The right-hander has been decent in May, allowing two runs on 11 hits with a 14:0 K:BB over 10 innings across his last seven appearances. He's at a 2.81 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 17:1 K:BB through 16 innings this season as a multi-inning relief option for the Giants. Hjelle's also added two holds, but he has little chance of seeing consistent late-inning work.

Herrin (2-0) allowed a hit and a walk without giving up a run in one-third of an inning to earn the win Friday over the Twins.

Herrin allowed an inherited runner to score in the eighth inning, which tied the game at 2-2, but the Guardians retook the lead in their half of the frame on a Jose Ramirez solo home run. It'll go down as Herrin's first blown save of the campaign. The southpaw has been quite effective so far with a 0.93 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 21:8 K:BB over 19.1 innings while adding four holds through 20 appearances. He doesn't seen a ton of high-leverage work and is not in contention for save chances, as Emmanuel Clase has been nearly untouchable for the Guardians this season.

Spence did not factor into the decision Friday against Kansas City, allowing one run on four hits and no walks over 5.1 innings. He struck out four.

Spence fared well in his first major-league start after tossing his first 25.1 MLB innings out of the bullpen. The rookie right-hander generated nine whiffs over 77 pitches, the second time in four May appearances he's worked more than 70 pitches. Should Spence draw another turn in the Oakland rotation, he would be slated to face the Rockies at home.

Manager Joe Espada said Pressly was unavailable for Friday's game against the Brewers due to a sore finger on his right (throwing) hand, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Pressly's finger issue doesn't appear to be anything too serious, though it may prevent him from pitching for another day or two. The 35-year-old right-hander currently holds a 5.51 ERA and 1.78 WHIP through 16.1 innings and has not appeared in a game since Tuesday.

Estrada picked up the save Friday against Atlanta. He pitched a perfect inning with three strikeouts.

Estrada notched his first career save by retiring the bottom of the order on 16 pitches. The 25-year-old reliever has dazzled in his first 10.2 innings this season, firing a 0.84 ERA and 0.75 WHIP with 13 strikeouts. However, there shouldn't be any closer controversy in San Diego, as Robert Suarez was called upon earlier in a high-leverage spot, facing the heart of the talented Atlanta lineup in the eighth inning Friday night.

Clase picked up the save Friday against Minnesota. He pitched a perfect inning with one strikeout.

Clase required only 13 pitches to retire the side in order. The 26-year-old is riding a streak of eight straight scoreless appearances, allowing just one hit and one walk with seven strikeouts and five saves over eight innings. Clase remains among the game's elite closers, sporting a 0.42 ERA over 22.1 innings this season.

Hoffman earned the save in Friday's 4-2 win over the Nationals, allowing one hit in a scoreless ninth inning.

After Jose Alvarado finished the eighth inning, the Phillies turned to Hoffman in the ninth. The right-hander worked around Joey Gallo's one-out double to record his third save of the season, and his first since April 30. Hoffman's been sharp this year, pitching to a 0.90 ERA with a 0.95 WHIP and 27:7 K:BB over 20 innings. While Alvarado is still Philly's preferred ninth-inning option, Hoffman should see the occasional save chance depending on matchups.