MLB Player News

Soto secured the save Saturday against the Marlins, allowing no runs on one hit and no walks in the ninth inning. He struck out one.

After giving up five runs over his previous two outings, Soto bounced back nicely Saturday. Dennis Santana opened the year as Pittsburgh's closer but has since dropped into a setup role, leaving Soto as the Pirates' favorite for saves going forward. Through 30.1 innings, Soto has a strong 3.26 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 35:12 K:BB while converting 10 of his 13 save chances.

Pivetta (forearm) progressed to throwing from 90 feet with some intensity June 10, per MLB.com.

Pivetta has been on the shelf due to a right flexor strain since mid-April. He resumed a throwing program by playing catch May 29 and has since ramped up his throwing distance and intensity, though he's yet to get back on a mound. Pivetta still has several obstacles to clear and isn't likely to return to the Padres' rotation until sometime after the All-Star break.

Helsley (elbow) pitched one inning with two strikeouts and no hits allowed for Triple-A Norfolk in his second rehab appearance Saturday.

Helsley turned in a 1-2-3 inning on just 14 pitches. Baltimore has missed the right-hander's presence in the back end of the bullpen since he was placed on the injured list May 1. Before being deactivated, Helsley posted a 2.53 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 15:7 K:BB with seven saves in 10.2 innings. He should settle back in as Baltimore's closer once he returns from the shelf.

Tampa Bay optioned Englert to Triple-A Durham on Saturday.

In his most recent stint with the Rays, Englert pitched in two games, allowing just one run on four hits with a 6:2 K:BB over nine innings. He threw 65 pitches while covering four frames Friday against the Angels, so he was likely going to be unavailable for a few days, and Tampa Bay decided to send him down to make room for Craig Kimbrel (wrist) to return from the injured list. Englert could be back with Tampa Bay the next time the team needs a reliever capable of covering multiple innings.

The Rays activated Kimbrel (wrist) from the 15-day injured list Saturday.

Kimbrel landed on the IL due to a right wrist strain in late May, and he ended up needing only the minimum amount of time on the shelf. The veteran reliever will now resume his low-leverage role in Tampa Bay's bullpen. He has pitched in just one game since joining the team off waivers May 26, tossing a scoreless inning against Baltimore.

The Rockies sent Bellozo outright to Triple-A Albuquerque on Saturday.

Bellozo was jettisoned off the Rockies' 40-man roster after posting an 8.83 ERA and 1.83 WHIP across 52 innings in the minors. No team was willing to pick him up off waivers, so the 26-year-old righty will remain in the organization as rotation depth at Albuquerque. Eiberson Castellano was selected to the MLB roster in a corresponding move.

Ragans (elbow) had a throwing session cut short Friday and will undergo additional testing, Jaylon T. Thompson of The Kansas City Star reports.

According to manager Matt Quatraro, Ragans "woke up yesterday [Friday], not feeling as well arm-wise." The southpaw still attempted to throw, but he had to cut the session short. As a result, Kansas City has elected to have Ragans sent in for more testing, which will take place "in the next couple of days." The 28-year-old had progressed to throwing bullpen sessions in his rehab from a left elbow impingement, but the setback may push back his timeline to rejoin Kansas City's rotation.

The Rockies optioned Criswell to Triple-A Albuquerque on Saturday.

Criswell turned in scoreless frames in both of his appearances after being recalled from Triple-A on Tuesday, but he'll be sent back down so the Rockies can get a fresh bullpen arm in the form of Eiberson Castellano. Criswell hasn't performed nearly as well at Albuquerque this season (nine earned runs in 10.2 IP), but his performance with the Rockies could keep him in consideration for a return to Colorado later in the year.

Blanco (elbow) tossed 40 pitches in a simulated game Saturday and will soon start a rehab assignment in the rookie-level Florida Complex League, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Blanco has been sidelined all season while continuing his recovery from last June's Tommy John surgery with an internal brace. The right-hander has been throwing bullpen sessions for a few months and progressed to facing live hitters in late May. Blanco now appears ready to return to game action in the FCL, though he isn't expected to be ready to pitch for the Astros until after the All-Star break.

The Rockies selected Castellano's contract from Triple-A Albuquerque on Saturday.

Castellano has spent most of the season at Double-A Hartford, though he made his last appearance at Albuquerque and pitched six shutout innings while striking out seven batters and allowing three men to reach base. The 25-year-old will now get a chance to show what he can do in the majors while presumably working in a long-relief role. Jeff Criswell was optioned to Triple-A to make room for Castellano on the active roster, and Valente Bellozo was outrighted to Albuquerque to free up a 40-man spot.