MLB Player News

Atlanta designated Payamps for assignment Friday.

Payamps had collected an 8.22 ERA and 9:4 K:BB over his first 7.2 innings this season. The 32-year-old reliever is a safe bet to pass through waivers, and if that happens he would have the ability to elect free agency.

Mayza served as Philadelphia's opener in the second game of Thursday's doubleheader versus San Francisco and pitched two scoreless innings, allowing two hits and one walk while striking out two batters in a no-decision.

The Phillies elected to go to a bullpen game in the nightcap of Thursday's twin bill, and none of the pitchers they deployed went more than 2.1 frames. Mayza worked as the opener for the first time in his career and did well, though there's very little to take away from his performance from a fantasy perspective. The veteran reliever will likely return to his low-leverage bullpen role moving forward.

Walker (0-1) took the loss and blew a save opportunity in the first game of Thursday's doubleheader against the Phillies, allowing two runs on three hits while striking out one batter over two-thirds of an inning.

Logan Webb gave San Francisco seven innings of one-run ball, and Erik Miller tossed a scoreless eighth to hand Walker a 2-1 lead heading into the bottom of the ninth. However, the Giants' closer couldn't protect the advantage, yielding a pair of infield singles and a triple to allow two runs to score. The blown save was the second of the season across five save chances for Walker, who has registered a 4.26 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 13:6 K:BB through 12.2 frames spanning 13 outings. He's probably still safe as San Francisco's primary saves option for the time being, though Walker doesn't have the longest leash among MLB closers.

Lambert (1-2) took the loss in the opening game of Thursday's doubleheader against the Orioles, allowing two runs on two hits and three walks over 4.1 innings. He struck out three.

It was a decent effort overall from Lambert, who held Baltimore scoreless for three frames before giving up a run in each of the fourth and fifth innings. Since sliding into the Astros rotation, Lambert has posted a solid 3.52 ERA with a 1.24 WHIP and 19:7 K:BB in three starts (15.1 innings). The right-hander is currently scheduled for a tough home matchup with the Dodgers in his next outing.

Anderson signed a minor-league contract with the Angels on Thursday.

Anderson elected free agency Tuesday after being designated for assignment by the Angels earlier in the week, but he will now return to the organization on a new deal. The right-hander made nine appearances with the Angels before being let go, compiling a 5.94 ERA and 1.50 WHIP with 12 strikeouts over 16.2 innings. He will now look to get into a rhythm with Triple-A Salt Lake in an attempt to potentially get another look with the big-league club later this season.

Espada was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk after Thursday's doubleheader against the Astros.

Espada was added to the major-league roster ahead of the doubleheader, and he pitched a scoreless inning, allowing two hits in the team's 10-3 win over Houston in the matinee. The right-hander will now return to Norfolk, where he has a 5.40 ERA and 7:9 K:BB across 10 innings this year.

Gerber (finger) struck out two and allowed two hits over a scoreless inning during his rehab appearance Tuesday at Triple-A Syracuse.

The right-hander took the hill for the second appearance of his assignment after he previously tossed a scoreless frame for Single-A St. Lucie on Saturday. Gerber shouldn't require much more additional time in the minors to prove his health after landing on the injured list April 14 due to a blister, but his activation could be delayed nonetheless if the Mets don't have a spot available for him in the big-league bullpen.

The Phillies selected Richards' contract from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Thursday.

Richards has been on a roll at Lehigh Valley, having collected a 1.93 ERA and 26:3 K:BB over his first 14 innings. The veteran righty is capable of handling multiple innings and is candidate for long-relief work in the second game of Thursday's doubleheader versus the Giants.

The Phillies placed Backhus on the 15-day injured list Thursday with left elbow inflammation.

It's unclear how long Backhus' elbow has been bothering him, but he hadn't pitched since Saturday. Trevor Richards will assume his spot on the roster and in the bullpen.

Varland secured the save Thursday against the Mets, allowing no runs on one hit and no walks in 1.1 innings. He struck out one.

The Nationals trusted the right-hander to record the final four outs Thursday, and Varland delivered despite letting the tying run to reach base. Primary closer Clayton Beeter (forearm) will spend at least one more week on the injured list, seemingly leaving the ninth-inning gig all to Varland for now. Varland is perhaps making a case for more save chances even when Beeter returns, posting a 2.84 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 14:3 K:BB over 12.2 innings.