MLB Player News

Walker picked up a blown save in Friday's 5-4 extra-inning win over Atlanta, allowing two earned runs on three hits -- including one home run -- while striking out one over 1.1 innings.

Walker struck out the lone batter he faced in the sixth inning. However, he struggled in the seventh, surrendering a single and a two-run homer to the first two batters he faced. The right-hander threw 18 of his 27 pitches for strikes, marking his highest pitch count this season. Walker has appeared in five games since being removed from the closer role, during which he has been charged with three runs (two earned) on five hits while striking out two across 3.2 innings.

Erceg (back) threw live batting practice Friday and is set to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Omaha on Sunday, MLB.com reports.

Erceg was placed on the injured list May 30, retroactive to May 27, making him eligible to return June 12 against the Yankees. Prior to hitting the shelf, the 30-year-old was in the midst of a strong season, recording a 1.96 ERA and 0.74 WHIP with 13 holds over 23 innings. Barring any setbacks during his rehab assignment, the right-hander should return to his setup role with the Royals in the near future.

Bivens (2-2) picked up the win in one-third of a scoreless 10th inning during Friday's 5-4 extra-inning victory over Atlanta.

The 30-year-old was in the right place at the right time Friday, retiring Atlanta's final batter before Tyler Fitzgerald scored the game-winning run for the Giants in the bottom of the 10th. Bivens now owns a 3.07 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 18:8 K:BB across 29.1 innings in 19 games this season.

Atlanta recalled Cox from Triple-A Gwinnett on Saturday.

In a somewhat surprising move, Atlanta DFA'd veteran reliver Craig Kimbrel -- who had just been called up Friday -- in order to make room on the roster for Cox. The latter signed with Atlanta in early May after beginning the campaign in Kansas City's system. Cox hasn't pitched in the majors since 2023, and in eight games with Gwinnett after joining Atlanta's organization, he posted a 4.22 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 8:3 K:BB over 10.2 innings. He's likely to fill a low-leverage role in Atlanta's bullpen.

Coulombe (forearm) tossed one scoreless inning in his first rehab outing with Triple-A St. Paul on Friday.

Coulombe landed on the 15-day injured list May 18 due to an extensor strain in his left forearm. He was cleared to embark on a rehab assignment Friday, but the veteran southpaw may not need more work in Triple-A and could rejoin the Twins' bullpen in the coming days, per Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic. Coulombe hasn't given up a run across 16.2 major-league innings this season while posting a 0.60 WHIP, two saves and a 19:2 K:BB.

Atlanta designated Kimbrel for assignment Saturday.

Kimbrel was called up from the minors Friday for a return to the big-league club that drafted him in 2008, but the reunion may end up being short-lived. The veteran reliever looked fine in pitching a scoreless inning against the Giants on Friday, though he allowed a hit and a walk while striking out one batter and averaging only 91.5 mph on his fastball. Atlanta filled Kimbrel's bullpen spot by recalling lefty reliever Austin Cox from the minors.

The Phillies optioned Rangel to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Saturday.

Rangel had just been called up from the minors Friday, and he gave the Phillies three innings of work against Pittsburgh that night, allowing two runs on three hits and two walks while striking out one batter. The righty reliever's return to Triple-A makes room for Philadelphia to call up a fresh bullpen arm from the minors in Daniel Robert.

Philadelphia recalled Robert from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Saturday.

Robert previously had a stint with the Phillies this season, allowing one run on two hits with a 2:3 K:BB over two-thirds of an inning in mid-May after being acquired in a trade with the Rangers on May 1. He's posted a 0.95 ERA and 1.00 WHIP with a 26:5 K:BB across 19 innings during his time in Triple-A and will get another shot to make an impression as part of the Phillies' bullpen. Fellow righty reliever Alan Rangel was optioned to Lehigh Valley in a corresponding move.

The Cardinals optioned O'Brien to Triple-A Memphis on Friday.

O'Brien was up as the 27th man during Thursday's doubleheader against the Royals, tossing 1.2 scoreless innings in the first game of the twin bill. The 30-year-old has thrived at Memphis this season with a 2.79 ERA and 32:8 K:BB in 19.1 frames and should get another opportunity with the big club sooner rather than later.

Bergert is slated to start Sunday's game against the Brewers in Milwaukee.

Bergert will get at least one more turn through the San Diego rotation after he was summoned from Triple-A El Paso to make his first MLB start Tuesday. He acquitted himself well in a no-decision against the Giants, allowing two earned runs on six hits and two walks while striking out two batters over five innings. Bergert will get a favorable draw in his second start of the week, facing a Milwaukee offense that has produced a 93 wRC+ against right-handed pitching since the start of May.