MLB Player News

Estrada pitched a perfect inning to earn the save in Tuesday's 3-2 extra-inning win over the Giants.

Top relievers Robert Suarez, Jason Adam and Adrian Morejon had all pitched the previous two days, allowing Estrada a chance to convert his second save of the season. He's earned both of his saves a week apart while also functioning as a setup man when the Padres' bullpen is fresher. Estrada is at a 2.36 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 40:9 K:BB across 26.2 innings this season, and he's added 11 holds. While he doesn't have much of a chance at steady save opportunities, his high strikeout rate makes him a viable option in some fantasy formats.

Bergert allowed two runs on six hits and two walks while striking out two over five innings in a no-decision versus the Giants on Tuesday.

Bergert's first start of the season went fine, though the Padres didn't offer any run support while he was in the game. He made his first four appearances of the year out of the bullpen, covering four innings between April 26 and May 6. The right-hander has posted a 4:2 K:BB over nine innings in the majors, but he has a 9.2 K/9 over 36 innings across nine starts with Triple-A El Paso this year. It's unclear if he's done enough to earn another start -- if he gets another turn, he's projected for a road start in Milwaukee this weekend. Bergert has a chance to occupy a spot in the rotation until one of Yu Darvish (elbow) or Michael King (shoulder) gets healthy enough to return.

Hader struck out two batters in a perfect inning to earn a save against the Pirates on Tuesday.

Hader tossed 12 of 15 pitches for strikes as he cruised to his 16th save of the year. He's perfect in save chances this year and owns an active seven-inning scoreless streak. Hader dropped his ERA to 1.38 with a 39:6 K:BB through 26 frames this season. He's posted a 12:1 K:BB since he last allowed a run May 16.

Brieske did not factor into the decision Tuesday, allowing no hits and one walk over 1.1 scoreless innings against the White Sox. He struck out two.

The right-hander got the bullpen game off to a solid start, handing things over in the second inning to Brant Hurter, who ultimately took the loss. Brieske has been highly effective recently, recording a 1.17 ERA and 1.04 WHIP over 7.2 innings across his last seven outings. He's expected to resume his usual role in the bullpen moving forward.

Estevez recorded the save in Tuesday's 10-7 win over the Cardinals after allowing one hit and one walk in a scoreless ninth inning. He struck out two.

Estevez's control was a bit shaky -- just 10 of his 18 pitches were strikes -- but that didn't stop him from turning in his ninth consecutive scoreless outing. The hard-throwing right-hander hasn't blown a save since April 22, and he holds a sparkling 0.59 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 15:2 K:BB with 12 saves across his last 15.1 innings. With 17 saves for the year, Estevez is tied with Andres Munoz for the American League lead in that category.

Hurter (2-1) allowed an unearned run on a hit and a walk across two innings of relief and took the loss Tuesday against the White Sox. He struck out four.

Hurter was the second pitcher up in a bullpen game started by Beau Brieske. The former pitched well while setting a new season high in strikeouts, but he got no help defensively or offensively in the team's 8-1 defeat. Hurter has been lights out this year with a 1.72 ERA and 31 strikeouts across 31.1 innings, and he'll continue to be a key bullpen option for the Tigers.

The Dodgers optioned Klein to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Tuesday.

The Dodgers acquired Klein Monday in a trade with the Mariners, but the 25-year-old will now head to the minors without making an appearance for Los Angeles to make room for the newly signed Jose Urena. Klein posted a 7.40 ERA and 2.03 WHIP in 20.2 innings with Seattle's Triple-A affiliate, and he'll likely need to show some improvement at Oklahoma City before getting a shot with the Dodgers.

Urena signed a one-year major-league contract with the Dodgers on Tuesday.

Urena was DFA'd by Toronto on Saturday after turning in a 3.65 ERA and 1.22 WHIP in 12.1 innings with the team. He opted for free agency upon clearing waivers and will now join forces with Los Angeles to help out a Dodgers bullpen that has been decimated by injuries. Will Klein was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City in a corresponding move, and Chuckie Robinson was designated for assignment to clear a 40-man spot for Urena.

The Giants recalled Hjelle from Triple-A Sacramento on Tuesday.

Hjelle has been in the minor leagues all season, turning in a 2.97 ERA and 1.16 WHIP through 30.1 innings at Triple-A. With Jordan Hicks (toe) moving to the injured list, Hjelle will get another look with the Giants and figures to work in middle relief.

The Mets optioned Kranick to Triple-A Syracuse on Tuesday, Pat Ragazzo of SI.com reports.

Kranick has been effective in relief for New York this season, turning in a 3.51 ERA and 0.91 WHIP across 33.1 innings. However, he'll end up as the roster casualty necessary to add Brandon Waddell, who is capable of giving the Mets much more length out of the bullpen.