MLB Player News

The Dodgers designated Burdi for assignment Thursday, Matthew Moreno of DodgerBlue.com reports.

Less than a week after being claimed off waivers from Tampa Bay, Burdi will be the Dodgers' roster casualty after the team traded for Ricky Vanasco on Thursday. The 28-year-old Burdi holds a 8.44 ERA during his major-league career and will likely have to improve upon his 4.91 ERA in Triple-A this season before he gets another shot in the bigs.

Johnson (0-2) blew the save and took the loss Thursday against the Diamondbacks. He allowed two runs on two hits and a walk while striking out one over two-thirds of an inning.

Johnson had the Diamondbacks down to their final strike before surrendering a double to Ketel Marte, followed by Corbin Carroll's walk-off base hit. It's Johnson's first blown save of the year despite his 6.85 ERA and 1.88 WHIP through 22.1 innings. While the 32-year-old righty has struggled, Daniel Bard has pitched to a 0.57 ERA. Johnson's grip on the closing job may be slipping.

Smith picked up the save in one-third of an inning in Thursday's 4-2 victory over Philadelphia

Smith threw just one pitch to earn the save, coaxing a flyout from Drew Ellis after Brooks Raley recorded the first two outs in the ninth. The 29-year-old Smith was the Mets' top right-handed option, with David Robertson and Adam Ottavino each having pitched the last two days. Smith had been struggling coming into Thursday's contest, allowing at least a run in each of his previous four appearances. He now sports a 3.86 ERA with a 1.29 WHIP and 23:10 K:BB through 18.2 innings this season.

Uribe (knee) has struck out three and allowed one run on two hits and two walks over two innings out of the bullpen since returning from Double-A Biloxi's 7-day injured list Saturday.

Uribe missed approximately three and a half weeks with a sore right knee. The 22-year-old right-handed reliever owns a 1.64 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 20:9 K:BB in 11 innings with Biloxi on the season.

Diaz (knee) told Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic that he believes he can join the Mets before the end of the season. "If everything keeps going how it's going, we've got a chance to pitch," said Diaz. "The trainers and doctors will decide, but I feel great. Let's see what's coming for us."

Mets general manager Billy Eppler initially announced in mid-March that Diaz would miss eight months -- thus the entire 2023 season -- after the closer suffered a torn patellar tendon in his right knee while celebrating Team Puerto Rico's win over Team Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic. Then came word in April that it could be closer to a six-month overall recovery process, which would point him toward a return sometime in mid-to-late September. Diaz has been doing some light jogging and other cardio workouts, though there's currently no timetable for when he might resume throwing.

Alvarado (elbow) will begin a minor-league rehab assignment Saturday with Triple-A Lehigh Valley, Corey Seidman of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.

Alvarado is expected to make two appearances on the farm before returning to the Phillies' bullpen around the middle of next week. The 28-year-old left-hander had converted five saves prior to going on the injured list May 10 due to elbow inflammation and should eventually cycle back into a share of the closer role. He boasts a 0.63 ERA with 24 strikeouts and no walks in 14.1 innings for the year.

Duffey has exercised the opt-out clause in his minor-league contract with the Cubs and will need to either be released or added to Chicago's 26-man active roster in the next 48 hours, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

The veteran reliever has put up a 4.43 ERA with 24 strikeouts across 18 appearances with Triple-A Iowa. Unless the Cubs are willing to clear a spot for him in the big-league bullpen, Duffey should head to the open market by the end of the weekend.

Lamet (1-2) took the loss Wednesday against the Diamondbacks, allowing five runs on seven hits without walking a batter over just three innings. He struck out four.

Lamet was activated off the IL to make his first start since 2021 and did not fare well. The 30-year-old gave up three runs on four hits in the opening frame and then surrendered another two runs in the second before tossing a scoreless third. He was pulled after three at 71 pitches after reaching 63 pitches during the final start of his rehab assignment. Assuming manager Bud Black keeps him in the rotation, Lamet will line up to take the mound next week in a home matchup against the Giants.

Robertson earned a save against the Phillies on Wednesday, allowing one hit and striking out two batters over one inning.

Robertson experienced some stress in the outing as a result of allowing two straight hitters to reach base (via an infield single and a hit-by-pitch, respectively) with one out. However, the right-hander bounced back with a pair of strikeouts to end the threat and notch a save for the second straight day. Robertson is still in somewhat of a timeshare at closer with Adam Ottavino, but the former has been the more dominant pitcher throughout the campaign, posting a 1.48 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 29:7 K:BB over 24.1 frames.

Farmer earned a save against the Red Sox on Wednesday, striking out one batter in a perfect inning.

Closer Alexis Diaz pitched three of the previous four days, so the Reds turned to Farmer to protect a one-run lead in the ninth. The righty reliever threw just half of his 16 pitches for a strike but managed to retire the side in order for his first save of the campaign. Farmer has pitched well this season with a 2.60 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and 25:9 K:BB over 27.2 innings, but Diaz has been dominant and is in no danger of losing his ninth-inning role.