MLB Player News

Alzolay pitched a perfect ninth inning Saturday to record his first save of the season in a 4-2 win over the Marlins.

Brad Boxberger served up a walkoff homer Thursday while Mark Leiter and Michael Fulmer worked the late innings in Friday's victory, so roles at the back of the Cubs' bullpen could be in flux as manager David Ross tries to figure out how best to deploy his top arms. Alzolay has earned his spot in that group with a 2.87 ERA, 0.89 WHIP and 18:3 K:BB through 15.2 innings, and he has a win and four holds through 13 appearances in addition to Saturday's save.

Puk (3-1) blew his first save of the season and took the loss Saturday as the Marlins were downed 4-2 by the Cubs, giving up three runs (two earned) on three hits over one-third of an inning. He struck out one.

The southpaw was victimized by bad luck and bad defense, as Yuli Gurriel committed an error to open the inning before Trey Mancini got credit for a double on a routine fly that Peyton Burdick lost in the sun. Puk has now been tagged for multiple runs in two straight appearances after reeling off a 10-inning scoreless streak, bumping his ERA on the season up to 3.46. However, his 15:3 K:BB through 13 IP remains strong, and he seems to be in little danger of losing his grip on the closer's role for Miami.

Doval picked up the save in Saturday's 4-1 win over Milwaukee. He failed to record a strikeout over a perfect two-thirds of an inning.

Doval picked up his fourth consecutive save, marking his fourth straight appearance without allowing a hit after blowing a save on April 30. After tallying 27 saves last season, Doval is providing plenty of fantasy value through 15 appearances, as he's tied for seventh in MLB with seven saves to go along with a 11.7 K/9.

Diaz picked up the save Saturday against the White Sox. He had no strikeouts over one perfect inning.

Diaz capped off an excellent night from the Cincinnati bullpen, tossing a perfect ninth frame to finish off 5.1 scoreless innings of relief. The 26-year-old has been excellent this season, having allowed a run in only one of his 13 appearances while giving up just four hits over 11 innings and striking out 21 batters. Though Diaz has been a reliable closing option, the Reds have the fourth fewest wins in the National League, meaning save opportunities may come at a premium for Diaz in 2023.

Helsley was unavailable to pitch Saturday due to knee soreness, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Helsley was noticeably absent from the mound in Saturday's 6-5 extra-inning loss to the Tigers. According to manager Oli Marmol, the right-hander is dealing with knee pain, which is not considered to be serious. The team is hopeful that Helsley will be able to go in Sunday's series finale with Detroit.

Hoeing threw three innings of relief Saturday against the Cubs, giving up one run on three hits and a walk while striking out four.

Hoeing was originally scheduled to start the game, so when the Marlins announced it would instead be Matt Barnes on the hill, it looked as though Hoeing was ill or injured. Instead, the change of plans was merely tactical, as Miami elected to go with a bullpen day with Hoeing handling the largest share of the workload. He handled the third through fifth innings capably enough, while six other relievers combined to cover the other five frames.

Zuniga was optioned to Triple-A Memphis on Saturday.

Zuniga was called up Tuesday and struck out two batters in a clean inning of work in his MLB debut. He'll return to the minors for now as Adam Wainwright (groin) returns from the injured list.

Pomeranz is experiencing reduced discomfort in his left arm, and he could resume his throwing progression soon, per MLB.com.

Pomeranz was pulled from a minor-league rehab assignment after just one game in late April as a result of discomfort in his throwing arm, but the issue has reportedly "mostly subsided." The veteran reliever appears to have a chance to start throwing again soon, though the Padres may want to be cautious given the series of setbacks Pomeranz has experienced as he's attempted to work his way back to the big club. The 34-year-old hasn't pitched in the majors since 2021.

Barnes will be the first pitcher on the mound Saturday in what will likely be a bullpen game against the Cubs, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

The Marlins had to scratch Bryan Hoeing for undisclosed reasons and will turn the ball over to a collection of relievers. Barnes will technically be making his first start since 2015, but it's unlikely he pitches more than an inning or two.

Hoeing was scratched from his scheduled start Saturday against the Cubs, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

The Marlins have yet to announce a reason for the change of plans, but it's likely that Hoeing is dealing with some sort of injury or illness. Matt Barnes will be the first pitcher on the hill for Miami in what will presumably be a bullpen game.