MLB Player News

Alexander will serve as the Giants' opening pitcher Sunday versus the Nationals, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Anthony DeSclafani had been listed as the Giants' probable starter, but he will instead operate in bulk relief. Alexander, 34, carries a 3.04 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 15:6 K:BB in 26.2 innings (31 appearances) this season at the MLB level.

Diaz picked up the save in Saturday's 4-2 victory over the Diamondbacks. He allowed one run on two hits while striking out two over one inning.

Diaz struggled to close out Saturday's contest, serving up a solo homer to Corbin Carroll while also allowing a double to Christian Walker in the ninth, though the closer still managed to secure his 29th save of the season. The outing marked his first earned run allowed since July 3 (seven innings), a stretch in which he's a perfect 8-of-8 in save opportunities.

Blach will serve as the Rockies' opener Sunday versus the Marlins, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

It will be his first time working as an opener in 2023. Blach, 32, has allowed 13 runs -- 10 earned -- on 24 hits and two walks in 13.1 innings this season at the major-league level. Connor Seabold, recently demoted to the bullpen, could come on as a bulk reliever for Colorado in Sunday's game.

Atlanta manager Brian Snitker said Saturday that Chavez (shin) is still walking with a slight limp, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

Chavez had been gearing up to begin throwing off a mound at last check, but Snitker noted Saturday that the veteran reliever is still probably "weeks away" from returning to full strength. He's been on the shelf since mid-June due to a severe left shin contusion.

Minter (shoulder) threw a bullpen session Saturday, Justin Toscano of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Minter felt good during and after the workout, and manager Brian Snitker said the lefty could soon head out on a minor-league rehab assignment. The 29-year-old reliever has been on the injured list since July 15 due to mild left shoulder inflammation.

Tapia was designated for assignment by the Padres on Saturday.

The 31-year-old owns a 3.57 ERA in 17.2 major-league innings this season, but his 14:12 K:BB hardly inspires confidence. He was optioned in early July and will now vacate the 40-man roster as well, clearing space for Jackson Wolf to join ahead of his major-league debut.

Llovera was designated for assignment by the Giants on Saturday, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

San Francisco needed to clear out a 26-man roster spot for the return of Luke Jackson (back), and Llovera is out of minor-league options, thus the DFA. The 27-year-old right-hander had allowed just one run in 5.1 innings of relief this season with the Giants.

Martinez was optioned to Triple-A Reno on Saturday.

Martinez made four appearances during his time in the majors, allowing seven runs in 3.1 innings while walking more batters (five) than he struck out (four). He'll exit the roster to create space for Brandon Pfaadt, who was recalled to start against the Reds.

Jackson (back) was activated from the 15-day injured list Saturday, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Recovered from the lower-back strain that sent him to the injured list June 25, the 31-year-old right-hander will be available out of the Giants' bullpen Saturday in Washington. When healthy this season, Jackson has registered a sharp 2.16 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 10:2 K:BB in 8.1 major-league innings.

Jacob was placed on the 15-day injured list with right elbow inflammation Saturday.

The move was backdated to Friday, so Jacob could return as soon as Aug. 12 if his inflammation has subsided by then. In three appearances during his brief time with the team, Jacob struck out five of the 10 batters he faced while not allowing a run or a hit. Jacob's roster spot will go to Jackson Wolf, whose contract was selected ahead of his big-league debut.