MLB Player News

Walker will serve as the opening pitcher in Saturday's game versus the Diamondbacks, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Walker allowed two walks and struck out one in a scoreless inning versus the Padres on Wednesday in his last turn as an opener. He'll again pitch just an inning or two before giving way to a bulk reliever, most likely Keaton Winn or Tristan Beck.

Bednar earned the save in Friday's 3-1 win over the Marlins. He struck out two over a perfect inning.

After being shut out for eight innings, the Pirates struck for three runs in the top of the ninth, creating the save opportunity for Bednar. The right-hander retired the side in order on 20 pitches and has now successfully converted 11 straight save chances dating back to April 18. He holds a sparkling 1.61 ERA and 0.86 WHIP in 28 innings this season and could bring a significant return to the Pirates at the trade deadline should the team elect to go that route.

Puk (3-2) blew the save and took the loss Friday against the Pirates. He gave up three runs on three hits without a walk or a strikeout over two-thirds of an inning.

Called upon in the ninth inning to protect a 1-0 lead, Puk allowed two runs on three singles and a couple stolen bases before getting the hook. Dylan Floro took over and allowed an inherited runner to score, adding more damage to Puk's ledger. The lefty has pitched well overall this season (3.22 ERA, 1.16 WHIP) and has earned four of the Marlins' last five saves. This outing alone is unlikely to affect Puk's standing in the bullpen pecking order.

Lawrence struck out two in a perfect inning to earn the save in Friday's 7-4 win over the Angels.

Lawrence has given up four runs (three earned) while striking out nine over 11.1 innings in June. He's served as a general high-leverage option rather than a full-time closer, though all three of his saves on the year have come this month. He's at a 2.88 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 41:19 K:BB while also picking up seven holds through 40.2 innings as one of the Rockies' busiest relievers.

Diaz picked up the save Friday against Atlanta. He allowed one walk without a strikeout in a scoreless ninth inning.

The Reds erased an early five-run deficit and Diaz was there at the end to secure the club's 12th consecutive win. He's still perfect in save chances this season at 21-for-21, stepping out of his brother Edwin's shadow to become one of the game's elite closers over the first half of 2023. The stability he's provided to the Cincinnati bullpen should earn him his first career All-Star selection.

Vesia was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Friday by the Dodgers, J.P. Hoornstra of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.

Vesia was removed from the 26-man active roster to make room for Phil Bickford, who was reinstated from the injured list. Vesia will likely be back with the Dodgers at some point this summer.

Bickford (back) was activated off the 15-day injured list Friday, J.P. Hoornstra of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.

Bickford missed three weeks while dealing with tightness in his lower back. He'll return to a middle-innings role with the Dodgers. Alex Vesia heads back to Triple-A Oklahoma City in a corresponding transaction.

Castano (undisclosed) was sent outright to Triple-A Jacksonville by the Marlins on Friday.

The left-hander is currently on the 7-day injured list for Jacksonville, but Castano can choose to elect free agency as this was the second time he's been outrighted off the 40-man.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters Friday that Hudson (knee) will head to the Dodgers' spring training complex in Arizona to throw an inning on Tuesday, and if it goes well he should be activated next weekend, Matthew Moreno of DodgerBlue.com reports.

Hudson has missed the entirety of the 2023 season so far, but he was able to throw in back-to-back games for Triple-A Oklahoma City this week. The veteran reliever should be a key cog for the beleaguered Los Angeles bullpen over the second half of the season.

Suter (oblique) was placed on the 15-day injured list Friday, Patrick Lyons of TheDNVR.com reports.

Suter sustained an oblique injury in Tuesday's 8-6 loss to the Reds and he will now be sidelined for at least a couple weeks. Right-hander Noah Davis was called up from Triple-A Albuquerque on Friday to replace Suter on the roster.