MLB Player News

McGough walked two batters over a third of an inning and earned his first hold in Friday's 2-1 win over the Dodgers.

McGough, who entered with a runner on and two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning, walked the first batter he faced before getting Miguel Rojas on a loud lineout to short. The right-hander was brought back out for the ninth but was removed after walking the first batter. In all, McGough threw just four of 13 pitches for strikes. He had a strong spring training, which earned him a shot at being the primary closer among a committee of relievers, but McGough scuttled his first chance. Andrew Chafin finished off the Dodgers for the save.

Chafin worked a perfect ninth inning Friday to record his first save of the season in a 2-1 win over the Dodgers.

Scott McGough was brought in to finish out the eighth inning and might have remained in the game for the save chance had he pitched well, but instead he walked two batters and threw only four of his 13 pitches for strikes while recording only one out. As a result, manager Torey Lovullo handed the ball to Chafin in the ninth to face the top of the Dodgers' order, and the southpaw delivered. McGough may have just had some butterflies as he made his first big-league appearance since 2015, and the closer picture in Arizona remains far from clear, but it looks as though Chafin's expected high-leverage role will include some save chances.

Jameson (1-0) picked up the win in Friday's 2-1 victory over the Dodgers, allowing one run on two hits and three walks over four innings of relief. He struck out five.

Merrill Kelly got the start but lasted only 3.2 innings and 74 pitches, forcing the Diamondbacks to turn to their bullpen early. Jameson stepped up with an impressive performance in long relief, firing 38 of his 66 pitches for strikes with 13 swinging strikes. The 25-year-old will continue in his bullpen role for now, but if a spot opens up in the rotation, expect him to get first crack at filling it.

Hand allowed one earned run on one hit and one walk while striking out one across one inning Friday against the Padres.

Hand made his Rockies debut and entered the game in the eighth inning with a four-run lead. He allowed the first two batters he faced to reach base, but he then retired the next three hitters to mitigate the damage. With Daniel Bard (not injury related) sidelined, saves are up for grabs in Colorado, though Pierce Johnson converted the opportunity Friday and appears to be getting the first chance to close.

Johnson allowed one hit in a scoreless inning against the Padres on Friday. He struck out two and earned the save.

Johnson worked around a leadoff single and made quick work of the Padres to close out the 4-1 win. He fired 14 of 19 pitches for strikes, including three whiffs, all coming on his curveball. With Daniel Bard (not injury related) unavailable, Johnson got the Rockies' first save opportunity while Brent Suter and Brad Hand pitched the seventh and eight frames.

Martinez (0-1) allowed four runs on six hits and two walks over seven innings against Colorado on Friday. He struck out five and took the loss.

Martinez coughed up a pair of runs on three hits and a walk in the first inning alone. He settled in for three scoreless frames before serving up a two-run shot to Charlie Blackmon in the fifth. It was the first time Martinez tossed seven innings since May 5 of last season. He threw a steady mix of five pitches, including a changeup that got 11 of his 15 total whiffs. Martinez is lined up to start in Atlanta next week.

Puk recorded his first save of the season Friday, giving up a run on one hit and striking out two in the ninth inning of a 2-1 win over the Mets.

Called upon to protect a 2-0 lead, Puk served up a solo shot to Pete Alonso on a 95 mph fastball that caught too much of the plate, but he also whiffed Francisco Lindor and Mark Canha. Dylan Floro worked the eighth inning with the Mets' 8-9-1 hitters due up, and while it might be too early to draw any conclusions about new manager Skip Schumaker's tendencies, the fact that Puk was held back for the heart of New York's order is a strong sign he's viewed as the Marlins' top relief arm.

The Diamondbacks acquired Misiewicz from the Cardinals for cash considerations Friday.

Misiewicz had been designated for assignment for the second time since early February and is on the move again. The left-hander holds a 4.43 ERA and 105:31 K:BB over 130.2 relief innings at the major-league level. He'll head to Triple-A Reno for now.

Martin (lat) was transferred Friday from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day injured list.

This move clears out a 40-man roster spot for lefty reliever Anthony Misiewicz, who the Diamondbacks acquired via trade Friday. Martin is done for the season after undergoing major surgery this spring to repair a right lat tendon avulsion.

Stephenson (elbow) is set to begin a minor-league rehab assignment Friday with Triple-A Indianapolis, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports.

Stephenson was placed on the 15-day injured list Opening Day, retroactive to March 27, after being slowed this spring by lingering right elbow soreness. He appears to be on track to join the Pirates' bullpen as soon as he is first eligible for activation.