MLB Player News

Nelson will serve as the opener during Sunday's game against the Cardinals, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Nelson has pitched exclusively out of the bullpen to begin the season, but he'll make his first start of the year as Sunday's opener. He's lasted multiple innings in four of his last five appearances and has posted a 0.90 ERA and 0.70 WHIP in 10 innings during that time. Cristopher Sanchez will serve as the primary pitcher against St. Louis.

Littell landed on the 15-day injured list Saturday with a left oblique strain, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Littell was recalled Thursday and walked four batters in 1.1 innings of relief against the Padres the next day. Those command issues now look like they were injury-related. It's not yet clear how much time he's expected to miss.

Marte was recalled from Triple-A Sacramento on Saturday.

Marte was sent down by the Giants on Monday and tossed a scoreless relief inning during his lone appearance in Sacramento following his demotion. However, he'll rejoin San Francisco's bullpen as part of a move after Zack Littell (oblique) was placed on the injured list and Jake McGee was designated for assignment.

Lamet was recalled by the Padres on Saturday.

Lamet was demoted in mid-May after struggling to a 9.72 ERA across his first 10 relief outings of the year. Both his 23.8 percent strikeout rate and his 16.7 percent walk rate represent career worsts. He's been far better in nine outings for Triple-A El Paso, cruising to a 0.93 ERA and 34.9 percent strikeout rate, though his 11.6 percent walk rate remains elevated. Craig Stammen (shoulder) landed on the injured list in a corresponding move.

Farmer's contract was selected from Triple-A Louisville on Saturday.

Farmer made 10 relief appearances for the Reds earlier in the year, and he posted a 6.75 ERA and 1.83 WHIP in 12 innings. The right-hander rejoined the Reds on a minor-league deal after being designated for assignment in May, and he'll be added to the major-league bullpen after Ross Detwiler (back) was placed on the 15-day injured list Saturday.

Brogdon (illness) dealt with tightness in his forearm following his recent rehab outing, though he could still join the Phillies within a week, Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Brogdon has been on the COVID-19 injured list for just over two weeks. He struck out two batters in a scoreless rehab appearance Thursday but now seems to be dealing with a minor forearm issue. The Phillies bumped his next scheduled outing from Saturday to Sunday, but if all goes well he'll pitch one more time Tuesday or Wednesday before returning to the active roster during next weekend's series against the Marlins.

Bass struck out two in a perfect seventh inning Friday to record his 14th hold of the season in a win over the Mets.

The right-hander reeled off his 11th straight scoreless appearance in impressive fashion. Bass might be Miami's most reliable reliever at the moment, posting a 0.54 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and 13:2 K:BB through 16.2 innings since the beginning of June, but he hasn't had a save since 2020 and manager Don Mattingly seems more comfortable using the 34-year-old in a setup role.

Okert gave up a run on a hit, two walks and a hit-by-pitch while striking out one in the eighth inning Friday to record his 12th hold of the season in a win over the Mets.

Brought in to face New York's 2-3-4 hitters in a 4-1 game, Okert made things a little too interesting by serving up a solo shot to Francisco Lindor before loading the bases with two outs. Fortunately, the southpaw got Eduardo Escobar to fly out to end the rally. Okert has given up runs in back-to-back appearances, but with Tanner Scott still holding down the closer role, Okert's spot as the Marlins' top left-handed setup man seems fairly secure. Since the beginning of June, he sports a 2.70 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 14:6 K:BB through 13.1 innings with three wins and six holds.

Floro walked one and struck out one in a scoreless sixth inning to record his fourth hold of the season in Friday's win over the Mets.

The veteran right-hander notched saves in his prior two appearances, but Floro was back in a setup role Friday, facing the heart of the Mets' order to protect a 2-1 lead. Tanner Scott remains the Marlins' closer but has had trouble finding the plate lately, and if his control issues force manager Don Mattingly to make a change, Floro appears to be the top option to replace him despite a merely adequate 3.95 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 9:2 K:BB through 13.2 innings since the beginning of June.

Williams tossed a scoreless eighth inning and picked up his league-leading 22nd hold in Friday's victory over the Pirates.

Williams allowed a couple runners to reach base Friday, but when it was all said and done he wound up keeping the opponent off the scoreboard for the 23rd time in his last 23 appearances. Since that streak began, Williams has also posted a tiny 0.69 WHIP and a 36:8 K:BB over 21.2 frames.