MLB Player News

Smith saved Monday's 6-3 victory over the Cardinals, allowing one hit and two walks with two strikeouts in a scoreless ninth inning.

Smith entered in the ninth inning to protect a three-run lead and made things interesting by loading the bases with one out and the heart of St. Louis' lineup due up, but he was able to retire Nolan Arenado and Albert Pujols to secure the win. The 32-year-old has recorded three saves while Kenley Jansen's been shelved with a chest injury and should continue to function as the closer for at least another week with Jansen targeting a July 12 return.

Manaea (3-4) took the loss during Monday's 8-2 defeat at the hands of the Mariners, allowing four runs on eight hits and four walks with three strikeouts in 3.1 innings.

Manaea surrendered four baserunners and two runs in the first inning then another five and two in the fourth before being pulled with one out and the bases loaded. Reliever Tayler Scott was able to escape the jam; however, Manaea still tied his season low with a 27 game score. The 30-year-old found the zone with 38 of his 71 pitches and induced just four swinging strikes in tying another season worst with three strikeouts. Manaea carries a 4.18 ERA into his next start, projected to come early next week in Colorado.

Cabrera (illness) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Tuesday, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Cabrera has been sidelined since June 25, but his ability to report back to the St. Louis facility for workouts this week suggests he's cleared all COVID-19-related protocols. The Cardinals will assess his conditioning and arm strength after the bullpen session. If he checks out well, he may not need a minor-league rehab assignment before rejoining the 26-man active roster.

Almonte allowed a hit and struck out one to earn the save in Monday's 5-3 win over the Rockies.

Reyes Moronta made a mess of things quickly in the ninth inning, allowing a solo home run to C.J. Cron. He allowed two more baserunners aboard, and Almonte entered, promptly giving up an RBI single to Charlie Blackmon. Almonte was able to strike out Connor Joe, ending the threat and earning his first save in 18 appearances this year. In his last three outings, Almonte has been charged with two runs and four hits over two innings, so he's not in the sharpest form currently. He could still get some extra save chances in the short term with Craig Kimbrel (back) unavailable. Almonte has earned the high-leverage looks with a 1.74 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 22:7 K:BB across 20.2 innings, and he's added four holds.

Floro recorded the save Monday against the Nationals after allowing one run (zero earned) on two hits in the 10th inning.

Floro allowed a single to lead off the bottom of the 10th inning, but he then induced a double play and recorded the final out on a grounder to shortstop. The reliever has now picked up two saves in as many days, as the Marlins chose not to call on Tanner Scott following a blown save Sunday against Washington. However, Scott should continue to see regular save chances as the team's solidified closer, limiting save opportunities for Floro moving forward.

The Diamondbacks will call Gilbert up from Triple-A Reno to start Tuesday's game against the Giants, Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic reports.

Gilbert was hit hard in his last outing with the big-league club, surrendering seven runs (six earned) on five hits and two walks while fanning two over 1.2 frames against the Reds on June 7. It's worth noting that he's given up three runs or fewer in his last four minor-league starts since that nightmarish performance with Arizona, but the Giants will be a tough test for the 28-year-old southpaw.

Robertson allowed a run on two hits and a walk over one inning to blow the save Monday against the Brewers. He struck out three.

Robertson has been mostly outstanding this year with a 1.95 ERA and 44 strikeouts across 32.1 innings, but he does now have four blown saves in 15 opportunities. He loaded the bases Monday via a single, double and hit batter, then walked Christian Yelich to force in a run, which tied the game at 2-2. Robertson should still stick in the closer role for the Cubs, though he's a potential trade candidate before the deadline next month and could shift to a setup role on a new team.

Kimbrel said Monday that his back is sore after being struck by a line drive the day before, but he "thinks he will just need a day or two before he's ready to go again," Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Kimbrel could be unavailable for a game or two, but it does not appear he is facing any sort of extended absence. A couple pitchers could garner consideration if the Dodgers find themselves needing a closer before Kimbrel is ready to return.

Jansen (chest) expects to be activated from the injured list July 12, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Jansen is not eligible to come off the injured list until the 12th day of July, but he is planning to rejoin Atlanta's bullpen the first day he is able to. According to the report, Jansen "has been doing full workouts," which is certainly encouraging given that he is dealing with an irregular heartbeat.

Lawrence was recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque on Monday, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

Lawrence spent the last three weeks in the minors, but the Rockies are giving him another shot to show what he can do at the top level. Expect him to work in middle relief with the big club.