MLB Player News

Diaz gave up a hit and a walk while striking out two in a scoreless ninth inning to earn the save in a 4-1 win over the Rangers on Sunday.

Diaz allowed a couple of baserunners, but he used his power slider to strike out a pair of hitters before getting out of the inning with his 18th save of the season. His save total ties him for fifth-best in the majors and comes along with an enviable 1.95 ERA. The 28-year-old flamethrower's most impressive stat could be his strikeouts -- he has struck out 63 batters over 32.1 innings for an incredible 17.5 K/9.

Scott (4-2) allowed a run on a hit and a walk while striking out one in one inning to earn the win over the Nationals on Sunday.

Scott pitched in a third consecutive game Sunday and was unable to preserve the Marlins' one-run lead in the bottom of the ninth inning. However, he picked up his fourth win of the season since Miami won the game in the 10th inning. Although Scott was unable to earn the save Sunday, he's earned decent job security as the Marlins' closer over the first half of the season.

Floro struck out two in a perfect 10th inning to earn the save in Sunday's win over the Nationals.

The 31-year-old hasn't worked in many high-leverage situations for the Marlins this season, but he was called upon Sunday to preserve a three-run lead in the 10th inning after Tanner Scott blew the save in the bottom of the ninth inning. Floro has a lackluster 5.21 ERA and 1.26 WHIP in 19 innings over 20 appearances this year and is unlikely to see regular save chances going forward.

Morejon (shoulder) started playing catch again Friday, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Morejon was placed on the injured list with left shoulder inflammation June 23, but Padres manager Bob Melvin suggested that the issue isn't a major concern. Still, the organization is likely to take a careful approach with the southpaw given the fact that Morejon is 14 months removed from Tommy John surgery. Regarding the shoulder injury, Melvin stated, "I don't think it's anything serious -- he's obviously somebody we're going to be careful with after what he went through."

Long allowed a hit and a walk while striking out three over three scoreless innings during Sunday's 13-4 loss to the White Sox.

Long covered the most outs of the six pitchers the Giants used Sunday. He allowed a three-run double to Gavin Sheets in the fifth inning after taking over for Sean Hjelle, but Long was otherwise strong in his longest outing since June 15. The southpaw has yet to cover more than three innings in a major-league outing this year, and he threw 31 of 45 pitches for strikes Sunday. Long has a 1.80 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 18:8 K:BB through 17 appearances (five starts). He could be a candidate to join the Giants' rotation, at least until Jakob Junis (hamstring) is activated, after Anthony DeSclafani (ankle) was ruled out for the remainder of the season Sunday. Manager Gabe Kapler hasn't officially disclosed the Giants' pitching plans for the next time the fifth starter's spot comes up in the rotation.

Hjelle (0-1) allowed six runs (four earned) on eight hits and struck out three in two innings, taking the loss Sunday versus the White Sox.

Hjelle worked as the third pitcher in the game for the Giants. He was likely expected to provide length out of the bullpen, but the White Sox were able to get to him in three straight frames, and he left with no outs and the bases loaded in the fifth inning. Hjelle has allowed six earned runs in six innings across three major-league appearances this year, and he's added a 9:2 K:BB. He's primarily worked as a starter with Triple-A Sacramento, and he could be optioned out soon so the Giants can replenish their bullpen depth.

Bard saved Sunday's 6-5 win against the Diamondbacks, allowing a hit and two walks in a scoreless ninth.

Despite strong opposition from Arizona, Bard successfully protected a one-run lead and delivered his 16th save in 18 tries. A one-out Josh Rojas double presented a threat that evolved into a bases-loaded, two-out jam, but the 37-year-old was able to induce a Daulton Varsho groundout to end the game. Bard has successfully converted his last seven save chances and improved his ERA to 2.05 with the scoreless appearance.

Hader struck out two batters in a scoreless ninth inning to notch a save over the Pirates on Sunday. He allowed one hit and one walk.

Hader found himself in a bases-loaded, two-out jam, but he escaped to preserve the 2-0 victory for Milwaukee. After nine straight outings without issuing a free pass, he's now walked a batter in consecutive appearances for the first time since April 12 and 13. Still, the superstar closer owns a stellar 43:8 K:BB and a 1.05 ERA while going 25 for 26 in save chances this season.

Santillan (back) began core-strengthening exercises this weekend and could be cleared to resume a throwing program within the next week, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Santillan may have an outside chance of making it back for the final weekend before the All-Star break if he avoids any further snags in his rehab program for his strained lower back, but given the Reds' place in the standings, it wouldn't be surprising if he was held out for the remainder of the first half. Before landing on the shelf, Santillan had recorded a save, blown save or hold in each of his final seven appearances, but he may not immediately factor into closing situations upon his return. While Santillan has been sidelined, Hunter Strickland has notched three saves in as many chances and looks to be manager David Bell's preferred closing option.

Brebbia allowed a hit and struck out one in a scoreless inning in Sunday's 13-4 loss to the White Sox. He did not factor in the decision.

Brebbia was the opener in what was ultimately a bullpen game. This is the second time he's served in that role this season, while he's added 35 relief appearances. The right-hander has allowed three runs (two earned), 11 hits and four walks with 13 strikeouts in 12.2 innings since the start of June. He could continue to see time as an opener while the Giants' rotation is short-staffed, but he's most likely to return to a middle-relief role.