MLB Player News

The Giants officially recalled Hjelle from Triple-A Sacramento on Sunday.

Though John Brebbia is getting the start for the Giants in Sunday's series finale with the White Sox, he's expected to serve as more of an opener than a traditional starter. Hjelle, who struck out six over five scoreless frames in his most recent start for Sacramento on June 26, profiles as a potential primary pitcher out of the bullpen, if the Giants elect to go that route. Depending on how he fares Sunday, Hjelle could stick with the big club on a more permanent basis, as the team has an opening in the rotation with Anthony DeSclafani (knee) recently returning to the injured list.

The Mets recalled Holderman from Triple-A Syracuse on Sunday, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

New York added Holderman to the big-league pitching staff as a replacement for starter David Peterson (personal), who was placed on the paternity list. Peterson is expected to return from the list to start the Mets' series opener with the Marlins on Thursday, at which point Holderman could be a candidate to head back to the minors. Over 11.1 innings with the Mets this season, Holderman has turned in a 3.18 ERA and 1.24 WHIP across 10 relief appearances.

Hicks (forearm) allowed two hits in 1.2 scoreless innings Saturday versus the Phillies. He did not strike out or walk a batter.

Hicks missed over a month with the forearm strain, and he returned in a multi-inning role. The hard-throwing right-hander appears set to remain in the bullpen for the rest of the season after beginning the year as a starter. He has a 4.75 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 29:20 K:BB across 10 appearances (seven starts). Hicks will have some time to acclimate himself to long relief again, but success in that role could he see him eventually joining the Cardinals' high-leverage mix since he has previous closing experience.

The Pirates placed De Los Santos on the COVID-19-related injured list Sunday.

Pittsburgh will get reliever Duane Underwood (illness) back from the COVID-19-related IL on Sunday, only to lose another bullpen arm to the same inactive list. Provided he makes a quick recovery from the illness and doesn't experience overly severe symptoms of the virus, De Los Santos should have a good chance to rejoin the Pittsburgh bullpen before the All-Star break. Over 12.2 innings with the big club this season, De Los Santos has picked up two saves to go with a 2.84 ERA and 0.95 WHIP.

The Pirates optioned Wilson to Triple-A Indianapolis on Sunday.

Though Wilson was sent back to the minors after striking out four and allowing two earned runs over six innings en route to capturing a win in Saturday's 7-4 triumph over the Brewers, he shouldn't have to wait long before rejoining the big club. According to Mike Persak of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, general manager Ben Cherington said Sunday that the demotion won't preclude Wilson from rejoining the big club Thursday, when the Pirates will need to break in a temporary sixth starter for their doubleheader with the Reds.

The Pirates reinstated Underwood (illness) from the COVID-19-related injured list Sunday, Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic reports.

Underwood will be available out of the Pittsburgh bullpen for Sunday's series finale with Milwaukee after he was able to regain his conditioning following a two-appearance rehab assignment at Double-A Altoona. Before testing positive for COVID-19 on June 13 and landing on the IL, Underwood gathered three holds and posted a 4.24 ERA and 1.29 WHIP across 17 innings out of the big-league bullpen.

The Cubs recalled Rucker from Triple-A Iowa on Sunday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

He'll be joining the big club as a replacement for Alec Mills (back), who was placed on the 15-day injured list just seven pitches into his start in Saturday's win over the Red Sox. Since Mark Leiter came on in long relief and covered 5.1 innings out of the bullpen, he likely won't be available for at least a few days, so Rucker should provide a fresh arm in the interim. Over his previous 12 outings this season with the Cubs spanning 19.2 innings, Rucker posted a 5.49 ERA and 1.47 WHIP.

Dominguez (4-2) took the loss Saturday against the Cardinals, allowing a run on one hit while striking out two and walking none across 1.1 innings.

Dominguez gave up the game-winning run in the top of the ninth inning on a solo shot from Nolan Arenado. Since Corey Knebel lost the closing job, Dominguez has shared the closer role with Brad Hand. Dominguez still has a solid 1.80 ERA and has converted two of his three save chances on the season.

Helsley (4-1) earned the win Saturday against Philadelphia, allowing no runs and no hits while striking out five and walking one in two innings of relief.

Helsley snagged the win after a ninth-inning walk-off home run from Nolan Arenado. He threw 23 of 37 pitches for strikes in a dominant two innings of relief. Helsley is clearly a high-leverage reliever for St. Louis, though the team seems to be splitting save chances between him and Giovanny Gallegos. Helsley holds a 0.83 ERA across 32.2 innings this season.

Scott picked up the save in Saturday's 5-3 win over the Nationals, allowing one hit in one scoreless inning.

Four Marlins pitchers have earned saves this season, but Scott leads them with nine after picking up a save against the Nationals. The lefty seems to have a firm grasp on the closer role at this point. His ERA spiked to 5.04 after a poor performance June 15, but Scott has not allowed a run in six appearances since then, and his ERA now sits at 4.06.