MLB Player News

Helsley struck out two in a perfect inning to earn the save in Friday's 2-0 win over the Reds.

The Cardinals went ahead 2-0 in the first inning, and Helsley was able to protect that lead in the ninth for his fourth save of the season. The right-hander has logged 5.2 scoreless innings in his last four appearances, though he has a blown save in that span for allowing inherited runners to score last Saturday. The 27-year-old has been excellent this year with a 0.39 ERA, 0.51 WHIP, 32:6 K:BB, four holds and a 2-0 record through 19 appearances across 23.1 innings. Giovanny Gallegos allowed three walks in a scoreless eighth inning for the hold Friday -- he and Helsley should continue to be the top candidates for closing duties.

Pallante (2-0) pitched 5.1 shutout innings, allowing four hits and two walks with four strikeouts to earn the win Friday over the Reds.

After going 64 pitches last week, Pallante stretched out to 78 pitches (52 strikes) in a strong start Friday. Three of the six baserunners he allowed were in the first inning, but he was able to settle down after the shaky opening frame. Through 34.2 innings, Pallante has pitched to a 1.04 ERA, 1.41 WHIP and 24:16 K:BB in 19 appearances (two starts). With Jack Flaherty (shoulder) and Steven Matz (shoulder) unlikely to return next week, it seems likely Pallante gets at least one more turn in the rotation -- he lines up for a home start versus the Pirates next week.

Jansen struck out one batter in a perfect ninth inning to earn a save over the Pirates on Friday.

Jansen tossed just six of his 12 pitches for strikes Friday but he quickly retired the Pirates in order to finish off the 4-2 win. He's converted five straight saves, making his 17 for 20 on the year. The veteran righty now owns a 3.38 ERA with a 37:8 K:BB through 26.2 frames.

Suarez recently underwent knee surgery to clean up "some loose impediments" and will be shut down for a few weeks, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

While it's discouraging that Suarez required a procedure to address his knee injury, it seems unlikely that he'll require a significant absence. The right-hander will spend more than the minimum of 15 days on the injured list, and a better timetable for his return should come into focus once he ultimately resumes throwing.

Bender (back) threw a 15-pitch bullpen session Thursday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Bender resumed playing catch last week, but he was able to throw off a mound Thursday. The right-hander exclusively threw fastballs during the bullpen session, but it was a significant step forward in his recovery process. Assuming he continues to ramp up his workload in the coming days, it wouldn't be surprising to see him return to game action soon.

Rucker was optioned to Triple-A Iowa on Friday, Gordon Wittenmyer of NBC Sports Chicago reports.

Rucker allowed four runs (three earned) without recording an out his last time on the mound June 4, and he'll now make his way back to the minors. Chris Martin (personal) was reinstated from the restricted list in a corresponding move.

Martin (personal) was activated from the restricted list Friday, Gordon Wittenmyer of NBC Sports Chicago reports.

The veteran right-hander landed on the bereavement list in late May and shifted to the restricted list a week later, but he's back with the Cubs ahead of Friday's series opener against the Yankees. Martin has appeared in 18 games out of the bullpen this year and has a 3.94 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 21:4 K:BB across 16 innings.

Graterol (2-2) pitched a scoreless inning to earn the win against the White Sox on Thursday.

Dodgers starter Tyler Anderson allowed four straight batters to reach base in the fourth inning, so the team turned to Graterol with the bases loaded to stem the tide. The right-hander began by hitting Adam Engel with a pitch to allow a run to score, and he then gave up a sacrifice fly. However, Graterol was able to retire the final two batters of the frame to limit the damage. Los Angeles responded with six runs in the top of the fifth to take the lead and put Graterol in line for the win. He has been a key cog in the team's bullpen this season with a career-high seven holds in addition to the pair of victories.

White was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Friday.

The 27-year-old made starts in his past four outings for the Dodgers and had a 3.31 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 16:5 K:BB over 16.1 innings, but he'll head to the minors with Clayton Kershaw (pelvis) set to rejoin the rotation this weekend. White should be a candidate to for any spot starts the rest of the season for Los Angeles.

Kimbrel (personal) was activated from the paternity list Friday.

Kimbrel landed on the paternity list Tuesday and is back with the Dodgers after spending a few days with his family. The 34-year-old will reclaim the closer role from Daniel Hudson, who picked up one save during Kimbrel's absence.