MLB Player News

Helsley retired both batters he faced in Friday's win over Milwaukee. He struck out one and recorded a save.

After Kody Whitley coughed up a two-run shot to Keston Hiura, Helsley entered the game to finish off the 4-2 win. He's now thrown 16.1 frames this season without giving up an earned run. Over his last eight appearances, Helsley has registered a strong 15:3 K:BB while converting three of his four save chances.

Bickford was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Friday, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

The right-hander has a 3.45 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 13:3 K:BB over 15.2 innings for the Dodgers this season, but he'll head to Triple-A with Friday's starter, Ryan Pepiot, being promoted to the big-league club. Bickford also pitched well for Los Angeles last year with a 2.81 ERA, so it's only a matter of time before he's back in the majors.

Frias was optioned to Triple-A Reno on Friday.

Frias has been with the big-league club for the past week and made two appearances for Arizona, during which he allowed four runs on eight hits and three walks with one strikeout over 3.2 innings. Tyler Holton was promoted from Reno in a corresponding move.

Holton was recalled from Triple-A Reno on Friday.

Holton had his contract selected by Arizona in late April, and he was sent back to Reno a day later after delivering a scoreless frame in his major-league debut. The left-hander has struggled early in the season at Triple-A this year with a 5.65 ERA, 1.70 WHIP and 14:9 K:BB across 14.1 innings.

Alvarado was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Friday.

Alvarado's control issues finally reached a tipping point for the Phillies, so he'll exit the active roster to clear space for Friday's starter Bailey Falter. Alvarado's 15.4 percent walk rate is actually a notable improvement on his 18.7 percent mark from last year, but it's still nowhere near good enough and contributed heavily to his 7.62 ERA. His stuff is good enough that he could add to his 20 career saves at some point down the line if he could just figure out his command, but it doesn't look like such an improvement is coming any time soon.

Wilson (elbow) was transferred to the 60-day injured list Friday.

Wilson landed on the injured list in late April due to an elbow injury, and he'll be ineligible to return to action until at least late June after being moved to the 60-day IL. However, a recovery timetable for the left-hander hasn't yet been revealed.

Bruihl (1-1) was credited with the win against Arizona on Thursday, allowing two hits across one scoreless inning.

Los Angeles put up six runs early in the contest, but starter Mitch White was pulled after four scoreless frames. That enabled Bruihl, who followed White and pitched a scoreless fifth inning, to pick up the win. The left-hander has been solid for the Dodgers this season, allowing only three runs across 12 frames and posting a 1.00 WHIP while picking up two holds.

Cronin was promoted to Triple-A Rochester on Friday, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

Cronin was dominant as a reliever at Double-A Harrisburg to begin the season, as he posted a 22:7 K:BB and 0.75 WHIP in 16.1 scoreless innings over 14 appearances to begin the season. The southpaw has served as a non-roster invitee during the last two seasons, and he'll now be rewarded with a promotion to the Triple-A club.

Szapucki was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse on Friday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Szapucki made his first major-league start Wednesday against the Giants and gave up nine runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out two in 1.1 innings. It's not very surprising to see him sent down following his rough outing, but he'll likely be in the mix to serve as a spot starter later in the year since he has a 2.86 ERA and 1.32 WHIP in 22 innings for Syracuse.

Hader earned the save against the Cardinals on Thursday, pitching a scoreless ninth inning during which he allowed one hit and one walk while striking out one.

Hader was reinstated from the family medical emergency list earlier in the day and was called into action in the ninth inning with the Brewers leading by one run. He got into trouble by allowing two of the first three batters he faced to reach base but was able to close out the contest and earn the save. Hader is tied for the MLB lead with 16 saves in 16 opportunities on the campaign and has yet to allow a run over 14.2 innings. He's also racked up a 22:6 K:BB and posted a 0.61 WHIP.