MLB Player News

Bednar struck out the side in the ninth inning to earn the save in the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Reds.

Bednar had to throw 17 pitches, but he ultimately managed to tally his fourth save of the season with little trouble. He's held opponents scoreless in 10 of his 11 appearances this season while racking up a very impressive 20:3 K:BB across 12.2 innings. While Chris Stratton has also recorded two saves this season, Bednar has served as the closer for each of Pittsburgh's last two chances and has exhibited the skills to succeed in the role.

Norris (0-2) gave up three runs across 1.1 innings to take the loss in the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Dodgers. He allowed no hits and three walks while striking out one.

Norris didn't allow any hits, but Los Angeles still found a way to get to him. The lefty started the second inning with three straight walks before recording a strikeout. Norris then left the game, and Keegan Thompson proceeded to walk in a run before allowing three more Dodgers to cross the plate on a bases-clearing double. Norris hasn't been particularly effective this year with an 8.59 ERA and 1.23 WHIP across 7.1 innings. He made the spot start Saturday but should shift back into a relief role moving forward.

Manaea (2-3) took the loss during Saturday's 8-0 defeat at the hands of the Marlins, allowing three runs on seven hits and one walk with eight strikeouts in six innings.

Manaea limited the damage to a solo home run early but permitted a two-run double to Garrett Cooper in the fifth inning to fall in line for the loss. The 30-year-old has hit a bit of a rough patch of late, surrendering 12 runs over his last 17 innings across three starts, whereas those marks were three runs through 19 innings in his first three turns. Manaea carries a 3.75 ERA into a projected start against Atlanta next weekend.

Gilbreath was recalled by the Rockies on Saturday, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Gilbreath had a brief stint with the big-league club earlier this season, but he allowed six earned runs while posting a 3:4 K:BB across 3.1 innings out of the bullpen. Justin Lawrence was optioned in the corresponding move.

Lawrence was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque on Saturday, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Lawrence has spent the entire season with the big-league club, maintaining a 2.19 ERA and 1.54 WHIP with a 16:10 K:BB across 12.1 innings. Lucas Gilbreath has been recalled in the corresponding move, which gives the Rockies an additional southpaw to throw out of the bullpen.

Junis will start Sunday's game against the Cardinals, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Junis made two appearances with the Giants in late April, combining to throw 10 scoreless innings with a 10:1 K:BB. Given that he threw five frames on each occasion, he should be fully stretched out for a regular workload Sunday. It's unclear whether Junis will stick in the rotation moving forward, as the Giants have an upcoming day off Thursday that would allow them to utilize a four-man rotation in the short term.

Kerr was recalled by the Padres on Saturday, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Kerr spent 11 days on the big-league roster earlier in the season but made just one appearance. He could see more opportunities this time around, as he'll be up to replace fellow lefty reliever Tim Hill, who hit the injured list with shoulder inflammation.

Hill landed on the 10-day injured list Saturday due to shoulder inflammation, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Hill has struggled to start the season, striking out just one batter in 5.2 innings while giving up seven runs on 11 hits. He'll now miss potentially an extended period, though the team hasn't specified exactly when he's expected back. Ray Kerr was recalled to give the Padres another lefty in the bullpen in Hill's absence.

Howard was designated for assignment by the Pirates on Saturday.

Howard had already lost his spot on the active roster when rosters shrunk to 26 players Monday. He'll now lose his spot on the 40-man as well as the Pirates clear space to select Michael Perez's contract.

Cousins' elbow injury is a concerning one and may involve issues with his UCL, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Cousins has been on the injured list for six days with what was originally called a right elbow effusion. Any mention of the UCL implies that Tommy John surgery could be on the table. The Brewers expect to know more about the problem next week.