MLB Player News

May (triceps) was diagnosed Wednesday with a stress reaction on the lower portion of his humerus and will be shut down from throwing for at least four weeks, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

May's triceps injury first surfaced during an April 11 appearance against the Phillies, but he missed only a few days before he was made available out of the bullpen. However, after giving up six earned runs in 6.1 innings over his subsequent six relief appearances, May acknowledged earlier this week that his triceps had still been bothering him. The Mets placed him on the 15-day injured list Tuesday and sent him in for an MRI, which revealed the stress reaction. Since he'll need additional time to build up his arm once he's cleared to throw again, May won't realistically make his return from the IL until at least mid-to-late June.

Avila was recalled from Triple-A El Paso to serve as the 27th man in Wednesday's doubleheader against the Guardians.

Avila was sent down by the Padres on Sunday, but he'll provide an additional bullpen arm for Wednesday's twin bill. Over two major-league appearances this year, he's allowed two runs on three hits and a walk while striking out five in four innings.

Melancon (undisclosed) played long toss on the field and later threw in the bullpen late Monday night, well after the game ended, Jose M. Romero of the Arizona Republic reports.

Melancon has been on the injured list since last Friday after a positive COVID-19 test. Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said the team cleared everything with MLB to allow Melancon to participate in the activity with no one else around. The reliever's status is up in the air, per Lovullo, who added Melancon needs another negative test to be activated.

Kimbrel saved Tuesday's 3-1 win against the Giants, allowing one hit and one walk while striking out one in the ninth inning.

Kimbrel's fifth save didn't come easy as he walked Wilmer Flores to lead off the inning and recorded the third out with the go-ahead run at the plate. The 26 pitches required for the three outs are a season high and Kimbrel may not be available for Wednesday's game as a result.

Williams closed out the Reds on Tuesday to earn his second save of the season. He struck out one batter in a perfect ninth inning.

Manager Craig Counsell revealed after the game that Josh Hader was unavailable due to mid-back spasms. Fortunately for the Brewers, they have another one of the best relievers in baseball in Williams, who can step in for saves while Hader is ailing, though it doesn't sound like the lefty will be out more than a few additional days as a result of this particular issue.

Hudson (2-2) took the loss, allowing three runs on nine hits and two walks while striking out four in six innings in a 7-1 loss in Kansas City.

The damage against Hudson could have been much greater if not for some well-timed double-play balls. Eleven of the 27 batters against him reached base, with only Bobby Witt's solo homer going for extra bases. Entering the game, the righty had a 1.02 WHIP but that increased to 1.21 following the outing. It was the third consecutive start in which the 27-year-old tossed at least six innings.

Effross (0-1) took the loss and allowed two unearned runs on two hits in 1.1 innings in a 3-1 defeat Tuesday against the White Sox.

Effross was named the starter earlier in the day when Drew Smyly was placed on the bereavement list. He retired the side in order in the first but a throwing error led to two unearned runs in the second inning, putting him in line for the loss. The 28-year-old has demonstrated excellent control as a big leaguer, walking just two batters in 26 innings over the past two seasons. The Cubs have utilized him primarily in middle relief and he likely will stay in that role for the time being.

Hader was unavailable for Tuesday's game against the Reds due to mid-back spasms, Will Sammon of The Athletic reports.

The All-Star lefty didn't enter for the ninth inning with the Brewers leading 6-3, and manager Craig Counsell revealed the injury following the contest. Hader hasn't pitched since April 27 and had the spasms surface Saturday, but he threw a successful bullpen session Tuesday and is expected to be available Wednesday or Thursday. Devin Williams secured the save in his place and could receive another save opportunity Wednesday should Hader be held out again.

Thompson allowed one run on four hits across 3.2 innings of relief in Tuesday's loss to the White Sox. He didn't have any walks or strikeouts.

With Scott Effross making the spot start as Drew Smyly hit the bereavement list before the game, the Cubs needed some length from their bullpen, and Thompson delivered. The righty has turned into a useful long-relief option, as he's pitched at least three innings in each of his last five appearances. For the season, Thompson has an impressive 0.89 ERA across 20.1 innings.

Mantiply didn't allow a baserunner and earned the save with a scoreless ninth inning during Tuesday's 5-4 win over the Marlins. He did not record a strikeout.

The 31-year-old picked up his second save of the season Tuesday since closer Mark Melancon (undisclosed) is on the COVID-19 injured list. Ian Kennedy has recorded two saves with Melancon sidelined, but Mantiply is also with the mix as Arizona's fill-in closer. Mantiply is unscored upon through 10 innings this season and has a 0.70 WHIP and 4:1 K:BB.