MLB Player News

Martin struck out a career-high 13 batters and walked one over 5.2 innings for Triple-A Reno on Tuesday.

Martin's posted four excellent outings over his last five starts for the Aces, making a strong case to be considered for the open the Diamondbacks' No. 5 starter job. The right-hander has mixed in a curveball more effectively, Arizona assistant general manager Amiel Sawdaye told Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic. "I think the curveball gives him a little bit more separation (from his fastball and slider), a little bit more depth," Sawdaye said. "(Earlier this season), he would throw it every once in a while, but he didn't really want to throw it that much. Clearly, now he's throwing it more and it's giving him a little bit more of a swing-and-miss pitch." The Diamondbacks haven't named any starters yet for this weekend's series against the Tigers, but manager Torey Lovullo plans to use a fifth starter during the set. Martin should be a considered a longshot with Dallas Keuchel the most likely candidate.

Devenski (elbow) threw a scoreless inning, striking out one, in an Arizona Complex League game on Tuesday, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

This was Devenski's first rehab outing since undergoing Tommy John elbow surgery last June. The organization's plans for the veteran reliever are unclear. The Diamondbacks currently rank 21st in bullpen ERA at 4.29, so they could use some help. The club is in the initial stages of a rebuild, so it would seem Devenski is not viewed as a part of the future, but he could set himself up for his next gig with a strong second half in 2022.

Martinez gave up two runs (one earned) on three hits and a walk over 3.2 innings of relief Wednesday to record his first save of the season in a 10-4 win over the Diamondbacks. He struck out three.

The 31-year-old right-hander has been mostly effective for the Padres in a swing-man role this season, and that usage led to a rare three-inning save Wednesday, during which he tossed 53 pitches (40 strikes). Martinez will carry a 3.94 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 60:28 K:BB through 64 innings into his next appearance, and with San Diego's rotation healthy at the moment, that appearance will likely come out of the bullpen.

Thompson (7-2) allowed one earned run on four hits and one walk while striking out seven across six innings to earn the win Wednesday against the Pirates.

Thompson surrendered a home run to Diego Castillo to begin the second inning but otherwise shut down the Pittsburgh offense. It was the second consecutive excellent outing for Thompson, as he's allowed only one earned run across 12 innings while maintaining a 16:3 K:BB. Thompson has been effective as both a starter and reliever this season, maintaining a 3.10 ERA across 61 frames.

Cabrera allowed two walks and hit a batter with one strikeout in two innings to earn the save in Wednesday's 5-4 win over the Brewers.

Cabrera put two on base with two outs in the ninth inning, but he got a groundout from Christian Yelich to end the threat. This was Cabrera's first save since 2020, but he's been part of the Cardinals' high-leverage mix with 10 holds this year. He's allowed three runs in 10.2 innings in June and now sports a 2.27 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 26:12 K:BB across 31.2 innings overall. Ryan Helsley and Giovanny Gallegos are still likely to see most of the save chances, but both of them covered two innings each in Tuesday's contest to allow Cabrera the opportunity to close Wednesday.

Manager Brian Snitker said Wednesday that Matzek (shoulder) is on the cusp of beginning a rehab assignment, Maria Torres of The Athletic reports.

Matzek landed on the injured list with left shoulder inflammation in mid-May and was shut down for several weeks prior to beginning a throwing program in early June. The southpaw is slated to throw a side session in the coming days and will likely be cleared to join a minor-league affiliate if he feels good afterward.

Mears (elbow) is dealing with right forearm tightness following Wednesday's rehab start at Triple-A Indianapolis, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports.

Mears has been recovering from right elbow surgery since mid-March and appeared to be closing in on a return from the injured list prior to Wednesday's outing, but it's concerning to see him dealing with a forearm issue. The Pirates haven't yet determined the next steps in his recovery process, but he'll likely be monitored in the coming days.

Peters (back) will throw live batting practice in Tampa sometime this weekend, Chris Halicke of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

Peters landed on the 15-day IL due to a back muscle spasm in early June, and he won't return to action when first eligible. However, he'll take a significant step in his recovery process by facing live hitters over the weekend and could return to game action sometime next week if he feels good following his live BP.

Diaz (biceps) played catch Wednesday, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Diaz was placed on the 15-day injured list Sunday due to right biceps tendinitis, but it's encouraging to see him throwing off flat ground several days after the transaction. Although biceps tendinitis can sometimes lead to more serious issues, the right-hander has made good progress early in his IL stint and doesn't currently appear to be dealing with a particularly severe injury.

Leone allowed two hits and struck out one in a scoreless inning to pick up a hold in Tuesday's 12-10 win over Atlanta.

Leone has emerged as more of a high-leverage option in June, recording five of his nine holds this season in his nine appearances this month. In that span, he's given up one run on nine hits and two walks with seven strikeouts in 8.2 innings. For the season, the veteran right-hander owns a steady 2.36 ERA with a 1.28 WHIP and 29:5 K:BB in 26.2 innings. He's added a save, a blown save and a 3-0 record, though he's likely to be fourth at best in the bullpen hierarchy behind Camilo Doval, Jake McGee and Tyler Rogers.