MLB Player News

Kilian gave up three earned runs on three hits and two walks while striking out six in five innings Saturday in Game 2 of the doubleheader against the Cardinals. He did not factor in the decision.

The Cubs' top pitching prospect, Kilian made his long-awaited debut in the nightcap against St. Louis and was perfect through the first three innings, including striking out the first two batters he faced. The Cardinals struck for three runs in the fourth inning with the top of the lineup getting a second look at Kilian. He leaned on his 93-mph sinker (touched 97 mph) and his 89-mph cutter (touched 92 mph) while also mixing in his 95-mph four-seamer and his curveball. It remains to be seen if Kilian will stick in a six-man rotation, but he could be optioned back to Triple-A Iowa when Chris Martin is activated from the bereavement list.

Diamondbacks pitching coach Brent Strom said Gilbert will "probably" start Tuesday in Cincinnati, Jose M. Romero of the Arizona Republic reports.

Gilbert, who is currently on the taxi squad while Arizona is on the road, would be taking the spot vacated by the injured Humberto Castellanos (elbow). The left-hander has made three appearances for Arizona this season, posting a 5.02 ERA while allowing five home runs in 14.1 innings.

Melancon (1-6) took the loss Saturday versus the Pirates. He allowed two runs on two hits without recording an out.

Melancon was taken deep by Jack Suwinski for a walkoff two-run home run in the ninth inning. This was the fifth time in 22 appearances Melancon has allowed multiple runs. He's now 11-for-13 in save chances while sporting an ugly 6.87 ERA, 1.80 WHIP and 11:5 K:BB through 18.1 innings. Ian Kennedy or Joe Mantiply could be options for saves if Melancon's struggles continue deeper into the season.

Matzek (shoulder inflammation) has started playing catch, Justin Toscano of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

He was shut down from throwing a couple weeks ago, and it seems like he is starting to ramp back up. Matzek is without a timetable to return.

Hjelle was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento on Saturday.

Hjelle was recalled by the Giants on Friday, and he allowed two runs on two hits and two walks while striking out five over three relief innings. The right-hander will head back to the minors a day later after Austin Slater (wrist) was reinstated from the 10-day injured list.

Kranick underwent Tommy John surgery Saturday, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Kranick was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on May 12, but he didn't make any appearances following his demotion due to his forearm/elbow injury. The right-hander will be forced to miss the remainder of the 2022 season and a significant portion of the 2023 campaign following Saturday's procedure. It's a discouraging development for the 24-year-old, who displayed increased velocity this year and posted a 2.70 ERA and 1.13 WHIP in 6.2 innings over three appearances (two starts) in Indianapolis.

Hernandez was optioned to Triple-A Jacksonville on Saturday.

Hernandez struggled over the first two months of the regular season, and he'll ultimately lose his spot in the Marlins' rotation after allowing 12 runs on 15 hits and two walks while striking out 10 in 8.1 innings over his last two outings. The 27-year-old generated some production in the big leagues over the last few years, so it's possible he'll rejoin the Marlins at some point if he can right the ship in Jacksonville. Braxton Garrett is with the Marlins as part of their taxi squad, and he'll likely take Hernandez's place in the starting rotation.

Thompson gave up one run on three hits and one walk while striking out three over four innings Friday against the Cubs. He earned the save in his big-league debut.

He was the eighth player since at least 1901 to pitch four or more innings and record a save in his MLB debut and the first in 45 years. Thompson is a starter by trade, and he gave the Cardinals some length out of the bullpen in the first game of a four-game weekend series. Given his success in this debut and at Triple-A this season (3.66 xFIP, 1.15 WHIP, 22.0 K-BB%), he could be an option to slot into the rotation at some point this summer.

Pallante will start the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Cubs, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Pallante has been effective as a multi-inning reliever for the Cardinals this year, posting a 1.07 ERA and 1.38 WHIP in 25.1 innings over 17 relief appearances. The 23-year-old last pitched when he tossed 3.1 innings against the Padres on Monday to earn his first career win, so he'll be pitching on full rest during his first major-league start.

Menez was designated for assignment by the Cubs on Saturday, Tim Stebbins of NBC Sports Chicago reports.

Menez was sent down May 17, and he'll lose his spot on the 40-man roster as part of a move after Caleb Kilian's contract was selected from Triple-A Iowa on Saturday. Menez has made eight appearances (one start) in the minors and has posted a 2.08 ERA and 1.17 WHIP in 17.1 innings. If he goes unclaimed on waivers, he'll likely remain in the organization.