MLB Player News

Banks allowed two runs on four hits and one walk in 1.1 innings Thursday against the Athletics. He struck out two.

Banks hasn't been a particularly reliable arm out of Philadelphia's bullpen in the early going. Only nine of his 15 appearances have been scoreless outings in terms of earned runs allowed, and the 34-year-old has a 6.75 ERA, 2.39 WHIP and 18:9 K:BB with two holds across 14.2 innings.

Varland secured the save Thursday against the Twins, allowing no runs on one hit and no walks in 1.1 innings. He struck out two.

Varland filled the zone for 12 strikes among his 16 offerings, permitting a lone innocuous single to Byron Buxton in the eighth inning. The 29-year-old right-hander should continue to have Washington's closer role mostly to himself until Clayton Beeter (forearm) comes off the injured list. Varland has converted four of his six save opportunities, posting a 3.07 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 16:3 K:BB over 14.2 frames overall this year.

Imanaga (4-2) earned the win Thursday over the Reds, allowing a run on six hits and three walks over six innings. He struck out 10.

It was another strong showing from Imanaga, who logged double-digit strikeouts for the second time this season while holding Cincinnati scoreless until Sal Stewart led off the sixth inning with a homer. Imanaga has allowed just one run over 13 innings in his last two starts, lowering his ERA to 2.28 on the year with a 0.93 WHIP and 53 strikeouts across eight outings (47.1 innings). Imanaga is currently in line to face Atlanta on the road his next time out.

Palencia retired a single batter via strikeout to record the save in Thursday's 8-3 win over the Reds.

The Cubs were looking to let their top reliever rest Thursday, but with Cincinnati threatening in the top of the ninth inning with the bases loaded, Palencia got the call. The flamethrowing righty got a battle from Nathaniel Lowe before retiring him on seven pitches. Palencia just returned from the injured list Sunday and has recorded only two saves this season across seven appearances, but he's locked in as Chicago's closer and should begin racking up the saves more frequently with the team streaking to a 26-12 record.

The Phillies claimed Holman off waivers from Detroit on Thursday and optioned him to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Holman will join his fifth organization in just three months after previously spending time with the A's, Diamondbacks, Dodgers and Tigers. His move to Philadelphia will put him back on a 40-man roster, though he will begin his tenure with the club in the minors after giving up three earned runs in four innings with Detroit's Triple-A affiliate.

Roberts (finger) made the fifth appearance of his rehab assignment Wednesday with Triple-A Iowa, striking out one batter while allowing one hit and two walks over a scoreless inning.

Roberts was placed on the 15-day injured list April 14 due to a right middle finger laceration but was cleared to head out on a rehab assignment a week and a half later. Through his five appearances, Roberts has permitted one run while posting a 5:4 K:BB across five innings. He could be a candidate to return from the IL this weekend during the Cubs' three-game series versus the Rangers.

The Pirates recalled Sanders from Triple-A Indianapolis on Thursday.

Sanders joined the Pirates' taxi squad ahead of Wednesday's contest, and he'll now grab a spot on the active roster to make up for the loss of Chris Devenski (illness). Sanders will likely be limited to low-leverage work after allowing four runs in three MLB innings this year and logging a 5.19 ERA and 2.44 WHIP at Indianapolis.

The Pirates placed Devenski on the 15-day injured list Thursday due to an illness.

Devenski would have been eligible to return from his two-game suspension Thursday, but he'll instead spend the next couple of weeks on the injured list due to an undisclosed illness. Cam Sanders was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis in a corresponding move.

The Marlins selected Jones' contract from Triple-A Jacksonville on Thursday.

Jones earned the promotion by holding a 3.24 ERA and 19:13 K:BB over 16.2 frames with Double-A Pensacola this season. The 28-year-old will be making his major-league debut when/if he enters a game.

The Cubs recalled Hollowell from Triple-A Iowa on Thursday, Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Hollowell has permitted only two runs with a 15:6 K:BB over his first eight innings at Iowa. He'll give manager Craig Counsell a fresh bullpen arm.