MLB Player News

Kimbrel (2-3) earned the win Monday against the Reds after tossing a scoreless ninth inning, allowing one hit and one walk while fanning three.

Kimbrel pitched the top of the ninth when the game was tied 5-5, and while he allowed two baserunners, he also struck out the side and set the stage for the Cubs' comeback in the bottom of the ninth. Kimbrel has now gone 23 straight appearances without giving up an earned run, and his ERA stands at a minuscule 0.49, accompanied by an equally impressive 0.71 WHIP.

The Padres activated Ramirez (shoulder) from the 10-day injured list Monday and optioned him to Triple-A El Paso.

The transaction clears a spot on the active roster for infielder Adam Frazier, whom the team officially acquired Monday in a trade with the Pirates. Ramirez was placed on the IL on July 8 with left rotator cuff inflammation, but he was cleared to begin a rehab assignment at El Paso last week and appears to be fully healthy.

Atlanta optioned Wilson to Triple-A Gwinnett on Tuesday.

For the second time in less than a week, Wilson will be sent back to Triple-A after being called up the prior day to start the second game of a doubleheader. His latest outing went better than his first, as held the Mets scoreless over three frames Monday while striking out two and allowing six baserunners in a no-decision.

Diaz struck out the side in a perfect seventh inning to record his 22nd save of the season in a 1-0 win over Atlanta during the second game of Monday's doubleheader.

He needed only 14 pitches (nine strikes) to plow through Atlanta's 5-6-7 hitters. Diaz has rebounded in impressive fashion since a rough stretch sandwiched around the All-Star break, converting three straight saves chances with a 0.00 ERA and 7:1 K:BB in three innings.

Almonte (COVID-19 injured list) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Tuesday at the Rockies' spring training facility in Arizona, the Associated Press reports.

After being placed on the COVID-19 IL on July 16, Almonte has seemingly cleared all health and safety protocols, so he's now in the process of ramping up again following his brief shutdown. Assuming Almonte checks out fine following Tuesday's bullpen session, the Rockies could have him pitch in a simulated game or head out on a brief minor-league rehab assignment before activating him. Almonte has struggled mightily this year, though, posting a 10.67 ERA and 1.93 WHIP across 27 innings out of the Colorado bullpen.

May (3-2) picked up the win in a 1-0 victory over Atlanta during the second game of Monday's doubleheader, tossing a perfect fifth inning with no walks or strikeouts.

Aaron Loup was used as an opener in a bullpen game for the Mets, and May was in the right place at the right time when the game's only run scored in the bottom of the fifth inning. The right-hander has been rock-solid since mid-June, posting a 1.65 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 21:7 K:BB over his last 16.1 innings with one win, two saves and four holds.

Wilson didn't factor into the decision in a 1-0 loss to the Mets in the second game of Monday's doubleheader, giving up four hits and a walk over three scoreless innings. He struck out two.

The right-hander tossed 33 of 54 pitches for strikes in his first big-league appearance since June 20, and Atlanta may be regretting not pushing him a bit harder after Luke Jackson gave up the game's only run in the fifth inning. With Drew Smyly (knee) apparently good to go for his next start, Wilson will likely either return to Triple-A or move into a long-relief role with the big club.

Hand (5-5) allowed three runs on two hits and a walk while striking out the only batter he retired as he took the loss versus Philadelphia on Monday.

Monday marked Hand's third straight loss and second consecutive blown save. The southpaw allowed a double to Jean Segura and walked Bryce Harper before Andrew McCutchen hit a walkoff home run. Hand is now 20-for-25 in save chances with a 3.67 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 41:18 K:BB through 41.2 innings. If his struggles continue much longer, Daniel Hudson could begin to work his way into a share of the closer role. Hudson allowed two hits in a scoreless inning to earn his 15th hold Monday before Hand's meltdown.

Howard (finger) isn't expected to miss any time after leaving Monday's start early against Washington, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

According to Zolecki, Howard left the game after a callus over a blister was torn away. He allowed three runs on six hits and struck out two over 3.2 innings prior to his departure. Fortunately, the issue shouldn't force the right-hander to miss his next turn through the rotation.

Smith registered the save after allowing one hit in a scoreless inning during Game 1 of Monday's doubleheader against the Mets.

Smith allowed the tying run to step to the plate after a one-out single, but he induced a double play to slam the door in a 2-0 shoutout. The southpaw has successfully converted on each of his last four save chances and is 20-for-22 on the year. Smith owns a 3.40 ERA and 1.08 WHIP with a 50:12 K:BB across 39.2 frames in 2021.