MLB Player News

Howard gave up six earned runs on four hits and two walks while recording only two outs in Friday's 11-10 win over the Indians.

He surrendered a grand slam to Cesar Hernandez in his worst outing of 2021. Howard threw only 18 of 33 pitches for strikes, leading to his struggles. The lefty had compiled a 2.45 ERA and nine holds in 25.2 innings prior to Friday but saw his earned-run average jump nearly two runs to 4.44 after Friday's blowup.

Alzolay (finger) will start Monday's game against Cleveland, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Alzolay has been on the injured list since June 8 due to a blister on his right middle finger, but he's been throwing this week. As long as he doesn't experience any setbacks in the coming days, the right-hander will return to the mound for Monday's series opener.

Diaz was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse to serve as the 27th man in Saturday's doubleheader against the Nationals, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

Diaz was sent to the minors at the end of May, but he'll be available as bullpen depth in Saturday's twin bill. He's made five relief appearances since returning to Triple-A and has posted a 4.26 ERA and 1.58 WHIP in 6.1 innings.

Santillan (0-1) pitched only three innings while taking the loss in Friday's defeat to the Padres, allowing three runs on four hits, including two homers. He walked one and struck out three. He was lifted for a pinch hitter in the fourth inning with the Reds trying to tie the game with two outs.

Manager David Bell went with the quick hook in this one to tie the game up, but it didn't work out, and then the Reds' bullpen got pounded for five runs afterward.

Jansen pitched a perfect inning to notch the save in Friday's win over the Diamondbacks.

The veteran closer didn't fan any batters in the outing, but he threw 10 of 13 pitches for strikes and had little trouble setting down all three hitters he faced. Since blowing a save due to an unearned run against the Cubs on May 5, Jansen has held opponents scoreless in 15 of 16 appearances and has gone a perfect 12-for-12 in save opportunities. His overall 1.57 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and .101 BAA on the season leave little doubt that Jansen remains one of the game's elite closers.

Hand (4-2) picked up the win in Friday's 1-0 victory over the Mets, striking out one in a perfect ninth inning.

The lefty needed only six pitches (five strikes) to shut down the Mets in the top of the ninth, making him the pitcher of record when Juan Soto came around with the game's only run in the bottom half of the inning. Hand has put together a 1.80 ERA and 9:4 K:BB through 10 innings in June, racking up five saves and two wins over nine appearances.

Diaz (1-2) took the loss Friday as the Mets fell 1-0 to the Nationals, allowing one run on two hits and a walk without recording an out.

Entering a scoreless game in the bottom of the ninth inning, Diaz walked Juan Soto to lead off the frame, then served up singles to Ryan Zimmerman and Yan Gomes to hand the Nats a walkoff win. The right-hander had a 0.77 ERA over his prior 12 appearances heading into Friday but non-save situations can bring out the worst in a closer, and Diaz's job is in no jeopardy.

Bard allowed a run on a walk and two hits over one inning in Friday's win over Milwaukee. He struck out one and was charged with a blown save.

Bard entered the ninth inning with a 5-4 lead but coughed up an RBI double to Willy Adames to force extra innings. It was his first blown save since May 12 and he's now failed in four of his 13 chances this season. The veteran righty is sporting a 4.03 ERA and a 37:12 K:BB.

Curtiss (3-1) allowed one hit in 1.1 scoreless innings to earn the win in Friday's 10-2 victory over the Cubs.

Curtis followed starter Cody Poteet, who lasted only 3.2 innings and failed to qualify for the win in his return from a knee injury. After a strong start to the year, Curtiss has allowed seven runs (five earned) in his last 11 innings. The right-hander has a 2.97 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 33:6 K:BB across 30.1 innings, mainly as a low-leverage reliever, although he's also taken two turns as an opener.

Antone (forearm) is expected to throw another bullpen Sunday, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Antone felt good after his bullpen session Friday, but he'll have at least one more throwing session before he's cleared to return from the injured list. However, the right-hander is optimistic that he could be activated Monday or Tuesday.