MLB Player News

Antone (undisclosed) will be placed on the injured list Friday for what the Reds hope will be a minimum-length stay, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Manager David Bell said that Antone was unavailable Thursday, and while the team still hasn't specified the nature of the injury, it's evidently serious enough to shut him down for at least a brief period. Antone hasn't pitched since Sunday, so the Reds can backdate the transaction by three days, leaving him eligible to return next Friday. His absence will be a big loss for the Reds, as he owns a 1.41 ERA and 0.72 WHIP in 32 innings of relief this season, saving three games.

Neris allowed one earned run on one hit and one walk while striking out two to blow the save Thursday against Atlanta.

Neris was given a one-run lead, but he surrendered a solo homer to Freddie Freeman to blow his third save of the season. Despite the poor results in this outing, Neris has largely been excellent this season as he entered the game having not allowed a run in any of his last nine appearances. He should remain the clear-cut closer in Philadelphia, and he has already collected nine saves on the campaign.

Bickford earned the save against the Pirates on Thursday by tossing a perfect inning that included one strikeout.

It wasn't quite the ordinary save for Bickford, who was actually in line to earn a hold after entering the seventh with the Dodgers leading by two. Following his successful inning, a long rain delay turned into a called game, gifting Bickford with his first career save as he became the sixth Dodger to earn a save this year. The right-hander was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City on May 23 as a replacement for Jimmy Nelson (forearm) and is expected to be primarily used in lower-leverage situations.

Manager David Bell said that Antone was "not an option" out of the bullpen in Thursday's loss to the Brewers, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Bell didn't elaborate on why Antone was unavailable Thursday but said that he would provide an update on the right-hander's status Friday. It's not yet clear whether he'll be available for Cincinnati's weekend series against the Rockies.

Weigel was recalled by the Brewers on Thursday.

Weigel has already spent two separate stints on the Brewers' active roster, appearing a total of three times. He's allowed two earned runs in four innings of work, striking out nine while walking four. Travis Shaw (shoulder) landed on the injured list in a corresponding move.

Rainey was credited with the save Wednesday against the Rays, completing a scoreless inning during which he walked one and struck out two.

Usual closer Brad Hand was brought in with the score tied in the ninth inning, and he kept Tampa Bay off the board to push the game into extra innings. Each team scored a pair of runs in the 10th, and the Nationals put up two more in their half of the 11th frame. Rainey was then summoned to protect the lead, and he succeeded on the strength of two strikeouts and a groundout. The save was a bright spot in an otherwise difficult season for the right-hander, who has posted a 9.35 ERA and 24:15 K:BB across 17.1 innings.

Smith (1-5) was tagged with the loss and a blown save Wednesday's against the Phillies after allowing two runs on one hit and one walk while fanning one across two-thirds of an inning.

Smith entered the game in the ninth inning with Atlanta holding a one-run lead, but he crumbled with just one out to go by surrendering a game-winning homer to Luke Williams. Smith has given up two round trippers over his last three outings, and he's surrendered at least one earned run in three of his last five appearances as well.

Davidson tossed six scoreless innings Wednesday against the Phillies, giving up four hits and a walk while fanning four. He didn't factor into the decision.

Pederson didn't factor into the decision, but he looked impressive on the mound and hurled his second straight scoreless outing. In fact, the left-hander has allowed just three earned runs across 17.2 innings this season and has been one of the most surprising young arms in the National League despite the small sample size. Davidson could make his next start at some point next week during the series against the Red Sox at home.

Gonzalez (3-0) earned the win Wednesday versus Pittsburgh. He struck out one in 1.1 scoreless innings.

The 25-year-old relieved Tony Gonsolin with two outs in the second inning and got Colin Moran to line out to end a bases-loaded threat. The southpaw then pitched a perfect third inning. He's been solid this year with a 2.14 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 21:9 K:BB across 21 innings. He's picked up a save, 13 holds and a blown save in 25 appearances, serving as one of the primary setup options behind closer Kenley Jansen.

Jansen allowed a walk and struck out one over 1.1 scoreless innings to earn the save in Wednesday's 2-1 win over Pittsburgh.

Jansen got the last out of the eighth inning and then worked the ninth for his second save in as many days. The 33-year-old ended the game with quick reaction time, snaring Ke'Bryan Hayes' line drive back to the mound. Jansen has a 1.75 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 30:19 K:BB across 25.2 innings this season. He is now 14-for-16 in save chances. After Wednesday's game, manager Dave Roberts said Jansen would not be available to pitch Thursday, J.P. Hoornstra of the Los Angeles Daily News reports. That could put Victor Gonzalez or Jimmy Nelson in line for a save chance should one arise.