MLB Player News

Ponce de Leon (shoulder) is going through intake protocols and will play catch Saturday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Ponce de Leon recently completed four rehab outings, and he threw 39 pitches (25 strikes) in 1.2 innings during his most recent appearance. The righty is close to returning from the 10-day injured list, and the team's doctors will evaluate him following Saturday's throwing session.

Littell was recalled from Triple-A Sacramento on Saturday, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Littell was sent down in late July after he gave up three runs in one inning against the Pirates, but he had tossed 6.1 scoreless frames across his six previous outings. He's posted a 3.44 ERA and 1.32 WHIP in 34 innings with the Giants this year and will provide an extra arm out of the bullpen after outfielder Steven Duggar was sent down Saturday.

Menez cleared waivers Saturday and was outrighted to Triple-A Sacramento, Amy Gutierrez of the Giants' official site reports.

Menez, who posted a 3.86 ERA and 15:3 K:BB in 14 innings with the Giants earlier this season, went unclaimed on waivers. He'll remain with Sacramento, where he's been since being optioned June 20.

Antone (forearm) has been sent on a rehab assignment to Triple-A Louisville.

Antone began throwing bullpens in late July and was initially believed to be behind his teammates in his recovery, but he's been cleared to return to game action. Manager David Bell was hopeful that the right-hander would be reinstated from the 10-day injured list prior to the end of the month, but he appears to be on track to beat that timetable.

Weathers (4-4) took the loss against Arizona on Friday, pitching three-plus innings and allowing six runs on seven hits and one walk while striking out one.

Arizona starter Caleb Smith gave up five runs in less than two innings Friday, providing Weathers with a comfortable cushion to work with. However, the Padres starter couldn't hold the big advantage, surrendering a pair of runs in the third inning before falling apart in the fourth. He gave up four straight hits to begin that frame and was pulled without recording an out. After a strong start to the campaign, Weathers has struggled mightily over his past two outings, allowing a combined 14 runs across seven innings. As a result, his season ERA has jumped from a strong 2.73 to a much less desirable 4.26. His next start is tentatively scheduled to come at home against Miami next week.

Rodriguez (0-2) allowed four runs (one earned) on three hits and no walks while failing to record an out in Friday's loss to the White Sox.

Rodriguez entered Friday's game in the top of the 10th inning, and he allowed a two-run homer to begin the inning. The Cubs committed a fielding error, and he allowed a pair of singles to bring in another run prior to his removal. Although the right-hander picked up his first major-league save in his last outing, he's now been charged with losses in two of his last three appearances.

Garcia (3-3) allowed an unearned run on one hit without retiring a batter Friday, taking the loss versus Milwaukee.

The 28-year-old allowed a walkoff single to Rowdy Tellez in the 10th inning. This was Garcia's first loss since June 19 -- in the 17.1 innings between then and Friday, he yielded just three runs (two earned) on five hits, two walks and a hit batter. The southpaw has become a prominent figure in San Francisco's bullpen, although not to the extent of the late-inning duo of Jake McGee and Tyler Rogers, who each pitched scoreless innings to keep Friday's game tied. Garcia has a 2.63 ERA, 0.83 WHIP and 46:12 K:BB with a save, six holds and a blown save through 37 appearances.

Suter (11-5) struck out two in a perfect inning to earn the win Friday versus San Francisco.

With 11 wins, Suter ranks first in the majors among relief pitchers. He successfully stranded the initial runner in the 10th inning Friday, and Milwaukee walked it off with a Rowdy Tellez single. Suter's 1.31 WHIP suggests he's gotten a bit lucky to maintain a 2.82 ERA through 54.1 innings, but he's emerged as a fairly reliable option in high-leverage situations.

Reyes struck out one batter in a perfect ninth inning and earned a save over Kansas City on Friday.

Reyes needed just nine pitches to quickly mow down the Royals in the ninth and finish off the victory. It was his first save since July 27 and he's now 25-for-26 in save opportunities this season. Reyes is sporting a 2.36 ERA and a 60:42 K:BB through 49.2 innings.

Nelson will require season-ending elbow surgery and was transferred to the 60-day injured list Friday.

Nelson began his third IL stint of the season Wednesday, and he'll be sidelined for the remainder of the year due to a procedure that will address his elbow injury and repair a right flexor tendon. The right-hander made 28 appearances (one start) in his first season with the Dodgers and posted a 1.86 ERA and 0.93 WHIP in 29 innings. He's slated to become a free agent during the offseason.