MLB Player News

Bard (1-2) recorded just one out in the eighth inning while allowing four earned runs on four hits and one walk to take the loss against the Diamondbacks on Sunday.

Bard was hit hard in eighth, allowing five batters to reach safely, including three straight on extra-base hits. The 36-year-old's ERA has inflated to an even 9.00. He has allowed at least one run in five of his last six relief appearances.

Reyes struck out one in a perfect ninth inning to earn the save against the Pirates on Sunday.

Reyes needed only 12 pitches to get through Sunday's outing, and he earned his seventh save of the year by retiring all three of the batters he faced. The right-hander hasn't allowed a baserunner in his last three innings, and he hasn't yet given up a run in 13.1 innings across 13 appearances this season.

Hicks is set to receive further imaging Monday on his sore right forearm, Zachary Silver of MLB.com reports.

The Cardinals labeled Hicks' removal from his appearance in Saturday's game against the Pirates as precautionary, but that doesn't mean he'll avoid a trip to the injured list. St. Louis should gain more clarity on the extent of Hicks' injury Monday. Hicks has served as a setup man in front of closer Alex Reyes this season, posting a 5.40 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 10:10 K:BB in 10 innings.

Moore will be available out of the bullpen Monday, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

The left-hander spent time on the COVID-19 injured list and hasn't pitched since April 17, so Vince Velasquez will receive another turn through the starting rotation. Moore struggled in three starts before landing on the shelf with a 9.82 ERA over 11 innings.

Ramirez was optioned to the alternate training site Sunday.

The 31-year-old has surrendered six runs over seven innings this season, and he'll return to the alternate site with Keone Kela (shoulder) back from the injured list. Ramirez could rejoin the Friars later in the season as bullpen pieces are rotated.

Alvarado was handed a three-game suspension Sunday but will continue to play while appealing the ban, Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.

The 25-year-old received the suspension for his role in Thursday's benches-clearing incident with the Mets. He was the only player to be suspended for either team, though Dominic Smith and Miguel Castro were fined on the New York side. Alvarado will remain available until his appeal is heard.

Lamet (forearm) won't start Sunday's game against San Francisco.

The 28-year-old was in the mix to return from the injured list and take the mound Sunday, but Joe Musgrove will instead receive the starting nod. Lamet threw a 30-pitch bullpen session last Wednesday and could still be available Monday or Tuesday versus the Pirates.

Gallegos was credited with his fourth hold in a win over the Pirates on Saturday, firing a perfect eighth inning during which he recorded two strikeouts.

Gallegos got 10 of 16 pitches into the strike zone during an easy inning. The hard-throwing right-hander has now put together five consecutive scoreless efforts, a span during which he's notched two holds and recorded a save.

Strahm (knee) has been rehabbing in Arizona but remains without an established timeframe to return, Bill Center of FriarWire reports.

Strahm is currently on the 60-day injured list after undergoing knee surgery during the offseason. He is expected to rejoin the team sometime this summer but still has many steps to take before that can happen. "The last couple of weeks, the knee has been better and bouncing back better. He's taking steps forward. No timeline quite yet. He has to do some pitching," manager Jayce Tingler explained Saturday.

Vesia (0-1) took the loss against Milwaukee on Saturday, completing one inning and allowing four runs (two earned) on four walks while striking out two.

The left-hander was recalled from the team's alternate training site earlier in the day and was promptly put into a pressure situation, getting the call in the 10th inning with LA up by a run. Vesia walked the first two batters he faced before yielding a run on a sacrifice fly, but he was able to prevent further damage by striking out the final batter of the frame. After the Dodgers got two runs in the top of the 11th, Vesia returned for the bottom of the frame and again walked the first two batters before he was replaced. Overall, the 25-year-old threw only 14 of 34 pitches for strikes, which is certainly not a recipe for success.