MLB Player News

Uceta was optioned off the big-league roster Saturday, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Uceta made his big-league debut as an opener Friday against the Brewers but didn't make a particularly strong impression, giving up two runs on four hits over two frames. Alex Vesia was called up in a corresponding move.

Thompson earned his first major-league call-up Saturday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Thompson has yet to pitch above Double-A and has made just three appearances over the last two years due to injury and last year's canceled minor-league season. In 158.2 career minor-league innings, he owns a 3.46 ERA and 1.09 WHIP, striking out 23.4 percent of opposing batters while walking 6.0 percent. Kyle Ryan was optioned in a corresponding move.

Weathers (arm) is progressing well and may be able to make his next start, Jay Posner of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports reports.

Weathers left his previous start April 28 against Arizona due to joint inflammation in his left arm, but he appears to have avoided serious injury and is said to be progressing well. Manager Jayce Tingler indicated Friday that the southpaw has "maybe a good chance" to be ready to pitch when his turn next comes up during the team's upcoming home series against Pittsburgh. That would be a significant boost to a Padres rotation that is currently dealing with uncertain return timeframes for Dinelson Lamet (elbow) and Chris Paddack (undisclosed).

Littell allowed one walk and struck out one in one inning during Friday's 3-2 loss to San Diego.

Littell worked the seventh inning with the Giants down by one, and he made a good first impression with his new team. The 25-year-old had an awful 2020 with the Twins, posting a 9.95 ERA and 2.37 WHIP across 6.1 innings. He'll look to regain his 2019 form (2.68 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 32:9 K:BB) if he's able to stick on San Francisco's big-league roster.

Hill was credited with a hold in Friday's win over San Francisco as a result of striking out both batters he faced in the seventh inning.

The southpaw certainly earned the hold after inheriting a one-out, bases-loaded situation and proceeding to strike out both Darin Ruf and Mike Tauchman, even though he had to escape a grand slam that was turned into a foul ball upon review. Hill has allowed only two earned runs over 12.2 frames this season while registering an impressive 17:4 K:BB.

Hader struck out the side in the ninth to pick up his seventh save of the year in a 3-1 win over the Dodgers on Friday.

Hader had no easy task facing Corey Seager, Justin Turner and Max Muncy, but he sat each one of them down on strikes, throwing just 12 pitches. The 27-year-old looks as dominant as ever this year with a 0.93 ERA and 19:4 K:BB over 9.2 innings while converting all seven of his save chances so far.

Uceta (0-1) allowed two runs on four hits and a walk while striking out two over two innings in a loss to the Brewers on Friday.

Manager Dave Roberts opted to go with a bullpen game Friday and awarded Uceta with the opportunity to be the opener. The 23-year-old pitched a 1-2-3 first but allowed four hits in the second, including a two-run homer to Jackie Bradley. He turned it over to the rest of the bullpen after just two innings and 27 pitches and could see some more opportunities in the near future with the Dodgers' bullpen decimated by injuries.

Melancon earned the save Friday against the Giants, pitching a perfect inning and notching two strikeouts.

Melancon breezed through three batters in the ninth inning, tossing 10 of 13 pitches for strikes and collecting a pair of strikeouts. The veteran has a stranglehold on the closer position in San Diego due to an outstanding start to the campaign during which he has gone 9-for-9 in save opportunities and allowed only one run over 13 innings. Melancon has also racked up a superb 14:1 K:BB while allowing only four hits.

Sims was called upon to finish the ninth Friday against the Cubs but couldn't record the final out, eventually giving way to Tejay Antone for the save. He walked three while retiring two batters.

While Sims was wild in the outing (only 13 strikes on 27 pitches), he twice had what appeared to be potential game-ending third strikes instead called balls by home plate umpire Marty Foster. Given the number of pitches Sims threw, it's possible that he won't get the next save chance if one arises on Saturday.

Almonte (hand) will work on his mechanics while he's on the 10-day injured list, Nick Groke of The Athletic reports.

Almonte has struggled out of the bullpen early in the season, and he's posted a 12.46 ERA and 2.31 WHIP in 8.2 innings. His right hand contusion is considered minor, but manager Bud Black said that the injury provided a convenient point to take Almonte out of action. Black said Friday that he isn't sure whether Almonte will be able to return after spending the minimum of 10 days on the injured list, and it appears as though his return timetable will depend on the progress he makes with his mechanics while he's sidelined.