MLB Player News

Melancon notched his seventh save of the season after striking out the side Thursday against the Dodgers.

Melancon entered the game in the ninth with a 3-2 lead and was absolutely dominant -- he struck out Luke Raley, Austin Barnes and Mookie Betts while tossing 10 of his 13 pitches for strikes. One of the top relievers in the game, Melancon has gone 7-for-7 in save opportunities this season and has allowed just one earned run in nine appearances to date.

Reyes, who logged a scoreless eighth inning against the Nationals in his most recent appearance Wednesday, hasn't seen a save opportunity since April 8.

The hard-throwing right-hander is 3-for-3 in save opportunities and still sports an unblemished ERA through eight appearances, so he's done everything within his power to reward fantasy managers. However, the Cardinals' only three victories since Reyes' last save chance have come by 11, five and seven runs.

Diaz (1-1) was charged with the loss Thursday against the Cubs after allowing one run on two hits and a walk while striking out two over 1.1 innings.

After entering a tie game in the ninth inning, Diaz gave up a leadoff single to Kris Bryant before sending his next two batters down on strikes. Bryant was then caught stealing to finish off the inning. Diaz returned in the 10th frame with less success, hitting Matt Duffy with a pitch before a sacrifice bunt by David Bote put two runners in scoring position. Diaz proceeded to intentionally walk Eric Sogard, loading the bases with one out. A pinch-hit, walkoff single by Jason Heyward then strapped Diaz and the Mets with the loss. The 27-year-old reliever has two saves on the year to go with a 2.57 ERA and 1.29 WHIP across seven innings.

Sims (0-1) took the loss to the Diamondbacks on Thursday, allowing four runs (three earned) on two hits and a walk in an inning of work. He struck out two.

Sims put out a small fire in the ninth inning, retiring Eduardo Escobar and Asdrubal Cabrera to keep the game tied. Things did not go so well when Sims returned for the 10th. Amir Garrett (16.20 ERA) does not appear long for the closer job given his struggles, and Sims now has a 6.43 ERA after this outing, so the saves picture is clouded in Cincinnati. Tejay Antone and Sean Doolittle are two other candidates.

Hoffman was charged with two runs (one earned) on four hits and one walk while striking out four over five innings in a no-decision against the Diamondbacks on Thursday.

This one ended up a 14-11 Diamondbacks win in 10 innings, but the starters were effective through the first half of the game, with Hoffman getting the better of Taylor Widener. Hoffman was largely able to overcome the shaky defense behind him, in the process lowering his ERA to 2.66 through 20.1 innings with the Reds. He threw 88 pitches in this game after reaching 91 in his previous start. Hoffman has allowed just two homers on the year even with three of his four starts coming at home in Cincinnati. Up next is a tough road test against the Dodgers.

Wilson is scheduled to start Sunday's series finale with the Diamondbacks in Atlanta, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Atlanta will get Drew Smyly (forearm) back from the injured list Saturday to fortify a banged-up rotation, but Max Fried's (hamstring) ongoing absence will pave the way for Wilson to pick up a second start. Wilson wasn't dominant by any means in his season debut last weekend against the Cubs, but he came away with the win after giving up three runs (two earned) on seven hits and a walk while striking out one over five innings.

Hernandez (biceps) has been throwing successfully from 90 feet, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Hernandez is progressing well and has increased his throwing distance from 60 to 90 feet recently. With a bullpen session in line for some time next week, Hernandez is drawing closer to a return. However, he is still without a formal timetable to take the mound in game action.

Guzman (elbow) recently suffered a setback and will not throw again until next week, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Guzman has been dealing with right elbow inflammation since early March. He began a throwing program around a week prior to the regular season beginning and had been throwing bullpen sessions at the team's alternate training site since early April. It's unclear how the setback will affect his recovery timeline.

Ramirez was recalled by the Padres on Thursday.

Ramirez was just optioned to the Padres' alternate site Wednesday, but with both Dinelson Lamet (forearm) and Keone Kela (shoulder) hitting the injured list the team is in need of bullpen depth. Ramirez has made two appearances with the club this season, but he is not expected to appear in high-leverage roles.

Lamet (forearm) was placed on the 10-day injured list Thursday, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Lamet exited his first start of the season after 29 pitches with right forearm tightness. The team continues to publicly state that his elbow and forearm are structurally sound, so he will not be sent for an MRI immediately. In surprising news, Lamet is expected to try to throw Friday and the team is shooting for him to make a start in 10 days, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.