MLB Player News

Neris (1-5) took the loss Saturday, giving up two unearned runs on one hit and two walks in two-thirds of an inning in a 4-3 loss to the Mets. He struck out one.

The Phillies took a 3-2 lead in the top of the ninth inning and manager Joe Girardi turned to Neris rather than Jose Alvarado to close the door. Instead, Rhys Hoskins committed a fielding error to put the leadoff man aboard and the right-hander fell apart, walking in the tying run before a Michael Conforto sacrifice fly ended it. Alvarado blew a save attempt Friday after Girardi had suggested the southpaw was now the team's top option in the ninth, and until someone else in the Phillies bullpen shows they can get the job done consistently, Neris will likely remain in the closer mix despite going 11-for-17 on save chances this season.

Reyes earned the save Saturday against the Pirates with a scoreless inning.

Reyes made quick work of the Pirates in the ninth, as he needed just eight pitches to earn his 18th save of the campaign. He's still a perfect 18-for-18 in save chances in 2021, and while he owns a 1.33 WHIP, he has limited the damage enough to post a 1.04 ERA.

Garcia allowed one hit and had two strikeouts in one inning to pick up the save in Saturday's win over Washington.

Garcia yielded a leadoff single to Josh Harrison to start the ninth, but he responded by fanning Alex Avila and Kyle Schwarber before inducing a game-ending pop-out by Trea Turner. It was an efficient performance by the veteran reliever, who had allowed a run in two of his previous three outings. Garcia is 3-6 with 12 saves in 15 opportunities in 2021, and he sports a stellar 2.79 ERA and 1.07 WHIP.

Martin was optioned to Triple-A Reno on Friday.

Martin was sent down following a disastrous start in which he allowed four runs against the Padres while recording just a single out. He's had a very tough time in 16 major-league innings this season, allowing 19 runs while posting a 13:14 K:BB. Brett de Geus was added to the roster in the corresponding move.

Kranick will start Sunday against the Cardinals, Jake Crouse of MLB.com reports.

Kranick will be making his major-league debut. He's been a starter in all seven of his appearances in the upper minors this season and has struck out 24.7 percent of opposing batters en route to a 4.37 ERA and 1.23 WHIP.

Hartlieb was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Saturday, Jake Crouse of MLB.com reports.

Hartlieb made two appearances in his latest stint in the big leagues, allowing one run in 1.2 innings of work. Max Kranick was recalled in a corresponding move.

Topa (elbow) has advanced to throwing bullpens, Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Topa has been out all year since suffering a flexor strain in March. The Brewers still don't have an exact timetable for his return, but he's "not crazy far from game action," according to manager Craig Counsell.

Johnson (triceps) is slated to throw a bullpen session Saturday or Sunday, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Johnson hit the 10-day injured list with right triceps inflammation last Saturday, but he appears to be on the mend given his scheduled throwing session this weekend. It is unclear if the right-hander will require a minor-league rehab stint before rejoining the Padres' bullpen.

Perez was recalled from Triple-A Louisville on Saturday.

Perez was sent to the minors June 2, and he posted a 0.96 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 12:1 K:BB in 9.1 innings across nine appearances during his most recent stint with the Triple-A club. He's made 18 relief appearances for the Reds this year and has fared considerably worse, posting an 8.31 ERA and 2.02 WHIP across 17.1 innings, but he'll return to the major-league bullpen after right-hander Tejay Antone (forearm) was placed on the 10-day injured list.

Pomeranz (shoulder/lat) is expected to throw a live batting-practice session Saturday, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Pomeranz tossed to live hitters Wednesday for the first time since suffering a setback during a similar session May 25, and he appears to have come out without any issues given Saturday's scheduled live bullpen. The veteran reliever will likely go on a rehab assignment with Triple-A El Paso once he's ready to return to game action, per Sanders. Pomeranz remains on track to rejoin the Padres in early July.