MLB Player News

The Giants announced that Littell will serve as their opening pitcher for Tuesday's game against the Diamondbacks, Mark W. Sanchez of KNBR 680 San Francisco reports.

Though the team didn't say so officially, Sam Long will almost certainly serve as the primary pitcher behind Littell after the two were effective while working in succession June 9 in Texas. After Littell tossed a scoreless first inning, Long followed with four innings of one-run ball. The Giants likely won't ask Littell to record more than three to six outs Tuesday before he gives way to Long.

Arizona pitching coach Matt Herges indicated that Martin may continue his development in the majors, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

Martin was called up Monday ahead of what is presumed to be a start Tuesday against the Giants. While the organization would prefer he develop at the minor-league level, the Diamondbacks need starting arms, and their freefall -- they've lost 11 straight and 28 of 31 -- has given them the chance to let Martin develop at the MLB level. "I feel like we're in a position where we can do that a little bit more," Herges said. "We can bring guys up, test them in the major-league fire. Corbin is one of those guys, for sure." Martin had a rough two-start stint in the majors last month, picking up losses to the iron of the NL West -- the Dodgers and Giants -- then didn't fare well in his three starts for Triple-A Reno after being demoted.

Diaz struck out the side in a perfect ninth inning Monday to record his 13th save of the season in a 5-2 win over the Cubs.

The 27-year-old right-hander is dialed in right now, posting a 0.79 ERA, 0.62 WHIP and 18:2 K:BB over his last 11.1 innings -- numbers reminiscent of his dominant 2018 campaign in Seattle. On the season, Diaz has converted 13 of 14 save chances with a 2.70 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 35.6 percent strikeout rate.

Howard (0-2) allowed three runs on two hits and a walk while striking out four over four innings as he was handed the loss against the Dodgers on Monday.

All the damage against Howard came via the long ball, as he allowed a two-run homer to Will Smith in the fourth and a solo shot to Chris Taylor in the fifth before being taken out of the game. Howard has potential as one of the Phillies' best young arms, but he's still grinding through some growing pains and has yet to top four innings in a start this season. The 24-year-old now owns a 5.09 ERA and 23:12 K:BB over 17.2 innings and is expected to take the mound again this weekend against the Giants.

Jansen needed just nine pitches to pick up the save over the Phillies on Monday. He struck out a batter and did not allow anyone to reach base in the process.

Jansen recorded his second save in as many days with a nice bounceback performance after allowing a run (not charged to him) on two hits against the Rangers on Sunday. The 33-year-old righty is fourth in the majors in saves with 16 and owns a 1.63 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 31:19 K:BB over 27.2 innings.

Reyes notched a save Monday against the Marlins after tossing a scoreless ninth inning with one strikeout.

Reyes picked up his 17th save of the campaign and was absolutely filthy, tossing nine of his 10 pitches for strikes and closing the door on the Marlins rather quickly. The right-hander has gone 17-for-17 in save chances thus far and owns a sizzling 0.84 ERA across 32 innings this season.

Gallegos (4-1) earned the win in relief Monday against the Marlins after tossing a scoreless inning. He didn't record a strikeout and didn't give up a hit or a walk.

Gallegos has recorded three straight scoreless appearances out of the bullpen and seems to be leaving behind a rough stretch between May 27 and June 1 in which he allowed three earned runs across three outings. Despite that poor run a few weeks ago, Gallegos still owns a strong 2.21 ERA across 36.2 innings on the season.

Floro (2-4) was tagged with the loss in relief Monday against the Cardinals after allowing two runs on two hits and two walks while fanning one across one inning.

The Marlins limited the Cardinals to just two runs and eight hits through the first seven innings, but Floro melted down in the eighth and gave up the final two runs of the contest following an RBI double from Tyler O'Neill and an RBI groundout from Paul DeJong. Floro ended a streak of four straight scoreless appearances with this poor outing, but he still owns a decent 3.86 ERA on 28 innings this season.

Lamet (1-2) allowed one run on four hits and two walks over four innings Monday, striking out three and taking the loss against Colorado.

Lamet clearly wasn't at his sharpest Monday as he allowed six baserunners and needed 75 pitches to get through four frames. He's yet to pitch more than five innings this season and has only gone past the fourth on just one occasion. The 28-year-old is sporting a 3.33 ERA and 30:10 K:BB through 27 innings this season. Lamet is lined up to face the Reds at home this weekend.

Bard allowed two runs on two hits and struck out one batter while earning a save over San Diego on Monday.

Bard served up a two-run shot to Trent Grisham but retired Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis to escape with his ninth save of the season. He entered the contest on a 12.1-inning scoreless streak but his season ERA jumped to 4.15 after allowing the home run. The 35-year-old has converted nine of his 12 save chances on the year and hasn't blown an opportunity since May 12.