MLB Player News

Helsley picked up a save in a scoreless appearance against Colorado on Sunday. He walked one batter and recorded two outs.

Helsley came into the game after starter Adam Wainwright put two runners on base with one out in the ninth inning. He walked the first batter he saw but wiggled out of the bases-loaded threat with a double play to end the game. Helsley is sporting a 3.45 ERA with a 3-0 record and one save in 16 relief appearances.

Hader (3-0) pitched a perfect ninth inning with two strikeouts and earned the extra-inning win Sunday over Miami.

Hader took care of business to keep the game tied at 1-1 in the ninth inning, and Milwaukee pulled ahead in the top of the 10th. With Hader and Devin Williams already done for the day, Drew Rasmussen was called on for the save, and he converted with a scoreless inning. The 27-year-old Hader has a 0.71 ERA, 0.71 WHIP and 24:5 K:BB across 12.2 innings. He's been dominant and effective as the closer, converting all seven of his save opportunities so far. The southpaw hasn't pitched in a save situation since April 30, as Milwaukee has gone 2-7 in May.

Diaz allowed one hit and struck out three over 1.2 innings to earn the save in Sunday's 4-2 win over Arizona. He also hit a batter.

Diaz entered with a runner on second and promptly plunked the next batter before inducing a double play to get out of trouble in the eighth inning. He handled the ninth with less drama and recorded his fifth save of the year. Diaz has a 3.14 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 18:5 K:BB across 14.1 innings, and he remains the favorite for closing duties.

Miller (back) struck out five over three shutout innings Sunday in a rehab assignment at Triple-A Iowa. He allowed one baserunner on a walk in the 47-pitch appearance in what was ultimately a combined no-hitter for Iowa.

Before he was placed on the 10-day injured list in late April with a back strain, Miller hadn't pitched more than an inning in any of his three appearances out of the Chicago bullpen. The fact that the Cubs were seemingly willing to turn Miller loose without restriction in his first rehab outing suggests he won't be in line for an extended stay in the minors. He'll likely get a few days to rest up from Sunday's outing before the Cubs decide whether to bring him back from the IL ahead of next weekend's series in Detroit.

Thompson notched his first big-league win after tossing three shutout innings in long relief during Saturday's 3-2 triumph over the Pirates. He scattered two hits and a walk and struck out none in the 37-pitch outing.

After working 3.2 scoreless frames while making his first career start in the second game of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Dodgers, Thompson shifted to the bullpen on three days' rest and was able to keep the opposition off the board again. With a pair of off days on tap during the upcoming week and Jake Arrieta (thumb) in line for an abbreviated stay on the 10-day injured list, Thompson will likely continue pitching in long relief until the Cubs elect to send him back to Triple-A Iowa.

Hartlieb was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis on Sunday, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

The 27-year-old had a brief stint in the majors during late April but is still looking to make his season debut with the Pirates. Hartlieb posted a 3.63 ERA, 1.57 WHIP and 19:19 K:BB over 22.1 innings last season.

Estevez (finger) has yet to resume playing catch and won't be activated from the 10-day injured list when eligible Monday, Danielle Allentuck of The Denver Gazette reports.

The Rockies hope the right-hander will be able to play catch soon, as he's apparently been shut down from throwing since landing on the injured list with a finger strain at the start of May. Estevez figures to be at least a few weeks away from returning from the shelf since he'll likely need to build up his arm after being unable to throw.

Hildenberger was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse on Sunday, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

The 30-year-old was promoted to the big leagues last week and surrendered four runs over 2.1 innings during his time with the team. Hildenberger also struggled with the Mets in 2020 with a 10.47 ERA across 16.1 innings.

Smith was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse on Sunday, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

Smith was activated from the 10-day injured list in late April and sent down, but he'll join the Mets ahead of Sunday's series finale. Trevor Hildenberger was optioned to Triple-A in a corresponding move.

Lawrence was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque on Sunday, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Lawrence was promoted at the end of April and gave up four runs on five hits with a 6:4 K:BB over 4.1 innings during his first taste of MLB action. Yency Almonte (hand) was activated from the injured list in a corresponding move.