MLB Player News

Neris picked up the save after giving up two hits and one walk while striking out three in 1.2 scoreless innings Monday night against Milwaukee.

Neris was called upon with one out in the eighth, and while it wasn't a smooth ride, he was able to get the job done. He picked off a runner at first base to record the third out of the eighth, and he would strike out Lorenzo Cain with the bases loaded for the final out of the ballgame. Neris needed 40 pitches to slam the door, the most pitches he's thrown in a game since August of 2015, notes Todd Zolecki of MLB.com. It's reasonable to expect the Phillies' closer to be down for the next few days after exerting this much energy. Following the win, Neris has collected six saves in seven chances this season, working his way to a 1.88 ERA and 1.05 WHIP with an 18:4 K:BB across 14.1 innings.

Diaz (back) felt much better Monday after leaving Sunday's game against the Phillies with back tightness, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

The initial diagnosis didn't seem like a particularly significant injury, and it appears as though Diaz is already trending in the right direction. The righty pitched both Saturday and Sunday, so he was unlikely to pitch Monday even if fully healthy.

Ponce de Leon doesn't have any structural damage in his inflamed right shoulder and will undergo an injection to deal with the issue, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Ponce de Leon got encouraging news regarding the injury Monday, though it's still not clear exactly when he's expected to return. He struggled to an 8.71 ERA and 1.84 WHIP in 10.1 innings prior to landing on the injured list.

Hildenberger was recalled by the Mets on Monday, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

Hildenberger spent two weeks in the big-league bullpen in April but made just two appearances, allowing four runs in 2.1 innings of work. J.D. Davis (hand) landed on the injured list in a corresponding move.

Alvarado's suspension was reduced to two games upon appeal and will be served starting Monday.

Alvarado was handed what was originally a three-game ban after his overly animated celebration of a strikeout Thursday against the Mets caused both benches to clear. The Phillies will now be without their top lefty for two games.

Thompson was optioned to the Cubs' alternate training site Monday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Thompson spent just two days on the big-league roster, allowing two hits and a walk in a scoreless inning of work in his lone appearance. Joc Pederson (wrist) returned from the injured list in a corresponding move.

Estevez landed on the 10-day injured list with a strained right middle finger Monday.

The move was made retroactive to Friday, so Estevez can return as soon as next Monday. It's not yet clear if he's expected to do so. Sam Hilliard was recalled in a corresponding move.

The Dodgers claimed Bickford off waivers from the Brewers on Monday.

The 25-year-old right-hander has been hit hard in his two relief appearances at the MLB level, but the Dodgers evidently saw enough talent and potential in the 2015 first-round pick to clear a spot for him on the 40-man roster. Bickford has two minor-league options remaining, so he could report to Triple-A Oklahoma City rather than joining the Los Angeles bullpen.

Puckett (elbow) will report to High-A Rome to begin his tenure with the Atlanta organization.

A 2016 second-round pick of the Royals, Puckett was later traded to the White Sox the following year. He only made five minor-league starts for the organization and hasn't pitched since after developing elbow problems that ultimately required Tommy John surgery in March 2019. Now more than two years removed from the procedure, a healthy Puckett will look to reboot his career in his third organization.

Antone was charged with a blown save after giving up four runs on two hits and two walks over 1.1 innings in Sunday's 13-12 win over the Cubs in 10 innings.

After picking up his first career save Friday in the series opener, Antone was summoned with two outs in the bottom of the seventh to protect a one-run lead. He got out of the seventh unscathed and then saw the Reds put up three runs in the top of the eighth, but Antone couldn't hold up to his end of the bargain. He walked two of the first four batters he faced in the bottom of the eighth, then surrendered an RBI single before coughing up a game-tying three-run home run to Ian Happ. The poor outing should do little to diminish what's been an outstanding start to the season for Antone, who still owns excellent ratios (2.93 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, 12.3 K/9) across his nine relief appearances.