MLB Player News

Romero is serving as the 29th man for Thursday's doubleheader against the Blue Jays.

He will likely be used as a long man if either game gets out of hand. Romero, a 23-year-old lefty, has yet to make his MLB debut and logged a 6.88 ERA in 13 starts at Triple-A last year.

Helsley (illness) is expected to enter the second phase of the re-entry process for gaining clearance to resume baseball activities during the early portion of the team's upcoming 11-day, 12-game homestand, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

The hard-throwing right-hander has reportedly dealt with a slight fever during his bout with coronavirus, but this latest report seems to imply Helsley could be on his way back to full health. The 26-year-old will have to produce two negative COVID-19 test results at least 24 hours apart in order to officially enter the second phase of the re-entry process, which includes a cardiac evaluation and an antibody blood test. Helsley made two appearances during which he fired 2.2 scoreless innings before the Cardinals' season was paused for over two weeks due to the team's COVID outbreak.

Diaz (1-0) walked a batter but struck out four while giving up no hits in 1.1 innings as the Mets took care of the Marlins 5-3 Wednesday evening.

Diaz was called upon to enter in the eighth inning after Dellin Betances found himself in a two-out bases-loaded jam. Although wild at times, Diaz had his stuff working Wednesday as he struck out Jonathan Villar to escape trouble in the eighth and then struck out the side in the ninth to seal the victory for the Mets. The 26-year-old righty has given up just one run while owning an impressive 19:2 K:BB through 8.1 innings since Aug. 2, and could start seeing save chances again with Seth Lugo moving back into the rotation.

Diaz could operate as the Mets' closer with Seth Lugo moving to the starting rotation Thursday, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

Lugo converted three of his five save chances with a 2.61 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 11:2 K:BB this season, but the Mets want to see if he can translate that success into the rotation. Diaz allowed runs in two of his first three outings of the season to fall out of favor, but he's given up only one run and has a 19:2 K:BB in his past eight appearances (8.1 innings), including 1.1 scoreless frames to earn the win Wednesday against the Marlins. The Mets haven't made any official declarations regarding their plans for the ninth inning, but Diaz is the logical option given his pedigree and current form.

Martin (elbow) will be shut down for a couple weeks after suffering an oblique strain, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

The 24-year-old is working his way back from Tommy John surgery last July, but his buildup will be interrupted due to the oblique strain. Martin figured to be a candidate to see the big leagues sometime in September, but that now appears unlikely since he won't be reevaluated for a few weeks.

Wilson was optioned to the Braves' alternate training site Wednesday.

The 22-year-old was recalled by the Braves last week and made one appearance during his time with the team, allowing two runs on one hit and four walks over 1.2 innings. Wilson could still rejoin the Braves later in the year, but for now he'll head back to the alternate training site.

Kimbrel hit a batter but struck out the side in a scoreless inning to earn the save in the Cubs' second game of a doubleheader Wednesday against the Cardinals.

Kimbrel was called upon to protect a two-run lead, and he turned in a vintage performance to record his first save of the season. The only blip came when he hit Tommy Edman with a pitch, the third batter of the inning. Aside from that, Kimbrel showed improved control, finding the zone with 13 of his 20 pitches while also generating five called strikes and two swinging strikes. Both Rowan Wick and Jeremy Jeffress have served in the closer role since Kimbrel's early struggles, though it's possible that Kimbrel can regain the role, particularly if he can repeat this success.

Alzolay allowed one run (none earned) on two hits and one walk while striking out six across five innings in the second game of the Cubs' doubleheader Wednesday against the Cardinals. He did not factor into the decision.

Alzolay was recalled by the Cubs to make his first appearance with the big-league club in 2020. He was very effective, earning 12 of his 15 outs between strikeouts and groundouts combined. Give that this was only a spot start and Jose Quintana (finger) should be able return shortly, it's unlikely that Alzolay sticks in the rotation despite the impressive effort.

Grace had his contract selected by the Diamondbacks and was added to the major-league roster Wednesday.

Grace joined the Diamondbacks in the offseason as a non-roster invitee, and he'll now receive a chance with the big-league club. The veteran left-hander had a 2.87 ERA and 1.14 WHIP in 56 appearances for the Nationals in 2018, but he struggled last year with a 6.36 ERA.

Chafin was placed on the 10-day injured list Wednesday with a left finger sprain.

Chafin has surrendered six runs on nine hits through 6.2 innings this season, though it's unclear how long he's been battling the finger injury. Matt Grace had his contract selected from the alternate training site in a corresponding move.