MLB Player News

Mets Manager Luis Rojas said he was "definitely not concerned" about Diaz after the reliever allowed a homer to Marcell Ozuna to blow the save in Saturday's loss to the Braves, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

The Mets wouldn't commit to a clear closer prior to the season, though Diaz was used in a save situation in both of the team's first two games. He got the job done in Friday's season opener but was beaten for the game-tying run Saturday, a potentially worrying sign given that he blew seven saves while struggling to a 5.59 ERA last season. One poor outing won't shake his manager's faith too much, but the Mets indicated they'd be willing to give ninth-inning opportunities to other pitchers before the season started and that presumably remains as true as ever following Saturday's loss.

Melancon was unavailable for Saturday's extra-inning win over the Mets because his back locked up during the game, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

The issue cropped up before the Braves even considered having him warm up. Manager Brian Snitker believes it's not serious and that Melancon will be okay to pitch during Sunday's series finale, though it's worth keeping an eye on his status in case the injury lingers.

Antone was recalled by the Reds on Saturday.

Antone didn't make the Reds' initial 30-man roster but will join the club since Tucker Barnhart (paternity) and Matt Davidson (illness) are set to miss time. The right-hander hasn't appeared in the majors yet, and if he would make his debut during his stint in the bullpen, it'd likely be in a low-leverage situation.

Ginkel allowed four runs on three hits and two walks while striking out two over two-thirds of an inning in Friday's 7-2 loss to the Padres.

It was a 3-2 game when Ginkel entered in the seventh inning, but he allowed a three-run double to Eric Hosmer. "I just think there were too many yanked pitches and too many pitches that were out of the zone from start to finish," manager Torey Lovullo told Steve Gilbert of MLB.com. This is the type of situation -- close game, late innings -- that the Diamondbacks envision for Ginkel, who served this role well during the second half of 2019.

Diaz tossed one scoreless inning Friday as he picked up the save against Atlanta. He allowed no hits and one walk while striking out two.

Coming out of camp, it was unclear who would be the team's top option in the ninth inning, but the Mets called on Diaz to preserve the one-run lead in Friday's contest. He allowed a walk with one out, but he struck out the final two batters of the game. While the right-hander should have less job security in 2020 after recording a career-worst 5.59 ERA and 1.38 WHIP with seven blown saves last season, his usage Friday is encouraging.

Martin (0-1) allowed one run on one hit and no walks while striking out one over one inning as he was charged with the loss Friday against the Mets.

The 34-year-old entered Friday's Opening Day contest in relief in the seventh inning, but he gave up the game's only run via a home run by Yoenis Cespedes with one out. Martin recorded a 3.40 ERA and 65:5 K:BB over 55.2 innings with the Rangers and Atlanta last season, but his fantasy value is limited unless he can work his way into consistent high-leverage duty.

Gallegos (not injury related) is slated to throw batting practice Saturday, and manager Mike Shildt considers him "pretty close" to being activated, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

The Cardinals left Gallegos off the Opening Day roster in order to help him catch up after his late arrival to summer camp. The right-hander threw a live batting practice Thursday and looked good doing so, leading Shildt to determine Gallegos could be tuned up enough after Saturday's session to potentially be activated shortly thereafter. "Arm strength was there," Shildt said. "The secondary pitches had the life that we would expect. Command not as crisp, but you would expect that out of the first live."

Pivetta won't start any of the Phillies' first five games, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Pivetta lines up as the Phillies' top alternative should the team need an additional starter, at least until top prospect Spencer Howard is deemed ready to go. He could have had a chance to earn at least one start early with Zach Eflin battling back spasms throughout camp, but Eflin has been deemed ready to go, so Pivetta will head to the bullpen for now.

Kelley was added to the Phillies' Opening Day roster Thursday.

Kelley had been designated for assignment back in January but had his contract selected Thursday. He's unlikely to get anywhere near high-leverage work this season, as he's thrown just 8.1 career big-league innings and owns an 8.64 ERA in that small sample.

Smith was designated for assignment by the Reds on Friday.

Smith remains part of the team's player pool, but his chances of playing a significant role this season are reduced now that he's no longer part of the 40-man roster. His chances were likely slim to begin with, as he's a 30-year-old with a career 6.39 ERA in just 12.2 big-league innings.