MLB Player News

Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen said Martin (elbow) isn't expected to join the team in 2020, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

Martin, who is working his way back from last July's Tommy John surgery, suffered an oblique strain earlier this month. The GM said the time needed for Martin and fellow injured pitcher Jon Duplantier (elbow) to ramp up for an appearance make pitching in 2020 unlikely.

Helsley (illness) is set to throw live batting practice at some point over the weekend, the Associated Press reports.

The right-hander continues to make his way toward activation after having conquered coronavirus infection earlier in August. Helsley has been throwing regularly for several days, and the step of facing live hitters could be the final benchmark for Helsley to come off the COVID-19 injured list.

Ponce de Leon gave up four runs on two hits and four walks in two-thirds of an inning to take the loss Friday versus Cleveland. He struck out none.

Ponce de Leon's outing was done early, as Franmil Reyes bashed a three-run homer to give Cleveland a 4-0 lead. Ponce de Leon walked two of the next three batters before exiting the contest. The poor outing raised his ERA to 7.82 and his WHIP to 1.89. The 28-year-old has a 17:14 K:BB across 12.2 innings this season. His next start is expected to come Wednesday versus the Reds.

Diaz (leg) tossed one clean inning while striking out three as he earned the save during the first game of Friday's doubleheader against the Yankees.

Diaz left Wednesday's game while dealing with leg cramps, but he returned to the mound to pick up the save Friday. He should be available going forward as he now carries a 2.25 ERA over 12 innings this season.

Iglesias recorded the final two outs of Friday's game against the Cubs to earn his fourth save of the season.

Robert Stephenson forced Iglesias to get loose (a second time) by allowing three runs in the ninth to make it a one-run game. Iglesias put out the fire on six pitches, and with that, is now 4-for-5 in save chances this year. There have been bumps in the road over the past two seasons, but the Reds have stuck by Iglesias through the tough times. Barring a trade, he'll remain locked into the closer role for the foreseeable future.

Morejon is scheduled to start Saturday against the Rockies, Dennis Lin of The Athletic reports.

Morejon was not guaranteed another start after going just 1.2 innings in his last one, but he will hold down a spot in the rotation for at least one more turn. He will have his work cut out for him Saturday, as he will be pitching in Coors Field and taking on a Rockies team that owns an .870 OPS in its home park.

De Leon was recalled from the Reds' alternate site Friday.

De Leon was called up to serve as the extra man for Thursday's doubleheader, but the Reds decided to designate Phillip Ervin for assignment instead of sending De Leon back down, so he will remain in the big-league bullpen for the time being.

Jackson signed a minor-league deal with the Reds on Friday, John Fay of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

The 32-year-old signed with the Chiba Lotte Mariners in Japan during December, but he'll return to affiliated ball with the Reds and report to the alternate training site. Jackson spent 2019 with the Brewers and had a 4.45 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 47:18 K:BB over 30.1 innings.

Guzman was optioned to the alternate training site Friday.

Guzman has made one appearance across his two stints in the majors this year, allowing two runs on two hits and a walk over one inning. The 24-year-old could rejoin the Marlins later in the season if the team requires a fresh bullpen arm.

Robertson (elbow) suffered a setback and has been shut down from throwing, Meghan Montemurro of The Athletic reports.

The 35-year-old appeared to be nearing the end of his recovery from Tommy John surgery as he advanced to throwing live batting practice earlier this month, but it's now possible he's unable to return this season. Robertson is scheduled to meet with the team in the near future to determine the next course of action.