MLB Player News

Diaz allowed one hit and struck out one in the ninth inning to earn the save in a 4-2 victory over the Marlins on Saturday.

The 25-year-old needs a lot more of these kinds of outings to bring his numbers back down to normal after he yielded five runs June 27 and four runs in a loss a week later. Diaz is 1-6 and 20-for-24 in save opportunities. He also has a 5.35 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and 57 strikeouts in 35.1 innings this season.

Neris (1-4) took the loss Saturday as the Phillies fell 4-3 to the Nationals, giving up two runs on two hits and a walk over 1.1 innings while striking out one.

After getting the final out of the eighth inning to escape a jam created by Adam Morgan, Neris created his own trouble in the ninth, serving up a game-winning two-run homer to Juan Soto with two outs. It was the right-hander's third blown save of the season in 20 chances, but his 3.52 ERA and 50:14 K:BB through 38.1 innings should ensure he retains a prominent spot in the Phillies' bullpen even if the club brings in reinforcements at the trade deadline.

Ponce de Leon will start Wednesday's game against the Pirates, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Ponce de Leon was excellent in Friday's spot start with one run allowed on three hits over 6.2 innings, earning him a more extended look in the starting rotation. The 27-year-old has been impressive in his seven major-league outings (including four starts) this season with a 1.99 ERA, 0.82 WHIP and 38:11 K:BB across 31.2 innings.

Hudson (8-4) struck out five and picked up the win in Saturday's 4-2 victory over the Diamondbacks, allowing two runs on three hits and four walks over six innings.

The right-hander delivered his 10th quality start of the season despite throwing only 53 of 94 pitches for strikes and tying his season high in free passes. Hudson will take a 3.48 ERA and 73:46 K:BB over 98.1 innings into his next outing Thursday in Cincinnati.

Jackson's contract was selected by the Brewers on Saturday.

Jackson spent a brief period in Milwaukee early in the season, allowing five runs while recording just seven outs. His numbers at Triple-A San Antonio are excellent, however, as he owns a 1.01 ERA and a 0.88 WHIP in 35.2 frames. Mauricio Dubon was optioned in a corresponding move.

Strop allowed three runs on two hits and a walk while retiring just two batters in the Cubs' eventual 4-3 win over the Pirates on Friday.

Strop was tasked with protecting a 3-0 lead in the eighth inning but allowed Pittsburgh to tie the game on a Starling Marte three-run homer. It's been a tough season for Strop, as the 34-year-old has missed time with a hamstring injury and is sitting with a 5.06 ERA through 21.1 innings. He's also been supplanted as the team's closer with the addition of Craig Kimbrel.

Yamamoto will make his first start of the second half Tuesday against the Padres, Andre Fernandez of The Athletic reports.

The Marlins will pare down their rotation to five men to begin the second half, with Elieser Hernandez getting the boot to the bullpen while Yamamoto and fellow rookie Zac Gallen maintain starting spots. In Yamamoto's case, there wasn't much doubt he would stick in the rotation after allowing just four runs while striking out 30 through his first 29 big-league innings. Yamamoto's 13.5 BB% is a red flag, but his ability to keep the ball in the yard and deceive hitters with his four-pitch mix should continue to aid his run-prevention efforts.

Clarke (back) is scheduled to make a rehab start start for High-A Visalia on Saturday, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

The Diamondbacks are hoping the right-handed Clarke can get up to six innings or 75 pitches. If he can hit those benchmarks, Clarke would be a possibility to make a start for Arizona next Friday, the first time the team will need a fifth starter in the second half.

Hader blew his second save of the season in Friday's 10-7 extra-inning loss to the Giants, giving up two runs on two home runs over two innings while striking out three.

Entering the game in the eighth inning to protect a 5-4 lead, Hader served up a pinch-hit solo shot to Tyler Austin and another homer to Brandon Crawford in the ninth to put the Brewers behind, only for Christian Yelich to bail the Milwaukee closer out in the bottom of the ninth with a triple and eventual tying run off Will Smith. Hader was dealing with back stiffness prior to the All-Star break that cost him a chance to appear in the Midsummer Classic, and his first appearance after the break suggests he may not be 100 percent yet.

Smith (2-0) picked up the win in Friday's 10-7 extra-inning victory over the Brewers, giving up one run on one hit and striking out one over one inning of relief.

The left-hander blew his first save of the season after Christian Yelich led off the bottom of the ninth inning with a triple and then scored, but Smith prevented any further damage and was rewarded when Buster Posey launched a grand slam in the top of the 10th. Smith now sports a 2.17 ERA, 0.80 WHIP and 54:8 K:BB through 37.1 innings and remains the top bullpen arm most likely to be available at this year's trade deadline.