MLB Player News

Pivetta is scheduled to make his next start Wednesday against the Braves, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Pivetta was initially lined up to start Tuesday's series opener in Atlanta, but the Phillies will take advantage of Monday's off day and instead flip the right-hander with ace Aaron Nola. The change will result in Pivetta missing out on a two-start week, with Nola now expected to take the hill a second time in the Phillies' final game before the All-Star break Sunday versus the Mets.

The Giants optioned Rodriguez to Triple-A Sacramento on Monday, Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic reports.

Rodriguez didn't find much success upon returning to San Francisco as a long-relief option in late May, as he served up 10 runs on 15 hits and six walks over 15.1 innings. He'll presumably slot back into the rotation at Sacramento in preparation for an eventual return to the big leagues if injuries or trades thin the Giants' starting depth.

Diaz pitched a perfect ninth inning to earn the save against Atlanta on Sunday, registering two strikeouts.

Diaz was called upon to protect a three-run lead and successfully retired all three batters he faced on 15 pitches. The spotless outing was a welcome sign after the closer imploded in his previous save opportunity, allowing five runs and recording only one out against Philadelphia. Overall, Diaz has converted 17 of 21 save opportunities this season while compiling a 4.78 ERA and 52:10 K:BB in 32 innings.

Leone picked up the save against the Padres on Sunday, retiring two batters -- one by strikeout -- in the 11th inning.

Leone entered the game with a 7.40 ERA, so few expected to see his number called in a save situation. However, after the Cardinals burned through five relief pitchers (including current closer Carlos Martinez), Leone got the opportunity and made the most of it, needing only 12 pitches to retire both batters he faced to close out the game. Despite the successful conversion, don't expect Leone to see additional save opportunities in the near future -- he still carries an unsightly 7.20 ERA and 1.52 WHIP in 23 relief appearances this season.

Helsley (shoulder) fired a scoreless seventh inning in Triple-A Memphis' loss to New Orleans on Saturday, allowing a hit and a walk, uncorking a wild pitch and recording a strikeout.

Helsley had a little bit of everything in his second rehab appearance, and some location issues led to him throwing 20 pitches overall during his one frame. However, it was still a markedly better performance for the right-hander than his first turn with the Redbirds, when he failed to record an out while yielding four earned runs. It remains to be seen if Helsley will require at least one more minor-league outing before activation.

Mayers (lat) gave up a solo home run in one inning in Triple-A Memphis' loss to New Orleans on Saturday.

Mayers fired 22 pitches during his inning, a notable departure from the scant six he'd thrown in his first rehab outing last Wednesday. The homer he allowed to Isan Diaz was his one blemish, but the fact he got more work in was a plus. Mayers likely still has multiple rehab appearances remaining before he's considered for activation.

Richards (3-9) gave up three runs on six hits and two walks while striking out three over five innings to take the loss against the Phillies on Sunday.

It was another disappointing outing for Richards. The right-hander has given up nine earned runs in his last two starts and has seen his ERA rise to 4.02 for the season. The 26-year-old has struggled in June, posting a 1-4 record and a 4.47 ERA over six starts. Richards will get his next start Saturday against the Braves at SunTrust Park.

Iglesias gave up three runs on two hits and two walks while striking out three over two innings to record his 14th save in a win over the Cubs on Sunday.

Iglesias pitched a scoreless eighth inning, but the ninth inning was a different story as he allowed a three-run homer before retiring the side. Fortunately, the Reds scored four runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to give Iglesias the cushion to record his 14th save. Despite the save, Michael Lorenzen had received the last three save chances, and Iglesias will need to improve to see more opportunities to close games. Iglesias has a 4.41 ERA over 33 appearances this season.

Edwards (back) will join Triple-A Iowa on Monday for a rehab assignment, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Edwards threw bullpen sessions Wednesday and Saturday to clear the way for his rehab stint. The right-hander moved to the injured list in mid-June with a left thoracic strain and appeared to find his groove on the mound prior to the injury with one unearned run allowed over his last 7.2 innings.

Alzolay is slated to start Monday's game against the Pirates, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

Alzolay appears set to keep his spot in the rotation over Tyler Chatwood after turning in back-to-back strong outings. While his workload has been restricted in both appearances (one start), Alzolay has given the Cubs 8.2 quality innings, yielding only two runs and striking out nine. He'll likely have his pitch count bumped up Monday.