MLB Player News

Clarke completed 3.2 innings in a no-decision against the Dodgers on Tuesday, giving up three runs on five hits and three walks while striking out one.

Clarke was handed an early three-run lead but could not make it out of the fourth inning, departing with two outs after allowing a game-tying two-run home run to Enrique Hernandez and a second hit to opposing pitcher Ross Stripling. He was once again a victim of his own wildness, throwing balls on 32 of his 71 pitches and walking three batters. After beginning the season by pitching 10.2 innings without issuing a walk, Clarke has now allowed 17 free passes in his last 31.1 frames while seeing his ERA rise by over four runs during that stretch. Overall, the 26-year-old has posted a 6.21 ERA and 1.57 WHIP and has allowed 10 homers in 42 innings this season. He'll need to demonstrate better command to turn things around in the second half.

Neris struck out the side in the ninth inning Tuesday to earn the save against the Braves.

Neris made quick work of the middle of Atlanta's lineup, needing only 15 pitches for the three swinging strikeouts. It was a good rebound performance for the 30-year-old after he gave up three runs in a blown save Thursday. Neris has a 3.09 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 49:11 K:BB over 35 innings and is 17-for-19 in save opportunities this season.

Diaz allowed one hit but struck out two in the ninth inning to record the save Tuesday against the Yankees.

Diaz successfully protected a two-run lead in the ninth inning to record his 18th save of the season. Though he allowed a leadoff single, he struck out two of the next three batters he faced, never allowing the tying run to reach base. Since imploding June 27 against the Phillies, Diaz has put together two scoreless outings, whiffing four across two frames. Though his 1.36 WHIP and 4.64 ERA are big downgrades from last season, Diaz is secure in his role and has whiffed 54 batters across 33 innings.

Brebbia was activated from the paternity list Tuesday.

Despite losing a tick of velocity off his fastball, Brebbia has retained a good deal of effectiveness, posting a 27.5 percent strikeout rate and 3.81 FIP through 39.2 innings this season. He should slot back into a setup role in front of new primary closer Carlos Martinez. Brebbia currently ranks third on the team in holds with seven, behind Andrew Miller and John Gant (10 apiece).

Maton was optioned to Triple-A El Paso on Tuesday.

Maton was promoted to the big club June 15, but he struggled to a 12.27 ERA with seven strikeouts over five relief appearances (7.1 innings). Robbie Erlin was recalled from Triple-A in a corresponding move.

Suter (elbow) has been cleared by surgeon Timothy Kremchek to begin facing batters in Arizona, Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Suter continues to make progress on his way back from Tommy John surgery, and he'll now head to extended spring training in Arizona after being given the green light to face hitters. Though this is good news for the southpaw, he won't have a chance to play in the big leagues until the 2020 campaign.

Alzolay was optioned to Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Alzolay was lit up in Monday's series opener against the Pirates, allowing seven runs on 10 hits before getting yanked with two outs in the third inning, so this move wasn't unexpected, especially given the return of Kyle Hendricks (shoulder) from the injured list. Alzolay posted a 7.15 ERA and struck out 12 over 11.1 frames in three appearances with Chicago.

Wilson (elbow) was activated from the 10-day injured list Tuesday, Tim Britton of The Athletic reports.

Wilson landed on the shelf May 11 due to left elbow soreness, and he's finally been cleared to return after suffering a setback in mid-June. Chris Mazza was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse in a corresponding move.

Hernandez (2-4) took the loss in relief Monday against the Brewers after giving up three runs on three hits and two walks during a 30-pitch seventh inning.

As C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic notes, Hernandez acknowledged after the contest that the death of former Diamondbacks and Angels teammate Tyler Skaggs was weighing on his mind during the outing, so his struggles are certainly understandable in that context. Nonetheless, the appearance was Hernandez's third straight in which he allowed at least one run, a development that could prompt manager David Bell to rethink his usage of the right-hander. With 11 holds on the season, Hernandez trails only Amir Garrett (14) for the team lead.

The Padres are expected to activate Lamet (elbow) from the 60-day injured list later this week to start one of the team's four games against the Dodgers in Los Angeles, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

With Cal Quantrill moving from the bullpen to the rotation Wednesday against the Giants, the Padres appear set to conclude the final week of the first half with a different starting pitcher for all seven of their games. San Diego will presumably pare their rotation down to five or six men after the All-Star break, but Lamet should have a good chance at sticking around as a starter after drawing rave reviews during his six-outing minor-league rehab assignment. While he gave up 16 runs in 24 innings between stops at High-A Lake Elsinore and Triple-A El Paso, Lamet notched 33 strikeouts and consistently flashed a sharp slider and upper-90s fastball that occasionally touched 100 miles per hour. Lamet rejoined the Padres on Monday and completed a bullpen session without incident, setting him up to make his long-awaited return to the big leagues after being sidelined since undergoing Tommy John surgery in April 2018. According to Acee, the Padres are expected to limit Lamet to around five innings in most of his starts this season to ease the strain on his surgically repaired right elbow.