MLB Player News

Walker allowed a run on two hits and two walks while striking out three over four innings in a no-decision Tuesday versus the Giants.

Walker struggled in the second inning, but he escaped with just one run on his ledger. This was his first start since May 30 -- he allowed five runs over 11 innings across nine relief appearances, going 1-1 with a hold and two blown saves during his time in the bullpen. Overall, Walker has a decent 3.55 ERA with a poor 1.30 WHIP and 49:24 K:BB through 58.1 innings over 20 appearances (nine starts) this season. It remains to be seen if he'll continue to function as a starter after the All-Star break.

Suarez struck out one in a perfect inning to earn the save in Tuesday's 1-0 win over the Diamondbacks.

Suarez threw just 11 of 20 pitches for strikes, but it was good enough to keep a clean line. This was his third straight scoreless outing, and he's allowed just one hit while adding four strikeouts over three innings in that span. He retook sole possession of the major-league lead in saves with his 26th of the year, and he's added a 3.72 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 41:12 K:BB over 38.2 innings.

Helsley notched the save in Tuesday's 4-2 win over Washington, allowing one hit and one walk with no strikeouts in a scoreless ninth inning.

Helsley picked up save No. 18 on the campaign, and he's now tied with three other relivers for the fourth-highest mark in the National League. The 30-year-old right-hander had a very shaky stretch to open June during which he allowed one run in four consecutive outings to begin the month, but he's since settled back in nicely. Over his last six appearances, Helsley hasn't yielded a run while converting each of his five save chances.

The Dodgers optioned Fernandez to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Tuesday.

Fernandez gave up two earned runs in two innings Monday during his first MLB appearance since 2021. He'll now be sent back to Triple-A after just a day with the big-league club, though he will keep a spot on the Dodgers' 40-man roster. Alexis Diaz was recalled from Oklahoma City in a corresponding move.

The Dodgers recalled Diaz from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Tuesday.

Diaz hasn't shed his early-season struggles since being acquired by the Dodgers in May, giving up five earned runs in only 4.2 innings at Triple-A. Despite his performance, he'll grab a spot in Los Angeles' bullpen to work as a low-leverage option, replacing Julian Fernandez.

The Pirates placed Shugart on the 15-day injured list Tuesday with left knee inflammation.

Shugart pitched Monday for the first time in a week, allowing four earned runs over just 2.2 innings, and he appears to have come away from his latest outing with a knee issue. He'll remain out until at least July 23, and the Pirates will choose to operate with one less man in their bullpen by bringing up Jack Suwinski from Triple-A to provide extra outfield depth.

The Nationals optioned Salazar to Triple-A Rochester on Tuesday, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Salazar will lose his place on the active roster to make room for Luis Garcia, who signed with Washington on Tuesday. Salazar has struggled quite a bit in the big leagues this season, giving up 27 earned runs across 29 innings.

The Nationals signed Garcia on Tuesday, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Garcia was released by the Dodgers on Monday after being removed from the 40-man roster June 29. He joins the Nationals as they option Eduardo Salazar to Triple-A Rochester.

Zastryzny (ribs) hopes to resume throwing Wednesday and return to the Brewers' active roster in late July, Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Zastryzny has been out for all of July with a ribs stress reaction. He will likely require a rehab assignment before being activated.

The Dodgers are expected to call up Diaz from Triple-A Oklahoma City ahead of Tuesday's game against the Brewers, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

The former Reds closer was acquired by the Dodgers in late May and has made just six appearances for Oklahoma City since being traded, giving up five earned runs with a 3:7 K:BB over 4.2 innings. Diaz should fill a low-leverage role early on for the Dodgers but could work his way into higher-leverage spots. However, the 28-year-old's recent body of work at Triple-A doesn't provide much evidence that he's rediscovered his All-Star form.