MLB Player News

Avila has been optioned back to Double-A Amarillo after making his big-league debut Thursday, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Avila had a solid debut for the Padres, but he'll be sent back to Double-A, as he was called up for a spot start to give Chris Paddack an extra day to rest. Since he fared well in that start, holding the Diamondbacks to one earned run over 5.1 innings, the 22-year-old could get called up again down the line if the Padres want to continue to manage Paddack's workload.

Reyes was recalled from Triple-A El Paso on Friday.

Reyes will join the Padres after allowing one run and striking out six over three innings with the Chihuahuas. He figures to slot in near the back end of the bullpen for San Diego. In a corresponding move, Pedro Avila was optioned to Double-A Amarillo.

Floro hasn't given up a run in any of his eight appearances so far this season, yielding seven hits with five strikeouts and no walks over 8.1 innings.

The Dodgers' bullpen has had its fair share of struggles, but Floro has stood out as an exception, as he's posted a 0.84 WHIP over his eight games. His strong pitching extends back to last season following his acquisition via trade from the Reds, as Floro has a 1.25 ERA over 36 innings as a Dodger. With Joe Kelly struggling so far in the role as the setup man for closer Kenley Jansen, Floro is making a strong case for a look in that role.

Arano was called up from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Friday.

Arano was sent to the minors to begin the season after allowing 20 runs in four spring innings. He had a quite strong 2.73 ERA in 59.1 major-league innings last season, however, and threw four scoreless innings with a 7:1 K:BB for Lehigh Valley to start this campaign, so the Phillies will hope that his spring struggles were nothing more than a random, brief blip. Edubray Ramos was optioned in a corresponding move.

Stephenson pitched a scoreless inning in relief of the injured Sonny Gray on Thursday and got the win.

Pitching in relief has suited Stephenson well so far in this young season. He has allowed one run over 6.1 innings, striking out eight batters while giving up three hits and a walk. The competition level picks up for Reds pitchers soon, with them embarking on a West Coast road swing.

Wingenter got the save against the Diamondbacks on Thursday, working around two walks to record a scoreless ninth inning and close out San Diego's 7-6 victory. He struck out two.

Kirby Yates has already made eight appearances, so Wingenter got the nod as the closer in this contest and successfully protected a one-run lead despite issuing two free passes. Yates remains the unquestioned go-to option for the role, so Wingenter shouldn't be expected to see these chances frequently aside from days when Yates needs a rest. However, Wingenter already has three holds on the year, so perhaps he's improving his standing in the pecking order as an alternative should Yates miss time.

Avila threw 5.1 innings in a no-decision against the Diamondbacks on Thursday, giving up one earned run on four hits while striking out five and walking two in a 7-6 victory for the Padres.

It was a successful big-league debut for Avila, who limited Arizona to four hits and could have found himself in line for a win if not for a blown save from Brad Wieck. The 22-year-old was called up straight from Double-A Amarillo, so this was an impressive first go at the big-league level, but he could get optioned back to the minors shortly, as he was called up to give Chris Paddack an extra day of rest, per Dennis Lin of The Athletic.

Smith picked up the save against the Rockies on Thursday, tossing a scoreless ninth inning without allowing a hit to lock down San Francisco's 1-0 victory. He didn't record a walk or a strikeout.

It was a smooth effort from the lefty, who retired the side on just eight pitches to nab his fourth save of the season. Smith has given up just one earned run in his five appearances and continues to have a firm grasp on the ninth-inning role for San Francisco.

Strop retired the side in order to record his first save of 2019 in a 2-0 victory against the Pirates on Thursday.

The Cubs have had a rocky start, so Strop hadn't pitched in any save opportunities before Thursday. Strop experienced a rough first series of the year, but he's settled in during his last few outings. He owns a 4.50 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and three strikeouts in four innings.

Diaz allowed two hits and struck out two batters to record a scoreless ninth inning pick up his fifth save of the season Thursday against the Braves.

Diaz made things a bit interesting, allowing a leadoff single and then a double with two outs. However, he managed to strike out Freddie Freeman -- who represented the tying run -- to end the game. Though his 1.24 WHIP is inflated from his exceptional results last season, Diaz figures to remain an elite closer and already has 10 strikeouts in 5.2 innings of work.