MLB Player News

Suarez was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento on Sunday, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Suarez had an ugly start Saturday in which he allowed nine runs (seven earned) over four innings, and now makes his way back to the minors. The Giants will look elsewhere for their fifth starter next weekend against the Orioles. The 26-year-old returns to Sacramento, where he has a 6.33 ERA, 1.70 WHIP and 21:10 K:BB through six starts this season.

Suarez (0-2) took the loss Saturday, coughing up nine runs (seven earned) on nine hits and three walks over four innings. He struck out two as the Giants fell 10-4 to the Diamondbacks.

The southpaw was in trouble from the jump, serving up a triple to Ketel Marte on the second pitch of the game, and things didn't get any better from there. Suarez gave the Giants a quality start his first time out this season, but this outing might cause the club to rethink whether he should remain in the rotation. If he does stick around, he'll next take the mound Friday in Baltimore.

Diaz struck out one but gave up a single to blow the save in a brief appearance against the Tigers on Saturday.

The Mets called upon their closer with two outs and a runner at second base while clinging to a one-run lead in the eighth inning. Diaz yielded a single to the first hitter he faced, though, allowing the Tigers to tie the game. While he struck out the next batter, and Diaz wasn't charged with a run, he still took his first blown save of the season. He is 12-for-13 in save chances with a 1.80 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 31 strikeouts in 20 innings this year.

Hicks threw a perfect ninth inning to earn the save in Saturday's win over the Braves.

Hicks didn't register any strikeouts but quickly put down the Braves in order with 12 pitches. The 22-year-old is 10-for-11 in save opportunities, with Saturday's save being his first since April 29 amidst the Cardinals' struggles in May. Hicks has a 2.65 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 21:7 K:BB over 17 innings this season.

Hudson allowed two runs on five hits and two walks across 6.1 innings during Saturday's 6-3 win over the Braves. He struck out two but did not factor in the decision.

Hudson exited with a 2-1 lead and a runner on third with one out in the sixth, but Carlos Martinez was unable to prevent the run from scoring. It was a fairly quick hook by manager Mike Shildt since Hudson ended up throwing only 74 pitches. The 24-year-old has three straight quality starts and a 4.22 ERA, 1.63 WHIP and 38:24 K:BB this season. Hudson lines up to pitch against the Cubs next weekend.

Clarke (1-1) struck out four and picked up the win in Saturday's 10-4 victory over the Giants, allowing three runs on six hits and three walks over 6.1 innings.

The rookie was sharp through six innings, giving up only one run en route to his first win in the majors, but he ran out of gas in the seventh. Clarke threw 64 of 100 pitches for strikes and pitched more than well enough to stick in the Arizona rotation, Unfortunately, that sets him up to make his next start Thursday at Coors Field.

Kontos signed a minor-league deal with the Nationals on Friday, Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports reports.

Kontos joined the Cubs on a minor-league deal during the offseason but didn't play a game with the organization after spring training. The 33-year-old had 28 appearances between the Indians, Yankees and Pirates last season and had a 4.39 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 15:7 K:BB over 26.2 innings. Kontos will report to Triple-A Fresno.

Rodriguez was recalled from Triple-A Sacramento on Saturday.

Rodriguez slumped to a 5.05 ERA in eight starts for the Giants to open the season before being demoted to Sacramento in mid-May. He appears to be back in a relief role this time around, with Trevor Gott (forearm) heading to the injured list in a corresponding move.

Gott was placed on the 10-day injured list with a right forearm strain Saturday.

The injury perhaps explains Gott's poor showing in his most recent outing, where he allowed three runs while recording just two outs Friday against the Diamondbacks. It's not clear when he's expected to return to action. Dereck Rodriguez was recalled in a corresponding move.

Clarke was recalled from Triple-A Reno ahead of his scheduled start against San Francisco on Saturday.

Clarke has allowed two runs in nine major-league innings this season but has an ugly 7.22 ERA in seven starts for Reno. John Ryan Murphy was designated for assignment in a corresponding move.