MLB Player News

Grace coughed up four runs on four hits -- including two home runs -- and a walk in an inning of work during Friday's loss to the Cubs.

The Nats were already down 10-4 when Grace came out of the bullpen for the ninth inning, but he made sure they had no hope of coming back. The southpaw entered May with a 4.97 ERA, but things have gotten a lot worse since then -- he's been tagged for 12 runs and four homers in his last five appearances, leaving him with an 8.55 ERA and 1.85 WHIP through 20 innings on the year. Washington's bullpen as a whole has been awful in 2019, and wholesale changes could be coming, but Grace's current form makes him one of the more likely relievers to lose his spot.

Mayers (lat) is set to begin a throwing program early next week, Dave Sessions of MLB.com reports.

The right-handed reliever hit the injured list April 16 after exiting an appearance against the Brewers the night prior with discomfort. Mayers was originally projected to miss significant time and has already been sidelined just over a month, but the fact he'll begin throwing in a matter of days is an indication his recovery may be starting to ramp up.

Jackson struck out the only batter he faced to record his sixth save of the season in Friday's 12-8 win over the Brewers.

It didn't seem like Atlanta was going to need its closer when the Braves wrapped up the sixth inning with a 12-0 lead, but the bullpen let Milwaukee back into the game, forcing manager Brian Snitker to summon Jackson with two on and two outs in the ninth. He's now 6-for-7 in converting save chances since moving into the closer role in late April, and his 2.01 ERA and 28:7 K:BB through 22.1 innings on the year are elite numbers for a reliever, albeit in a small sample.

Neris picked up the save and struck out one in a perfect inning Friday night against the Rockies.

Neris didn't have much wiggle room heading into the ninth inning with a one-run lead, and fortunately, he didn't mess around. He retired the side in order on seven pitches (six strikes). The 29-year-old hasn't allowed an earned run in six straight appearances and sports a 2.08 ERA with 25 punchouts over 17.1 innings this season.

Richards (1-5) picked up the win in Friday's 8-6 victory over the Mets, allowing three runs on six hits and three walks over 6.1 innings while striking out four.

The right-hander wasn't particularly sharp, throwing 55 of 88 pitches for strikes and serving up two homers, but an uncharacteristic burst of offense from Miami's bats finally got Richards in the win column. He'll take a 4.44 ERA and 44:26 K:BB through 48.2 innings into his next start Thursday in Detroit.

Reyes (finger) has been cleared to start fielding work and will join the rotation at High-A Palm Beach next week, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Reyes continues to trend in the right direction, though it's unknown if he's been able to shed the splint he's been wearing on his left pinkie finger. Once he shows that he's capable of fielding his position in a live game, he'll advance to a higher level of play.

Holmes was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

Holmes was sent to the minors Wednesday, but he'll head back to Pittsburgh's bullpen just a few days later. Richard Rodriguez was optioned to Triple-A in a corresponding move.

Hartlieb will have his contract selected from Triple-A Indianapolis prior to Friday's game against San Diego, Stephen J. Nesbitt of The Athletic reports.

Hartlieb has posted a 3.32 ERA with 23 punchouts over 19 innings at Triple-A this season, good enough to earn him a shot in the big leagues. Pittsburgh has yet to announce a corresponding move.

Sewald was called up from Triple-A Syracuse on Friday.

Sewald had a week-long stint in the majors earlier this season and gave up two runs over five innings. The 28-year-old struggled last season with a 6.07 ERA, 1.51 WHIP and 58:23 K:BB for the Mets.

Leone was optioned to Triple-A Memphis on Friday, Rob Rains of StLSportsPage.com reports.

Leone has struggled to an 8.02 ERA with a 27:11 K:BB over 21.1 innings this season, and his last outing against the Braves appeared to be the final straw (two runs allowed in 1.2 innings). Carlos Martinez was activated from the 10-day injured list and Ryan Helsley was recalled in corresponding moves.