MLB Player News

Leone (biceps) threw a bullpen session Sunday afternoon and could soon head out on a minor-league rehab assignment, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

The right-handed reliever got through his 25-pitch bullpen last Wednesday without any issues, particularly encouraging considering he was throwing at full strength. That led to Sunday's session, which also apparently went off without issue. Leone remarked that his next step is likely a rehab assignment that could begin sometime during this week. Whenever he does get back into game action, it will be his first time doing so since the May 4 appearance against the Cubs when he exited with bicep cramping.

Sims was traded from the Braves to the Reds along with Matt Wisler and Preston Tucker in exchange for Adam Duvall on Monday.

Sims appeared in just six games at the big-league level for the Braves in 2018, accruing an ugly 7.84 ERA and 1.94 WHIP with 10 strikeouts over 10.1 innings out of the bullpen, though the Reds are confident they can shape him into a starting pitcher. He was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett on June 26. It's unclear if he'll report to the minor leagues after being shipped to Cincinnati.

Floro was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City to the majors Monday, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Floro received the promotion after Ross Stripling (toe) was moved to the 10-day disabled list. Floro has made 31 appearances in the big leagues for both the Reds and Dodgers in 2018, and he's posted a 2.89 ERA and 1.31 WHIP with 35 strikeouts over 43.2 innings out of the bullpen.

Morejon (hip) returned to action with a four-inning scoreless outing for High-A Lake Elsinore on Sunday, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Morejon had missed over a month with soreness in his hip flexor muscle, but Sunday's successful return to the mound is an encouraging sign for the young pitching prospect. The 19-year-old now owns a 3.36 ERA with 69 strikeouts over 61.2 innings with High-A Lake Elsinore this season. Despite his youth, Morejon appears to be on a relative fast track to the majors, as he could reach Triple-A by next summer if he stays healthy.

Smith fired a scoreless inning while striking out one en route to his fifth save in Sunday's 8-5 win over Milwaukee.

Smith has now converted saves in back-to-back appearances after not seeing a save chance since July 6. That has been a product of the Giants' inability to generate save opportunities for its closer (and the All-Star break), but the 28-year-old's recent usage confirms that he is still the club's primary closing option.

Webb was optioned to Triple-A Memphis on Monday.

Webb was cast off the roster in order to make room for the recently acquired Chasen Shreve after pitching two innings of relief against the Cubs on Sunday. That marked Webb's first big-league appearance with the Cardinals since joining the organization in late June. He will remain at the Triple-A level as depth.

De Los Santos has had a pair of poor starts since being sent back to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on July 20.

De Los Santos failed to get out of the fifth inning on either occasion, allowing a combined 11 runs (nine earned) in 8.2 innings. In a pair of starts at the major-league level, the 22-year-old allowed eight runs in 10.2 innings. The recent slump serves as a reminder that De Los Santos wasn't considered a major prospect despite a hot start to the season at the Triple-A level, as that hot streak was partially due to an unsustainable strand rate and BABIP. Still, it will take more than a pair of bad starts to undo the growth the righty has shown this season, and his outlook remains better than it was when the Phillies acquired him for Freddy Galvis back in December.

Strop retired the Cardinals in order to earn the save Sunday.

Strop earned his third consecutive save since Brandon Morrow (biceps) hit the disabled list most recently. No other pitcher in the Cubs' bullpen has earned one, so it appears he is most likely to see the chances so long as Morrow is unavailable. Strop has been effective this season, posting a 2.51 ERA and 1.09 WHIP to go along with 41 strikeouts across 43 innings. However, he is only 5-for-8 in save chances, but two of those mistakes came in a setup capacity.

Suarez (4-6) got the win against the Brewers on Sunday, giving up four earned runs on eight hits over six innings, striking out four and walking one in San Francisco's 8-5 victory.

Suarez missed a quality start by one earned run after serving up long balls to Ryan Braun and Hernan Perez, but he still pitched well enough to nab his fourth victory of the season. He's been steady if unspectacular this season, as demonstrated by the 4.11 ERA and 1.27 WHIP he'll take into his next start against the Diamondbacks on Saturday.

Boxberger struck out two without allowing a baserunner in the ninth inning to earn his 25th save of the season Sunday against the Padres.

Boxberger bounced back after he blew his fifth save of the season on Thursday night against the Cubs, retiring the Padres in order Sunday. His 25 saves are good enough for third in the National League, and he has shown no signs of relinquishing the closer role. He has an impressive 54 strikeouts in 38.2 innings this season, paired with a 3.49 ERA and 1.19 WHIP.