MLB Player News

Phillips was recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett on Monday.

Phillips was called up in late June but failed to make an appearance. The 23-year-old righty has a 2.09 ERA in 38.2 innings for Gwinnett this season. He'll likely fill a low-leverage role in the Braves' bullpen.

Pivetta picked up an unexpected win in relief Sunday, pitching a scoreless 13th inning, walking one and striking out one.

Pivetta was the starter the Phillies turned to after they used eight pitchers to get through the game's first 12 innings. He got the job done against the heart of the Nationals' order, allowing just a walk to Anthony Rendon. The relief appearance is unlikely to affect Pivetta's availability for his next start, as the Phillies have off days both Monday and Thursday, allowing him to start on normal rest Friday in Pittsburgh.

Jansen got the save against the Rockies on Sunday, striking out two in a scoreless ninth inning to close out the Dodgers' 6-4 victory.

Jansen continues to roll, as this was his 19th consecutive converted save since he last blew one back on April 17. He had a couple of rough outings at the beginning of the season, but that's a distant memory at this point, as Jansen now has 22 saves on the year, to go along with a rock-solid 2.31 ERA and a 0.90 WHIP through 39 innings.

Smith recorded the final out of the game via strikeout to earn his second save Sunday against the Diamondbacks.

Mark Melancon was called upon to start the ninth inning with the Giants up 9-5, but Smith entered the game with the tying run at the plate after Melancon allowed three hits and an earned run. This marked Smith's second consecutive save chance -- he converted both successfully -- and with both Sam Dyson and Melancon struggling with inconsistency, he may now be the frontrunner for save opportunities. However, the situation remains muddled as Tony Watson could enter the picture as a fourth option to man the ninth inning.

Melancon recorded two outs in the ninth inning but allowed three hits and an earned run prior to being pulled Sunday against the Diamondbacks.

Melancon was called upon to begin the ninth inning with the Giants up 9-5. He retired the first two batters without incident but then surrendered three consecutive singles, the last of which drove in a run and ended his outing. While Sam Dyson quickly lost hold of the closer role, this outing won't give manager Bruce Bochy any confidence that Melancon should be trusted in the ninth inning. Will Smith has recorded the Giants' last two saves, but Tony Watson could also earn some opportunities going forward. This might remain a committee, though, even with those two new leaders.

Minter struck out one batter in a perfect ninth inning Sunday, earning his third save of the season in a 6-5 win over St. Louis.

With Arodys Vizcaino (shoulder) on the shelf, Minter looks to be Atlanta's top option for save chances. The 24-year-old is now perfect in his three save chances this season, picking up his first since May 14. Fantasy owners in need of saves should grab Minter if available, even if it's only a short-term position.

The Diamondbacks recalled Bracho from Triple-A Reno on Sunday.

Bracho has been electric over his previous 11 appearances for the big club this season, accruing a 1.42 ERA, 0.71 WHIP and 19:5 K:BB in 12.2 innings. Despite those strong numbers, Bracho's standing as one of a limited number of Arizona relievers with minor-league options remaining likely means he won't be in store for a long-term stay with the Diamondbacks.

Wilson (2-2) picked up the win Saturday against the Twins. He pitched a scoreless inning of relief with one strikeout.

Wilson struggled in Friday's game, giving up three hits and a run while retiring just two hitters, but he was much better Saturday. The 30-year-old now carries a 3.18 ERA and has been a fairly reliable left-handed option out of Chicago's bullpen this season after posting a rough 5.10 ERA with the Cubs last year after arriving via trade.

Curtis was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Sunday.

Curtis struck out three batters across 1.1 innings in Friday's matchup, but the Phillies needed a refresher in the bullpen after multiple days of heavy use. With Vince Velasquez (forearm) headed to the DL, the team called up Jake Thompson and activated Pat Neshek (forearm) in corresponding moves.

Yates fired a perfect inning with a strikeout en route to his 16th hold in Saturday's 4-3 victory over the Pirates.

Yates is putting up a career year in 2018, posting a 0.79 ERA with 41 strikeouts over 34 innings. Brad Hand struggled to close out the win Saturday, but his role as closer appears to be firm (outside of rare instances where the two relievers flip roles based on matchups). Yates has converted two saves this season, but he would be first in line to take over as closer if the Padres (currently sitting 11 games under .500) elect to move Hand at the trade deadline.