MLB Player News

Bowman fired 1.2 scoreless innings in which he recorded a strikeout during a loss to the Cubs on Saturday. He's now pitched 2.2 scoreless innings over two days since returning from a disabled list stint due to finger blisters.

The 27-year-old right-hander had looked impressive in his three rehab appearances for Triple-A Memphis, and he's been even sharper over the past two days against the Cubs. Manager Mike Matheny wasted no time throwing Bowman back into action Friday, and he deemed him fit to throw another 16 pitches in Saturday's efficient appearance. Bowman had been struggling prior to his DL stint, but the blisters that ultimately sidelined him likely had a part to play in those difficulties.

Vizcaino gave up a hit and struck out two in a scoreless ninth inning Saturday to pick up his 14th save of the season in a 1-0 win over the Padres.

He's converted seven straight save chances and reeled off nine straight scoreless appearances, leaving Vizcaino with a stellar 1.88 ERA and 31:12 K:BB through 28.2 innings on the year. A.J. Minter and Dan Winkler, who are also enjoying excellent campaigns, will likely continue to be worked into the ninth-inning mix on occasion, but Vizcaino remains the primary closing option among the Braves' three-headed bullpen monster.

Jansen struck out one in a clean ninth inning to record the save Saturday against the Giants.

Jansen was called upon for a second consecutive night and came through to deliver his 17th save of the season. That puts him third in the National League, trailing only Wade Davis and Brad Hand. His early-season struggles are a distant memory, as Jansen has now successfully converted 14 consecutive saves and both his WHIP and ERA are approaching their expected levels.

Neris worked a perfect ninth inning Saturday to record his 10th save of the season in Saturday's 4-1 win over the Brewers.

Seranthony Doninguez pitched the eighth inning in this one as Neris nailed down his first save opportunity since May 21. The 29-year-old got scored upon in five of eight appearances between his last two saves, saddling him with a 4.78 ERA on the year, but it doesn't appear as though Neris is completely out of the Phillies' closer picture just yet.

Strahm will start Sunday against the Braves.

Strahm will stick in the starting rotation for at least one more "bullpen day" start as neither Joey Lucchesi (hip) nor Colin Rea (lat) is ready to return from the disabled list yet. While he likely won't go long enough to factor into the decision, the 26-year-old threw three perfect innings in his previous spot start and has allowed just one run across 7.1 innings in three starts this season.

Johnson was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento on Saturday, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Johnson tossed two scoreless innings during Friday's loss to the Dodgers after being recalled earlier in the day and returns to the River Cats after his one-day stay. First baseman Brandon Belt's (appendicitis) return from the disabled list prompted the move.

Leiter was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Saturday.

In eight innings for the Phillies this season, Leiter has a mediocre 4.50 ERA, though his underlying numbers (25.7 percent strikeout rate and 5.7 percent walk rate) are solid. Jake Thompson and Yacksiel Rios were called up to take the place of Leiter and Luis Garcia (wrist).

Garcia was placed on the 10-day disabled list with a right wrist strain Saturday.

Garcia struggled in his last appearance, giving up three earned runs on four hits without getting a single out Tuesday against the Rockies. It's possible his poor performance was related to the injury. Jake Thompson and Yacksiel Rios were called up to replace Garcia and Mark Leiter, who was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Chafin retired all four batters he faced in Friday's 7-3 win over the Mets.

It was the longest outing of the season for the southpaw, who was given more of a leash in relief than usual with left-handers Michael Conforto and Brandon Nimmo making up half of the hitters he faced. Chafin has yielded just two runs over his last 22 appearances spanning 15 innings, trimming his season ERA to 1.82 in the process.

Castillo fired two scoreless innings while giving up a hit and striking out three in Friday's 9-3 win over the Braves.

Castillo has been untouchable since getting the call to majors June 2, tossing six scoreless innings with 12 strikeouts over that span. The 22-year-old was equally impressive in the minors, posting a 2.31 ERA and a 13.5 K/9 over 23.1 innings across two levels prior to his promotion. The Friars have several proven options atop their bullpen, but Castillo could prove to be a solid ratio booster in middle relief if he keeps things rolling this year.