MLB Player News

Neris was not called upon Sunday against the Mets despite a clear save opportunity occurring.

Neris hadn't pitched the day before, but manager Gabe Kapler called upon Edubray Ramos instead to hold a two-run lead in the ninth inning. Nevertheless, MLB.com reports that Neris hasn't lost his closer's job. "We said from Spring Training and the beginning of the season that we would use the most appropriate reliever in a situation," Kapler said. "Sometimes, that's going to be Hector. Sometimes, that's going to be others late in the game." That could be true, but Neris could be due for some time out of the spotlight after blowing two of his last four save opportunities. Whether the change was just a one-off or if Neris is set to see significantly fewer save chances going forward remains to be seen. If Neris does indeed lose the role, Ramos and Seranthony Dominguez (who pitched a scoreless eighth inning Sunday) would likely be the primary candidates for saves.

Dominguez earned a hold by striking out two in a scoreless eighth inning Sunday against the Mets.

Dominguez is rapidly moving into a higher-leverage role. His first two major-league appearances occurred with 10-run leads. On Thursday, he pitched with a two-run lead in the seventh. Sunday he was called upon with a one-run lead in the eighth. He's gotten the job done in each case, striking out five in four scoreless innings, allowing just one baserunner. There appears to be some turmoil in the Phillies bullpen, with Hector Neris not being called upon in a save situation Sunday after having allowed runs in two of his last four appearances. Edubray Ramos got the call this time, but it wouldn't be surprising to see Dominguez given a save opportunity sometime soon.

Arano (shoulder) will throw 20 pitches in a rehab appearance with Double-A Reading on Monday, Meghan Montemurro of The Athletic Philadelphia reports.

Arano has been out all month with a right rotator cuff strain. He'll likely need a rehab appearance or two but seems to be nearing a return. Prior to the injury, the 23-year-old was having an excellent season, striking out 13 in 12 innings and allowing just one earned run.

Vizcaino allowed one earned run on one hit and struck out one to record his seventh save of the season Sunday against the Marlins.

Vizcaino entered the game in the ninth inning with Marlins on first and second base and allowed Justin Bour to take him deep for a three-run home run after retiring the first batter he faced. It was only the second home run he allowed this season, and his first since April 11. Despite consistent talk of A.J. Minter potentially taking over the closer role, Vizcaino remains locked in for now.

Hand picked up his 11th save of the season Sunday against the Cardinals, but not before giving up a home run, walking a pair, hitting a batter and throwing a wild pitch. He struck out two.

Fortunately he gave up the home run to Harrison Bader before his other miscues, otherwise it would have been a blown save. It almost was anyway, as he loaded the bases with one out before striking out Carson Kelly and Kolten Wong to secure the 5-3 win. Hand's job is quite secure, but this one was a bit of a circus before he finally picked up his 11th save, which is tied with Jeurys Familia for the second most in the National League.

Iglesias threw a perfect ninth inning against the Dodgers on Sunday to earn his seventh save of the season.

The right-hander sat down Yasmani Grandal, Cody Bellinger and Matt Kemp in order to secure the Reds' first four-game sweep of the Dodgers since 1976. Iglesias had a busy week, making five appearances and collecting three of his seven saves on the season. It's uncertain if he will be available Monday after pitching four of the last five days.

Scribner was optioned to Triple-A Reno on Sunday.

Scribner will return to the minors after taking the loss in his Saturday start, allowing two runs on four hits and six walks over 3.2 innings. He's a candidate to return the majors later in the season if the Diamondbacks are in need of a spot start.

Brebbia was optioned to Triple-A Memphis on Sunday.

Brebbia will shuttle back to Memphis to open up a roster spot for Adam Wainwright's (elbow) activation from the disabled list. Brebbia figures to bounce between Memphis and St. Louis for bullpen reinforcement as needed moving forward.

Maton was placed on the 10-day disabled list Sunday with a right lat strain.

Maton is off to a spectacular start this season with a 0.56 ERA in 16 innings of relief, but he'll spend some time on the DL after recently suffering a right lat strain. Kazuhisa Makita was recalled from Triple-A El Paso to fill the void in the bullpen.

Alzolay, who is starting Sunday for Triple-A Iowa, could be in line to start for the Cubs as part of a doubleheader Saturday in Cincinnati, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

There is no indication at this point that the Cubs are actually leaning this way, but Alzolay certainly is pitching well enough to earn the opportunity. Through four starts in Iowa, the 23-year-old is 2-1 with a 2.91 ERA and 1.06 WHIP. More details on Chicago's plans for the doubleheader should emerge later in the week, but even if Alzolay doesn't get the call, he could be an option to bolster the team's bullpen at some point this summer.