MLB Player News

Birdsong (3-2) allowed seven runs on four hits and four walks while striking out one over four-plus innings to take the loss Thursday versus the Marlins.

Birdsong gave up a three-run home run to Kyle Stowers in the first inning as well as a two-run blast to Agustin Ramirez in the third. More trouble popped up in the fifth, which led to Birdsong's exit from the contest. It's a second shaky outing in a row -- the 23-year-old has allowed 12 runs (11 earned) over his last 8.1 innings. He's now at a 4.13 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 56:24 K:BB across 56.2 innings over 18 appearances (seven starts) this season, and he's trending in the wrong direction. It's unclear at this time if his rotation spot is in danger. He's tentatively scheduled for a road start in Arizona early next week.

Junk allowed five runs on eight hits and struck out one without walking a batter over 3.2 innings in a no-decision Thursday versus the Giants.

Junk avoided walking a batter, but that was about the only positive to take from this unusually high-scoring contest at Oracle Park. He hasn't issued a walk in any of his last three outings, allowing six runs over 14.1 innings while adding 10 strikeouts. Junk won those previous two appearances and looks poised to have first dibs on the rotation spot that opened up when Max Meyer (hip) was ruled out for the season. Junk is at a 3.73 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 26:2 K:BB across 31.1 innings over seven appearances this year. The 29-year-old is projected to make his next start at home versus the Twins.

Palencia earned the save in Thursday's 3-0 win over the Cardinals, allowing one hit while striking out three in a scoreless ninth inning.

Palencia was summoned to protect a three-run lead and worked around a double and a hit batter by striking out the next three hitters to close things out. Through eight June appearances, the 26-year-old has converted all three of his save chances while allowing two earned runs and posting an 11:1 K:BB. He's 8-for-9 in save opportunities this season with a 1.86 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 33:10 K:BB across 29 innings.

Scott walked one and struck out one in a scoreless and hitless inning to earn the save in Thursday's 3-1 win over the Rockies.

Scott has six saves and two holds over his last eight appearances, a span in which he's allowed two runs (one earned) over 8.1 innings. The walk he issued Thursday was just the fifth he's permitted all season, but he was able to erase the mistake with a game-ending double play. Scott is at a 3.55 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 41 strikeouts over 38 innings while adding 17 saves, seven holds and five blown saves while working as Los Angeles' main closing option.

The Pirates designated Stratton for assignment Thursday.

Stratton lost his spot in Pittsburgh's bullpen Tuesday, and he'll now be pushed off the 40-man roster entirely to create room for Genesis Cabrera, who inked an MLB deal with the Pirates on Thursday. Stratton owns a 4.30 ERA through 52.1 career innings in the majors and carries a 3.91 ERA in Triple-A this year, so he could still land with another team via waivers.

The Pirates optioned Darrell-Hicks to Triple-A Indianapolis on Thursday.

Just two days after coming up from the minors, Darrell-Hicks will head back to Indianapolis to make room for the newly signed Genesis Cabrera. Darrell-Hicks has given up eight earned runs over 9.2 innings during his time in the big leagues this year, and his Triple-A performance hasn't been much better (8.14 ERA through 24.1 IP).

Cabrera signed a one-year contract with the Pirates on Thursday.

Cabrera will stay put in the NL Central after being designated for assignment by the Cubs on Saturday, and he'll immediately fill in as a big-league bullpen piece for Pittsburgh. The 28-year-old southpaw owns a 6.35 ERA and 1.35 WHIP through 17 innings on the season, so he'll likely be limited to low-leverage work to begin his tenure with the Buccos, though that could change if he begins to return to form. Michael Darrell-Hicks was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis to make room for Cabrera on the active roster, and Hunter Stratton was DFA'd to clear a 40-man spot.

The Mets recalled Warren from Triple-A Syracuse on Thursday.

Warren made one scoreless appearance for the Mets in May and is back for another opportunity. The 29-year-old will provide manager Carlos Mendoza with a fresh bullpen arm.

The Mets optioned Pintaro to Triple-A Syracuse on Thursday.

Pintaro was roughed up for two runs while recording only two outs in his major-league debut Wednesday against Atlanta and finds himself back in the minors a day later. Austin Warren will absorb his spot on the roster and in the bullpen.

Wrobleski is expected to start or pitch in bulk relief during Sunday's game in Kansas City, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

The Dodgers are holding off naming a starter for the series finale against the Royals, likely because they're planning to use an opener in front of Wrobleski. The southpaw has fared much better in bulk relief than he has as a traditional starter, posting a 1.96 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and 19:2 K:BB over 18.1 innings in the former role.