MLB Player News

The Diamondbacks optioned Koch to Triple-A Reno on Saturday, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Koch was promoted from Reno on Tuesday to provide bullpen depth after Monday's 15-inning game and pitched two scoreless innings in Saturday's loss to the Cardinals before returning to the minors. The 27-year-old was optioned to make room on the 25-man roster for first baseman and outfielder Christian Walker.

Strahm completed two innings in a rehab start for Double-A San Antonio on Saturday, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

The southpaw got off to a rough start, allowing a run on two hits and a walk in his first inning of work. He settled down afterward, ultimately firing 29 of his 47 offerings for strikes and striking out six batters. Strahm's return timeline is still relatively unclear, but it's encouraging that he was able to throw almost 50 pitches in a game situation.

Garcia will join the Marlins' rotation and will make his first start Wednesday against the Mets, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

Garcia failed to make Miami's rotation this spring, but his two appearances so far this season have been four and six innings long, so he's still stretched out to start. The Marlins have somewhat unsurprisingly struggled to get consistent performances from their starters so far this season. If Garcia can carry over his results from his first two appearances, in which he recorded a 1.80 ERA and a 3.89 FIP, he'll immediately become one of the best starters on the team,

Fields returned from the paternity list Saturday.

Fields had been away from the team since Tuesday due to the birth of his child. He'll resume his setup role in front of Kenley Jansen.

Holmes made his major-league debut Friday, allowing one earned run in two innings against Cincinnati. He gave up two hits and two walks while striking out a pair.

The righty's fastball averaged 92.4 mph on a cold and wet night at PNC Park. Holmes pitched in the ninth inning with a 12-run lead but threw just 22 of 43 pitches for strikes. The rookie figures to head back to Triple-A when Joe Musgrove (shoulder) comes off the disabled list, but he could become a middle-relief option with better command.

Webb was designated for assignment by the Brewers on Saturday, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Webb was cast off the 40-man roster in order to make room for J.J. Hoover, who was recalled by the Brewers prior to Saturday's game. In another move, Brandon Woodruff was sent down to Triple-A Colorado Springs. Unless claimed off waivers, Webb will stay with the Sky Sox for the onset of the 2018 campaign.

Hoover was called up by Milwaukee prior to Saturday's game against the Cubs, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

In a corresponding move, the club optioned Brandon Woodruff and designated Tyler Webb for assignment. Hoover will likely serve as depth out of the bullpen after failing to crack the Opening Day roster. He logged a 3.92 ERA over 41.1 innings of relief in 52 games with Arizona in 2017.

Manager Craig Counsell said Friday that he prefers to keep Hader in a multi-inning role, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports.

The team will share closer duties with Corey Knebel out with a hamstring injury, but the skipper seemed to suggest that Hader is not going to be a big part of that mix. Counsell mentioned Matt Albers, Jacob Barnes, Jeremy Jeffress and Dan Jennings as options for the ninth, while Hader's role will remain flexible -- he entered in the fourth inning Friday. Regardless, Hader is probably the best arm in the bullpen and should be owned in most leagues for what he can do in the ratio categories.

Munoz is being held back in extended spring training with a balky right elbow that limited him during camp, MLB.com's Mike Rosenbaum reports.

The 19-year-old fireballer was a breakout reliever in the Arizona Fall League. A healthy version of Munoz could have climbed from Low-A all the way to Double-A or Triple-A this year, but considering he is dealing with an elbow injury, we may not see him for several months. As a reliever with just 2.1 innings under his belt at Low-A, he doesn't need to be rostered yet in most dynasty leagues, but he could be a closer down the road.

Hand got the save against the Astros on Friday, striking out two and walking one in a scoreless ninth inning to preserve San Diego's 4-1 victory.

It was a welcome bounce-back showing from the left-hander, who had two losses and a blown save over four erratic innings coming into the contest. Manager Andy Green has re-iterated that Hand is his man for the closer role after a 2017 season that saw him notch a 2.16 ERA and 21 saves in 79.1 innings, so it was good to see Hand reward his manager's confidence.