MLB Player News

Melancon (elbow) completed a bullpen session Sunday, Andrew Baggarly of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

The Giants' closer has been throwing bullpen sessions every other day since the All-Star break, but manager Bruce Bochy was especially encouraged by this most recent outing. The skipper hopes that Melancon can return to action in a couple weeks, although he did admit that Melancon will be brought along slowly due to the poor record the Giants have put up to this point.

Banda was optioned to Triple-a Reno on Sunday, MLB.com reports.

Banda acquitted himself well in his major-league debut Saturday against the Nationals, covering 5.2 innings and serving up four runs on seven hits and no walks while striking out five batters in a losing effort. The Diamondbacks brought Banda up from the minors to make the spot start because Taijuan Walker (personal) was on the paternity list, but the lefty's demotion signals that Walker is in line to be activated prior to Sunday's game. Walker is now scheduled to make his next start Tuesday against the Braves, leaving no room for Banda in the rotation.

Stephenson (0-3) allowed five runs on eight hits and two walks while striking out five batters through 5.1 innings during Saturday's loss to Miami.

Stephenson had pitched out of the bullpen in each of his first 13 appearances for the Reds this season, but was demoted May 30 and stretched out to start. With an 8.10 ERA and 1.97 WHIP for the year (mostly in relief), Stephenson's currently off the fantasy radar. While he still owns some long-term upside, there's no guarantee Stephenson even sticks in the rotation for another start.

Mayers has been permanently moved to a relief role due to the Cardinals' belief that it provides him the best path to the majors, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.

The 25-year-old right-hander made 15 starts for Triple-A Memphis this season and 86 overall in his minor-league career, but the move to the bullpen has agreed with him thus far. Mayers has fired five scoreless innings in relief, allowing just two hits and notching six strikeouts. He also made two appearances for the Cardinals this season, allowing three runs (two earned) on four hits and three walks over four innings.

Barraclough would likely get the first chance to close games if the Marlins trade A.J. Ramos before the deadline, Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald reports.

"Claw would be easy to put there for me," manager Don Mattingly said of giving Barraclough the ball in the ninth inning. "Out of our guys who've had success, I think Claw's that guy." Ramos is being shopped pretty hard, so this is a very real scenario. Mattingly also mentioned Brad Ziegler as a potential option for saves is Ramos is dealt, but Ziegler is currently on the DL with a lower-back strain. Barraclough has a 3.38 ERA, 1.53 WHIP and 49 strikeouts in 44.1 innings this season, and while he could be a bit of a ratio risk over the season's final months, the strikeouts and potential saves make him a worthwhile stash for owners looking for saves on the waiver wire.

Suter (1-1) allowed one run on five hits while striking out five across six innings, in a no-decision against the Phillies on Saturday.

Suter had a six-run lead before allowing a solo homer in the fifth inning, but his bullpen blew a huge lead, costing him his second victory of the season. He's yet to allow more than two runs in any of his four starts, and he's been an excellent addition to fantasy squads with his 2.84 ERA. He'll make his next start Friday against the Cubs.

Moore (3-10) allowed four runs on seven hits while striking out seven across six innings in a no-decision against the Padres on Saturday.

Moore did quite well the first time through the lineup before getting pasted for four runs in the fourth inning, but the offense gave him enough support to keep him from losing his 11th game of the campaign. Even though he's thrown in a few decent starts on occasion, his 5.82 ERA is a fair reflection of the pitcher he's been all season, which is an extremely shaky fantasy option. He'll make his next start Friday against the Dodgers.

Koch was optioned to Triple-A Reno on Saturday.

This is a corresponding move after the Diamondbacks officially called up Anthony Banda to make his major-league debut Saturday. Koch was considered to be in the running for Saturday's start, but will instead head back to Reno after not making an appearance during his brief stint with the big-league club. Koch, 26, has an 8.47 ERA and a 1.59 WHIP in four appearances at Reno this season.

Banda was officially recalled to start Saturday against the Nationals.

The highly touted Arizona prospect will be thrown into the fire in his major-league debut as he'll face one of the best lineups in all of baseball. Even considering the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League that Banda has pitched in this year, his numbers have been underwhelming at best, as he notched a 5.08 ERA and a 1.43 WHIP while allowing 11 home runs in 101 innings. This could be just a spot start for Banda with Taijuan Walker nearing activation from the paternity list.

Bowman (2-3) got one out to close out the seventh inning in Friday's 11-4 win over the Cubs.

Bowman didn't even break a sweat while notching his second win, getting Willson Contreras on two pitches for his only out. The 26-year-old right-hander is having a great month, allowing just five hits and a walk in seven scoreless innings across 10 appearances.