MLB Player News

Johnson was recalled from Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday.

Johnson was recalled to take the place of Jeimer Candelario, who was sent back to Triple-A earlier Wednesday. The 26-year-old owns a 3.21 ERA through with an impressive 13.5 K/9 through 14 innings with Iowa this season, though his 7.1 BB/9 makes his numbers a little less enticing. He should be available Wednesday against the Reds, though he likely won't see any high-leverage roles given the pedigree of arms already in the Cubs' bullpen.

Grace was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse on Wednesday, Dan Kolko of MASN Sports reports.

With Joe Blanton (shoulder) landing on the disabled list, a spot opened up for the well-traveled southpaw to head back to the big leagues. Grace struggled a bit in his first cup of coffee with the Nationals, allowing three runs in 4.1 innings pitched, so he'll look to improve upon that in his upcoming tenure in the nation's capital.

Melancon (elbow) was activated from the 10-day disabled list Wednesday, Alec Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

With Derek Law working in relief four of the past five games, the Giants opted to bring back their primary closer to aid the back end of the bullpen. Melancon should resume his normal role closing out games for San Francisco. To make room for him on the active roster, Kelby Tomlinson was sent back to the minors.

Melancon (elbow) will be ready to return from the disabled list Wednesday, John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Conflicting reports on this matter have been floating around, but this news suggests he could return one game earlier than initially anticipated. Regardless, Melancon seems to be ready to return to his role in the back of the Giants' bullpen very soon, so expect an official announcement in the near future.

Sierra has a 2.91 ERA and 23:7 K:BB in 21.2 innings for Double-A Tulsa.

Sierra has been much better since being moved to the bullpen last year. If he can keep thus up, he could be an option for the Dodgers later this season.

Rodney tossed a perfect ninth inning and struck out a batter to notch his 10th save of the season in Tuesday's 5-4 win over the Mets.

Rodney looked like he could be the next closer to lose his job after he finished April with a 12.60 ERA and 2.30 WHIP, but he's since rewarded manager Torey Lovullo's decision to stick with him in the ninth inning. The 40-year-old has converted each of his last four save chances while turning in a spotless ERA and giving up no hits and two walks over his last 4.2 innings. Rodney still profiles as a lower-tier closer, but he likely has a little more room for slippage than he did two weeks earlier.

Nelson (2-2) allowed two runs on seven hits and one walk while striking out eight over six innings in Tuesday's win over the Padres.

It was Nelson's second straight eight-strikeout performance and his third this season -- he reached eight strikeouts on only two occasions all of last year (32 starts). The right-hander kept the Padres off the board until the sixth inning Tuesday and issued just one walk, lowering his BB/9 to 3.05 (from 4.3 in 2016). He's throwing with improved velocity this season, but Nelson will face a tough test Sunday as he draws the Cubs at Wrigley Field.

Treinen struck out one in a perfect seventh inning Tuesday to notch his fourth hold of the season in a win over the Pirates.

Good outings from Treinen have been rare this season but he's showing faint signs of improvement, posting an 8:1 K:BB over his last five appearances (5.2 innings) despite being scored upon in three of those games. It's still too soon to risk having him active on a fantasy roster, but the 28-year-old might yet prove to be a useful contributor down the stretch for the Nats.

Ellington was recalled from Triple-A New Orleans on Wednesday, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

As expected, Ellington will join the big club and offer some extra depth in the bullpen with Junichi Tazawa (ribs) hitting the 10-day disabled list in a corresponding move. Ellington previously made two appearances with the Marlins, but has spent the bulk of the campaign with New Orleans, where he's accrued a 3.38 ERA and 14 strikeouts in eight innings.

Ellington is expected to be recalled from Triple-A New Orleans on Wednesday, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

Reliever Junichi Tazawa is apparently dealing with an injury that will result in his placement on the disabled list, so Ellington is in line to rejoin the Marlins to help fill the void in the bullpen. Ellington made two relief appearances with the Marlins earlier this season, covering 3.2 scoreless innings and conceding five hits and two walks.