MLB Player News

Curtis was optioned to Double-A Mobile on Saturday.

The lefty gave up two runs on two hits (including a home run) while failing to record an out Friday, raising his ERA through 21 appearances to 6.75. He will look to get things ironed out and return to Arizona for at least the final month of the season.

Ellington was recalled from Triple-A New Orleans on Saturday, Andre Fernandez of the Miami Herald reports.

The right-hander will return for his second stint with the big club this season, replacing Jose Urena on the active roster. Ellington fared well during his initial callup, allowing just one earned run on eight hits while striking out 11 over 11.1 innings (10 appearances), but he'll have a tough time cracking the back end of the bullpen at any point this year.

The Pirates have agreed to trade Melancon to the Nationals, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports.

Specifics of the deal are still coming in, but the Nats will reportedly send Felipe Rivero and multiple prospects to Washington in return for Melancon. Melancon figures to step into the closer role right away for Washington, as manager Dusty Baker was unwilling to commit to Jonathan Papelbon remaining the team's closer when asked Saturday following three straight poor outings. Lefty Tony Watson will presumably inherit the ninth-inning job for the Pirates.

Lopez was recalled by Nationals and will start Saturday against the Giants, MASN's Dan Kolko reports.

The 22-year-old will oppose Jake Peavy in his second career start at the major league level. Lopez gave up 10 hits in his debut earlier this month, but also fanned nine over 4.2 innings, with his fastball averaging over 96 mph in the outing. The matchup Saturday makes him appealing as a streamer in a lot of leagues, as the Giants have scored just 41 runs since the All-Star break (second-fewest in the NL), although they are getting Hunter Pence back.

Nationals manager Dusty Baker said that Lopez will start Saturday's game against San Francisco, Mark Zuckerman of MASNsports.com reports.

Although he's yet to be officially called up, Lopez has been confirmed by manager Dusty Baker to be Saturday's starter against Jake Peavy and the Giants. Lopez has spent the majority of 2016 between Double-A Harrisburg and Triple-A Syracuse where he's compiled a 2.90 ERA and 1.17 WHIP over 96.1 innings.

Gearrin (shoulder) has joined Triple-A Sacramento and is ready to begin a rehab assignment, Alex Pavlovic of CSN Bay Area reports.

A little more than three weeks removed from landing on the DL, Gearrin is ready to return to active competition with the Giants' top minor league affiliate. It's uncertain how long he'll need to prepare for a return to the majors, but the team may want to see Gearrin throw on back-to-back days before activating him.

Weber was called up Friday from Triple-A Gwinnett.

This was a corresponding move to the Braves sending down Matt Wisler on Thursday following their game against the Phillies. Weber has spent some time with the major league club this season, appearing in five games while allowing 11 earned runs and 20 hits over 10.2 innings of work. He has faired much better at the Triple-A level, but has only managed to fan 35 batters during 55 innings with Gwinnett.

Neris earned his 19th hold of the season Thursday with a scoreless inning against the Braves.

Neris has six holds this month with a 1.86 ERA and a 13:1 K:BB in 9.2 innings. There is a chance the Phillies could try to cash in on his success this season and move him for a package of prospects if they can get something similar to the return on Ken Giles this past offseason. If the Phils move closer Jeanmar Gomez at the trade deadline and Neris stays, he'll be in the mix to take over the ninth inning job.

Chapman may not be available out of the bullpen for Friday's day game against the Mariners, Jesse Rogers of ESPN Chicago reports.

The flamethrowing lefty has pitched two consecutive days, and with a matinee game looming Friday, manager Joe Maddon may avoid using Chapman in order to preserve his arm. Chapman recorded a four-out save Thursday, tossing 24 pitches. If he's indeed unavailable Friday, Hector Rondon would be the likely candidate to take the mound should a save opportunity arise.

Gomez allowed a run on two hits and a walk, but escaped Thursday's game against the Braves with his 27th save of the year.

Gomez earned his 27th save in 30 chances, but it was an awfully shaky appearance. He allowed the first two batters to reach before inducing a double play, giving up an RBI single and finally shutting the door with a strikeout to end it. The Phillies closer entered the season with one career save, but now has the fifth-most in the NL heading toward the back stretch of 2016.