MLB Player News

Rodney retired the Reds in order, striking out two batters, to earn his 17th save Saturday.

He threw nine of his 13 pitches for strikes, and after punching out Joey Votto and Brandon Phillips, Rodney was able to get Jay Bruce to line out to first. Rodney has four strikeouts in two innings against the Reds in this series. Although he is 0-1, Rodney is 17-for-17 in save chances with a 0.31 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and 33 strikeouts in 28.2 innings this season.

Pomeranz (7-7) threw seven shutout innings, allowing just three hits, one walk while striking out six in a 3-0 victory over the Reds on Saturday.

The left-hander has certainly had more dominating strikeout performances, but owners couldn't have asked for a better bounce back after he allowed five runs and five walks on June 14 and then three homers in his last start on June 19. For good measure, Pomeranz also went 2-for-3 with a solo homer and two RBI. He may only have a .500 record, but he has a .190 batting average against, 2.76 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 102 strikeouts in 88 innings. His next start will be Saturday against the Yankees.

Castro was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque on Saturday, Nick Groke of the Denver Post reports.

His most recent stint at the big league level was forgettable, as Castro gave up five runs on eight hits in just 2.2 innings of work (six appearances). The 21-year-old Castro can dial his fastball up to over 96 mph on average and still profiles as a closer long term, but it's certainly no lock he'll see save chances this season.

Bracho was recalled from Triple-A Reno on Saturday, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Zack Godley was sent packing after Friday's game, opening the door for Bracho to return for his third stint with the big league club this season. Bracho opened some eyes with his performance during a cup of coffee last year, but he's struggled in his six appearances with Arizona so far this year (five runs in six innings) and may ride the shuttle throughout most of the season.

Melancon struck out one and notched his 21st save in Friday's 8-6 victory over the Dodgers, surrendering only one hit in one inning.

The Pirates closer was locked in, needing only 12 pitches - 10 of which he threw for strikes - to dispose of the Dodgers. Melancon has now converted 21 of 22 save opportunities this season and hasn't given up an earned run since May 15.

Rodriguez is 4-0 with a 1.93 ERA and a 32:12 K:BB in 32.2 innings of relief for Double-A Reading.

Rodriguez lost his 40-man roster spot in the winter after a terrible season in 2015, but he has turned things around this year. The Phillies made an adjustment to his arm slot and how his foot lands when he finishes his delivery and both moves seem to have paid off. Rodriguez has been particularly tough on lefties, who have hit just .162 with 13 strikeouts and three walks in 12 innings. He could be promoted to Triple-A this summer and might even see time in the Phillies' pen later this year if he keeps pitching well.

Barraclough nabbed his second win of the season, striking out two with two walks over a scoreless inning in Thursday's win over the Cubs.

Thursday's appearance was a microcosm of Barraclough's season as he bolstered both his league-best 16.08 K/9 and his league-worst 7.28 BB/9 among qualified relievers. The horrendous walk rate has helped lead to a sub-par 1.45 WHIP, but Barraclough has been able to ride the strikeout to get himself out of trouble and maintains a solid 3.03 ERA over 29.2 innings pitched. Obviously, the 26-year-old reliever needs to work on his control, but he'll continue to see work in the late innings for the Marlins as long as he's able to consistently get outs.

Diplan, 19, has a 2.10 ERA and 76:25 K:BB in 55.2 innings for Low-A Wisconsin.

Opposing batters are hitting just .206 against Diplan, who is still being brought along slowly in terms of limiting his innings and pitch counts. It also remains to be seen if Diplan will end up as a starter or a reliever. Nevertheless, the strikeout ratio is certainly difficult to ignore.

Bickford, 20, fanned 13 batters in six innings in his debut for High-A San Jose on Sunday. The 6-foot-4 righty allowed two earned runs on two hits. He did not walk anybody.

Bickford saw little resistance at Low-A prior to being promoted. He notched a 2.70 ERA and 69:15 K:BB in 60 innings. Opposing batters hit just .220 against him. With massive strikeout potential, Bickford is certainly worth a stash in deeper keeper leagues.

Hoffman, 23, has a 3.53 ERA and 79:29 K:BB in 81.2 innings for Triple-A Albuquerque.

Hoffman's numbers look even better when taking into account the hitter-friendly confines of the California League. He is coming off one of his best starts of the season in which he fanned 11 batters in seven innings. The Rockies are always desperate for pitching, and as a result, Hoffman could get the call in short order.