MLB Player News

The Dodgers optioned Sauer to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Saturday, Jorge Castillo of ESPN.com reports.

Sauer pitched three innings and gave up two runs (one earned) in Friday's 13-inning marathon and will now end up as the odd man out of a roster spot with Bobby Miller coming up from Triple-A. Sauer owns a 3.05 ERA and 0.92 WHIP across 20.2 innings in the big leagues this season, so there's a good chance we'll see him back in Dodger blue later this year.

Reynolds will start Saturday's game against Atlanta.

Reynolds will be filling in for Michael King, who was scratched from his scheduled start due to a shoulder injury. Saturday will mark Reynolds' first start in the majors and only the fourth start of his professional career, though he isn't expected to last more than an inning or two.

The Mets recalled Waddell from Triple-A Syracuse on Saturday.

The Mets used eight pitchers during their marathon game against the Dodgers on Friday, so they'll bring up Waddell to get a fresh arm in their bullpen. The 30-year-old lefty has throwing 4.1 scoreless innings in the majors this season and owns a 3.06 ERA in 32.1 frames at Triple-A. Genesis Cabrera was designated for assignment in a corresponding move.

The Cubs selected Kriske's contract from Triple-A Iowa on Saturday, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

After turning in a 3.57 ERA and 1.22 WHIP alongside a 27:8 K:BB in 17.2 innings to start the Triple-A season, Kriske will get his first look with the Cubs and return to the majors for the first time since 2023. Julian Merryweather was designated for assignment in a corresponding move.

The Cubs designated Merryweather for assignment Saturday, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Merryweather gave up two earned runs in just two-thirds of an inning in Friday's contest, and he'll now lose his spot on the 26-man and 40-man rosters in favor of Brooks Kriske. Merryweather, 33, owns a 5.79 ERA and 1.82 WHIP across 18.2 innings this season.

Casparius earned a hold against the Mets in Friday's extra-innings contest, allowing one walk and striking out six batters in three hitless and scoreless frames.

A 98-minute rain delay in the top of the third inning caused both starting pitchers to have abbreviated outings, with Los Angeles' Clayton Kershaw tossing just two innings. Matt Sauer and Casparius absorbed three innings apiece thereafter to help preserve the team's bullpen, though LA still used eight pitchers overall due to the game lasting 13 frames. Casparius' outing was the most impressive of any of the team's hurlers -- he not only held New York hitless but also notched 13 whiffs on just 46 pitches and struck out six of the 10 batters he faced, including Juan Soto, Pete Alonso and Francisco Lindor (twice). The dominant effort was a continuation of what has been a breakthrough campaign for the right-hander. In addition to posting a 2.94 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 38:6 K:BB through 33.2 innings, Casparius ranks above the 80th percentile in almost every advanced metric, including in the 93rd percentile in pitching run value and in the 95th percentile in fastball run value.

Hall (lat) struck out six and allowed two hits and one walk over three scoreless innings in a rehab start Wednesday with Triple-A Nashville.

After kicking off his rehab assignment May 3 in the rookie-level Arizona Complex League and making two starts, Hall has moved up to Nashville for his most recent two outings. He's delivered scoreless appearances in both of his Triple-A appearances, though he was much more efficient Wednesday while pushing up his pitch count to 57. The left-hander looks like he'll continue to get stretched out as a starter while he works his way back from the left lat strain that has kept him on the shelf all season, but the Brewers likely won't have a spot in the rotation available for him once he returns from the 60-day injured list. Hall has a minor-league option remaining and could stick around in Nashville as a member of the rotation once his 30-day rehab window closes, or the Brewers could have him serve as a multi-inning option out of the big-league bullpen.

Scott coughed up three runs on three hits and a walk while recording just one out Friday, blowing his fourth save of the season in an eventual 7-5 extra-innings win over the Mets.

Brought in to protect a 5-2 lead in the ninth inning, Scott put two runners aboard ahead of a one-out triple by Jeff McNeil, who then came home on a Tyrone Taylor single. Scott has blown two of his last three save chances, but he'd gone eight appearances without allowing a run prior to that. The southpaw sports a 3.42 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 25:2 K:BB through 23.2 innings on the season with 10 saves and four holds in 24 games, and his spot in the Dodgers' bullpen hierarchy doesn't seem to be in immediate jeopardy, especially with Kirby Yates (hamstring), Michael Kopech (shoulder) and Evan Phillips (elbow) all currently on the injured list.

Banks struck out the only batter he faced to earn the save in Friday's 4-3 win over the Athletics.

The Phillies grew their lead from 1-0 to 4-0 in the ninth inning, taking a save situation off the board for Jordan Romano, who entered the game anyway in the bottom of the ninth. He struggled, allowing a three-run home run to Nick Kurtz, and Banks entered after that, striking out Luis Urias to avoid an epic collapse. This was Banks' fourth career save and his first this season. He's mostly pitched in a middle-relief role, compiling a 3.91 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 26:5 K:BB over 23 innings. While he was successful Friday, Banks is unlikely to challenge Romano for the closer role, while Matt Strahm and Orion Kerkering have been the Phillies' primary setup options.

Helsley registered the save in Friday's 4-3 win over Arizona after allowing two runs on two hits and no walks in the ninth inning. He struck out one.

It wasn't easy for Helsley, who hung a curveball in the strike zone that left the yard via a two-run homer by Gabriel Moreno. The hard-throwing right-hander was still able to hold on and preserve the victory, successfully converting his 10th save in 12 opportunities on the campaign. Helsley's 1.47 WHIP is a bit concerning, but he does have a respectable 3.71 ERA and 17:10 K:BB over 17 frames and remains St. Louis' go-to weapon in the ninth inning.