MLB Player News

Smith (elbow) has been playing catch from 120 feet up to three times per week and threw 10 pitches from halfway up the mound earlier this week, Joe Pantorno of AMNY.com reports.

Coming back from his second Tommy John surgery, Smith hopes to throw from the top of the bump in 2-to-3 weeks. The goal for the reliever is to begin a rehab assignment later this summer and return to the Mets before the end of the season, although he might not make it back until 2026. The Mets re-signed Smith in February to a one-year deal with a club option for next season.

Miller gave up a run on two hits and two walks in the ninth inning Wednesday to record his third save of the season in an 8-7 win over the Giants. He struck out one.

The veteran righty loaded the bases before walking LaMonte Wade with two outs to bring home a run, but Miller was able to coax a shallow fly to center field out of Christian Koss to end the game. Miller's converted three of his four save chances in six May appearances while adding a win and a hold as Arizona tries to piece together a high-leverage crew in the wake of injuries to Justin Martinez (shoulder) and A.J. Puk (elbow). However, Miller's 4.50 ERA, 1.83 WHIP and 6:3 K:BB through six innings on the month don't provide a lot of confidence that he'll remain a reliable closing option.

Santana allowed one hit with no walks and no strikeouts across a scoreless ninth inning Wednesday against the Mets.

He didn't get a save because the Pirates held a four-run lead, but he entered the game following David Bednar. Santana has now pitched in the ninth inning in four consecutive appearances, picking up a save and a win in that span. Given that, Santana appears to be the top choice for saves in Pittsburgh for the time being.

Bednar threw a scoreless eighth inning without allowing a baserunner and striking out two Wednesday against the Mets.

Bednar was tasked with protecting a four-run lead in the eighth inning, and he needed only 12 pitches to do so. Bednar has allowed only three earned runs across 11.2 innings with an 18:1 K:BB since being recalled April 19. However, he's pitched in the eighth inning and behind Dennis Santana regularly since Santana returned from bereavement leave May 4.

Finnegan picked up the save in Wednesday's 5-4 win over Atlanta, allowing one hit with one strikeout over a scoreless ninth inning.

Washington came back from a 4-1 deficit in the seventh inning, thrusting Finnegan into a save opportunity. The 33-year-old collected his 13th save of the campaign, retiring three straight batters after allowing a leadoff single to convert his fourth straight save. Through 15.2 innings, Finnegan owns a 1.40 ERA and a 16:7 K:BB.

Tinoco picked up the save in Wednesday's 3-1 win over the Cubs, throwing a perfect ninth inning with one strikeout.

Tinoco blew a save Tuesday night, but he retook the mound Wednesday for the ninth frame with the Marlins leading 3-1 and fired a perfect inning. He retired Carson Kelly, Pete Crow-Armstrong and Nico Hoerner in order. In 14 appearances, Tinoco has a 4.61 ERA and a 9:6 K:BB over 13.2 innings while leading the Marlins with four saves, though Calvin Faucher is also in the mix at closer.

The Phillies returned Robert to Triple-A Lehigh Valley after Wednesday's doubleheader against St. Louis.

The 30-year-old righty pitched just one-third of an inning during the second game of Wednesday's twin bill, striking out Nolan Arenado in five pitches. Robert will now go back to serving as organizational depth in Triple-A, where he owns a 1.54 ERA through 11.2 frames.

Romano struck out three in a perfect inning to earn the save in a 2-1 win over the Cardinals in Game 1 of Wednesday's doubleheader.

Romano struck out the side on 13 pitches (10 strikes) to earn his second save in a row. He's on a six-inning scoreless streak, allowing just three hits with no walks and eight strikeouts in that span. Romano has earned four saves in six chances this season and has added four holds. He's at an 8.22 ERA, 1.57 WHIP and 17:6 K:BB, but he appears to have things under control after his early struggles. Romano's recent success has put him back in the mix for saves, though he could still share closing duties with Jose Alvarado, who allowed a hit and a walk over one-third of an inning while pitching in the eighth in this game.

The Marlins optioned Veneziano to Triple-A Jacksonville on Wednesday.

His demotion clears a spot on the 26-man active roster for lefty Ryan Weathers (forearm), who was reinstated from the 15-day injured list ahead of his scheduled start Wednesday versus the Cubs. Veneziano has a 4.86 ERA, 1.56 WHIP, four holds and a 15:8 K:BB across 16.2 innings with Miami this season, but he allowed four runs (including three home runs) over his last three outings.

The Brewers optioned Hudson to Triple-A Nashville on Wednesday.

Hudson was sent out to the minors to make room on the active roster for right-hander Logan Henderson, who was recalled from Nashville to make a spot start Wednesday against the Guardians. The lefty reliever was with the Brewers for less than a week after being promoted last Friday, making his lone appearance in Monday's 5-0 loss to Cleveland. He struck out four and allowed one earned run on one hit and three walks over 1.2 innings.