MLB Player News

Helsley gave up a hit and walked two batters in a scoreless ninth inning Saturday to record his seventh save of the season in a 4-2 win over the Nationals.

After retiring the first two batters in the ninth, Helsley loaded the bases but was able to escape the jam by getting CJ Abrams to fly out. The Cardinals closer has been putting plenty of traffic on the basepaths this year, leading to two blown saves in nine chances along with a 3.21 ERA, 1.64 WHIP and 14:10 K:BB through 14 innings -- numbers which represent a significant step back from his dazzling 2024 campaign.

Hodge earned a save against the Mets on Saturday, walking one batter in a scoreless and hitless inning of work.

With Chicago holding a one-run lead heading into the bottom of the ninth inning, manager Craig Counsell turned to Hodge to close things out. The right-hander walked the first batter he faced but was subsequently able to induce a double-play groundout by Francisco Lindor before retiring Juan Soto to end the game. Hodge's deployment Saturday against the heart of the Mets' order could be an indication that he's gaining traction as the preferred closing option for Chicago; Ryan Pressly did pitch an inning Friday, but that was in a non-save situation and was his first appearance following a nine-run, no-out implosion against the Giants on Tuesday. Hodge certainly hasn't been flawless this year -- he has an implosion of his own and has posted a poor 16:10 K:BB over 17 frames while recording a 4.24 ERA -- so the situation remains murky.

Nelson struck out one over two perfect innings to earn the save in Saturday's 3-0 win over the Dodgers.

Nelson's previous outing was a spot start Monday versus the Mets, in which he allowed two runs over 4.1 innings while covering the absence of Corbin Burnes (shoulder). Burnes returned to the mound Saturday and delivered seven shutout innings, and Nelson was able to close out the win, needing just 16 pitches (11 strikes) over the last two frames. While Nelson got this save, he's unlikely to be a regular in the high-leverage mix. He likely got the late-inning assignment Saturday because five of Arizona's other relievers had pitched at least once over the previous two days, while he was fresh. Nelson has a 5.01 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 23:8 K:BB, 1-1 record, one save and one blown save across 23.1 innings this season. He should settle back into a long-relief role.

Hurt (elbow) has resumed throwing off a mound but hasn't yet progressed to full bullpen sessions, per MLB.com.

Hurt is making gradual progress from the Tommy John surgery he underwent last July. If he continues to proceed without any setbacks, he could return to the big-league club near the end of the campaign, but that's not a guarantee given the nature of his procedure.

Martinez (shoulder) will throw a bullpen session Sunday, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.

Manager Torey Lovullo said Saturday that the ball has been "sizzling" out of Martinez's hand during his throwing program, which is a sign that the 23-year-old is feeling good after landing on the injured list May 1 with shoulder inflammation. Assuming all goes well during his bullpen session, Martinez may still be on pace to return when eligible Friday.

The Cubs transferred Morgan (elbow) to the 60-day injured list Saturday, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

A right elbow impingement sent Morgan to the injured list April 15, and his move to the 60-day IL will ensure he remains out until at least mid-June. The 28-year-old southpaw will be replaced by Cade Horton on the 40-man roster.

The Cubs optioned Cosgrove to Triple-A Iowa on Saturday, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Cosgrove was brought up from the minors Friday to replace Caleb Thielbar (paternity) but will now head back to Iowa to clear space on the active roster for Cade Horton. Cosgrove has given up just one run in four innings with the Cubs this season and is a candidate to return to Chicago later in the year whenever the big club needs a fresh bullpen arm.

The Diamondbacks recalled Mantiply from Triple-A Reno on Saturday.

Mantiply has given up 13 runs in only 7.1 innings with the D-backs this season, but he's only allowed two runs in six frames since being sent down to Triple-A. He'll get another look in the majors as a replacement for Cristian Mena, though it's unlikely Arizona uses Mantiply outside of low-leverage situations.

The Nationals recalled Brzykcy from Triple-A Rochester on Saturday.

Brzykcy will join the Nationals' bullpen as a replacement for Lucas Sims, who was released by the team Friday. Brzykcy has given up two earned runs while striking out nine batters in 4.2 innings at Triple-A, and he gave up one run in one inning during his season debut for Washington on Tuesday. He'll likely fill in as a low-leverage arm for now.

Harrison tossed two scoreless innings in Friday's 3-1 loss to the Twins, allowing three walks (one intentional) while striking out three.

Harrison made his second appearance since being recalled from Triple-A Sacramento on Monday and has yet to allow a run over three innings of relief. The 23-year-old southpaw is expected to remain in the bullpen for now, though he could eventually make a case to join the starting rotation after missing out on an Opening Day spot. Harrison recorded a 3.46 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and a 38:8 K:BB across 26 innings in six starts with Sacramento.