MLB Player News

Pallante did not factor into the decision Monday against the Pirates, allowing one earned run on three hits and two walks in six innings. He struck out three.

Pallante was excellent in this one, firing six strong innings to earn his second quality start of the season. Unfortunately for the right-hander, the Cardinals mustered just one run in an eventual 2-1 loss. The 25-year-old started the season as a relief pitcher but has filled in admirably as a starter due to injury. In nine starts, Pallante has logged a 3.42 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and a 38:16 K:BB across 47.1 innings. He is currently lined up for a home start against the Rangers his next time out.

Smyly (3-5) tossed 1.2 scoreless innings of relief to earn the win Monday against the Brewers. He allowed one hit and didn't record any walks or strikeouts.

Cubs starter Javier Assad didn't allow any runs over his 3.1 innings of work, but he also issued six walks and threw 76 pitches, which forced Smyly into the game early. The veteran lefty continued his strong recent form and lowered his ERA to 2.79. Chicago has stuck with Assad and Kyle Hendricks at the back of its rotation, though both pitchers have had their struggles this season and could be bumped for Smyly if the team decides to make a change.

Neris picked up the save in Monday's 3-1 win versus Milwaukee, pitching a scoreless inning with no strikeouts. He allowed one hit.

The veteran reliever pounded the zone in this outing, firing 10 of his 12 pitches for strikes, and he secured his 103rd career save. Neris has turned in nine consecutive scoreless outings dating back to June 22. Over that time, he's been a fantasy stalwart, gathering four saves and 12 strikeouts across eight innings. Given his recent run of success, Neris could be a trade target at next week's July 30 deadline and lose his easy path to saves.

Bednar pitched a scoreless ninth inning to notch his 18th save of the season Monday against the Cardinals, allowing one hit and zero walks while striking out one batter.

Bednar allowed a two-out single to Paul Goldschmidt but he promptly struck out Nolan Gorman to secure the win for Pittsburgh. The 29-year-old has rebounded from a tough start to the season, logging a 2.45 ERA and converting all seven of his save chances since June 1. Bednar still owns a 4.98 ERA on the season, but his 1.08 WHIP is more reflective of his performance.

Diaz picked up his 12th save of the season Monday against Miami, allowing one earned run on two hits and one walk in one inning. He struck out one.

The Marlins gave Diaz and the Mets a big scare in the ninth inning, loading the bases with just one out. An RBI groundout from Josh Bell cut the lead to 6-4, but Diaz induced a pop out to end the game. The 30-year-old has been excellent since returning from suspension July 6, allowing just one earned run in 5.2 innings while going 5-for-6 in save opportunities.

Manager Dave Roberts stated Monday that the club could begin deploying Phillips any time from the seventh inning on, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Roberts didn't explicitly say that Phillips is no longer the closer, but his struggles over the last three weeks or so can't be ignored, especially with Daniel Hudson proving that he's capable of getting the job done. The Dodgers will likely choose Phillips' spots carefully in an effort to build his confidence back up. The right-hander has now allowed at least one run in four of his last five appearances.

Brasier (calf) will throw to hitters Tuesday before beginning a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City on Saturday, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Brasier landed on the injured list April 29 due to a right calf strain, and he was transferred to the 60-day IL on June 13. He appeared in 12 games prior to his injury, posting a 4.63 ERA and 1.11 WHIP across 11.2 frames. Given how long he's been out of action, Brasier will likely need multiple rehab outings before joining the Dodgers' bullpen.

The Cubs transferred Little (lat) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Monday.

The move frees up a spot for Julian Merryweather's (ribs) return from the 60-day IL. Over the weekend, manager Craig Counsell said Little would likely miss the rest of the season due to a left lat strain.

The Cubs optioned Bigge to Triple-A Iowa on Monday.

Bigge has made a good initial impression with the Cubs in allowing one run with a 5:2 K:BB over 3.1 frames during two short stints in the majors. He will be back in the big-league bullpen eventually but will head back to Iowa for the time being.

The Cubs activated Merryweather (ribs) from the 60-day injured list Monday.

Merryweather has missed most of this season with a rib stress fracture but is ready to go after allowing one run with a 5:0 K:BB over 4.2 innings during his rehab assignment. The hard-throwing right-hander should handle high-leverage spots for the Cubs, though he might be eased back into such situations.