MLB Player News

Leiter (forearm) threw a 30-pitch bullpen session Wednesday, Jared Wyllys of CHGO Sports reports.

Leiter is tracking toward a live batting practice session later this week and a return to the Cubs' bullpen next week. The reliever is eligible for activation July 9, and it sounds like he could be back by then without a rehab assignment.

The Dodgers optioned Petersen to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Thursday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Petersen allowed four runs over two relief innings Wednesday versus the Diamondbacks, so he's being sent out in favor of a fresh arm. Nick Ramirez will absorb the roster spot.

The Dodgers recalled Ramirez from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Thursday.

Ramirez hasn't pitched in the majors since May 16, though he has posted a 3.09 ERA and 1.29 WHIP over 11.2 innings in Triple-A since then. He'll now return to Los Angeles to give the Dodgers another fresh bullpen arm, replacing Michael Petersen.

Law threw a scoreless ninth inning to get his first save of the season in Thursday's 1-0 win over the Mets.

The Nationals' regular closer, Kyle Finnegan, had thrown in each of their last three games, which explains Law getting the save opportunity Thursday. The 33-year-old has been serviceable this season with a 3.18 ERA in 51 innings but doesn't offer much fantasy upside while primarily working as a middle reliever.

Kittredge (1-4) allowed two runs (one earned) on a hit and a walk while striking out two over 1.1 innings to take the extra-inning loss Wednesday versus the Pirates.

Kittredge pitched the ninth inning, but he stumbled when tasked with working the 10th. He walked Andrew McCutchen, and then JoJo Romero gave up back-to-back RBI singles, sticking two runs on Kittredge's line in the walk-off loss. Over his last 10.2 innings, Kittredge has been tagged for nine runs (six earned) while posting a 7:4 K:BB. The rough patch hasn't cost him a high-leverage role, but it's made him a little more difficult to trust. For the year, he has a 3.35 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 35:12 K:BB with a save, 24 holds and four blown saves through 37.2 innings.

Liberatore allowed a hit over 1.2 scoreless innings of relief during Wednesday's 5-4 extra-inning loss to the Pirates.

Liberatore was called on for a spot start in a doubleheader June 26, throwing 85 pitches in that outing. He was not expected to stick in the rotation, and he's predictably not listed among the starters for the Cardinals' next turn through the rotation. Liberatore will likely remain in a long-relief role. He's been solid this year with a 3.72 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 36:16 K:BB over 46 innings across 28 appearances (five starts).

Jarvis (1-2) picked up the win over the Dodgers on Wednesday, pitching 2.1 scoreless innings in relief while allowing one hit and two walks. He struck out one.

Jarvis relieved Cristian Mena to open the bottom of the fourth and managed to hold the Dodgers' lineup scoreless over the next 2.1 innings despite allowing a baserunner in each frame. Arizona would go on to add four runs over that stretch, helping the right-hander earn his first win of the campaign. Though Jarvis allowed two runs in his previous relief appearance June 27 against the Twins, he's actually held opposing teams scoreless in four of his last five outings.

The Marlins selected Andriese's contract from Triple-A Jacksonville on Thursday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Andriese was removed from the 40-man roster back in April following a brief stint in the majors but has made his way back onto the roster. He'll provide Miami's bullpen with some length.

The Marlins optioned Maldonado to Triple-A Jacksonville on Thursday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Maldonado's latest stint in the majors lasted just one day, and he was roughed up for four runs over one inning in his appearance. Matt Andriese will take his spot in the bullpen.

Diaz earned a save against the Yankees on Wednesday, allowing one walk in a scoreless inning.

Diaz entered in the ninth frame to protect a one-run lead and was successful despite issuing a leadoff walk. The Cincinnati closer has tossed seven straight scoreless outings, allowing just one hit during that span while recording five saves. Diaz has rebounded well from his early season struggles, as he's been successful in each of his past 13 save opportunities and has registered a 1.53 ERA across 17.2 frames over that stretch.