MLB Player News

Helsley allowed two runs on two hits and two walks in the ninth inning Monday, striking out two and earning a save against Atlanta.

Helsley loaded the bases with just one out but managed to escape with a save in the 4-3 win. It was the second time this month he's allowed multiple runs in an appearance, and the third time in his last 13 outings. Despite the recent shakiness, Helsley has converted 27 consecutive save chances since blowing his first opportunity of the year. He owns a 2.83 ERA and a 42:15 K:BB through 35 innings.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell said Monday that he's hopeful that Brown (neck) will be cleared to resume throwing off a mound at some point later this week, MLB.com reports.

Brown was placed on the 15-day injured list June 11 with a left neck strain, only for reports to surface a few days later suggesting that the right-hander might be dealing with a stress reaction. After the Cubs sought out multiple medical opinions, however, the original diagnosis of a neck strain has held up, and Brown was cleared to resume throwing last Tuesday. According to Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune, Brown played catch three times this past week and threw from 90 feet Friday, leaving Counsell optimistic that the rookie may be ready to take another meaningful step forward this week by getting back on the mound. Montemurro notes that Brown was told when he received his diagnosis that he was about one month into what's described as a "two-to-three-month burnout period" for the neck injury, though that timeline won't affect his potential return date from the IL and only relates to how long he might be physically feeling the effects of the injury. Assuming Brown is able to complete a bullpen session this week, he would still likely have a chance at completing his throwing progression and returning from the IL before the All-Star break.

Megill earned a save against Texas on Monday, striking out two batters in a scoreless ninth inning.

Megill hit a batter with two outs in his inning of work, but it didn't cost him any runs. The right-hander was able to notch his 10th straight successful save conversion -- he hasn't blown an opportunity since May 20. Megill has proven to be a more-than-adequate fill-in for rehabbing closer Devin Williams (back), as he's tied for eighth in MLB with 16 saves (in 17 opportunities) while posting a 1.85 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 30:7 K:BB through 24.1 innings.

Howard (1-1) allowed four hits and a walk while striking out eight over 4.2 scoreless innings to earn the win over the Cubs on Monday.

Howard again worked as a reliever, and he didn't enter the game until the fifth inning. He was able to lock things down for the Giants, enabling their comeback. Howard is now at a 3.80 ERA, 1.69 WHIP and 21:9 K:BB over 21.1 innings across six appearances (two starts). San Francisco's rotation is an injury-riddled mess, and that's unlikely to change until July, so Howard will probably continue serving as a bulk reliever. He should be available to make an appearance in this weekend's series versus the Dodgers.

Phillips earned a hold against the White Sox on Monday, allowing one hit in a scoreless inning of work.

It was somewhat surprising to see Phillips -- who is the Dodgers' primary closer -- used in the eighth frame, but there was plenty of sense behind the move given that the White Sox were bringing up the heart of their order. Phillips got through the inning unscathed despite allowing a one-out double to Luis Robert, and Alex Vesia earned his fourth save with a clean frame in the ninth. Phillips' usage Monday suggests that manager Dave Roberts isn't opposed to using him before the ninth inning in the highest-leverage situations, but the right-hander should still receive the vast majority of save chances for Los Angeles. He's been one of the most reliable closers in baseball this year with a perfect 12-for-12 mark in save opportunities along with a 1.66 ERA and 1.02 WHIP.

Vesia struck out one batter in a perfect ninth inning to earn the save against the White Sox on Monday.

In a somewhat surprising move, the Dodgers deployed primary closer Evan Phillips to face the heart of Chicago's order in the eighth inning. That left closing duties to Vesia, who needed just 10 pitches to slam the door on the White Sox and earn his fourth save. Monday's usage suggests that manager Dave Roberts isn't opposed to having Phillips handle the highest-leverage situations even when they come before the ninth frame, and Vesia may be the likeliest option to close in such instances. Nonetheless, Phillips is still likely to get the vast majority of save opportunities, so fantasy managers shouldn't bank on many more saves from Vesia moving forward.

Spiers (1-1) yielded three runs on seven hits and a walk over six innings Monday, striking out five and earning a win over the Pirates.

Spiers coughed up a run in the third inning and two more in the fifth. He's given up seven runs in 12 innings during his two starts this season, both of which came against Pittsburgh. He's sporting a 3.45 ERA with a 25:6 K:BB through 31.1 frames this season. Spiers is currently in line for a start in St. Louis this weekend.

Santana left Monday's game against the Reds after being hit by a line drive and has been diagnosed with a right arm contusion.

Santana was unable to continue after being struck on his pitching arm, but he appears to have avoided a significant injury. He'll be considered day-to-day moving forward.

The Brewers outrighted Hernandez to Triple-A Nashville on Monday.

Hernandez was designated for assignment Wednesday following a rough outing against the Angels, surrendering two runs on two hits while striking out one and recording one out. He'll accept an assignment to Milwaukee's top minor-league affiliate after failing to draw interest on waivers.

Almonte suffered a setback in his ramp-up from a strained right shoulder, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

Almonte and the Cubs have been forced to "press pause" on his recovery, according to manager Craig Counsell. The team is expected to seek another opinion on the right-hander's shoulder and his status moving forward appears to be up in the air for the time being.