MLB Player News

Bivens (1-1) took the loss Wednesday as the Giants were downed 6-5 by the Cubs, giving up three runs (two earned) on five hits and two walks over two-plus innings. He struck out one.

The Giants went with a true bullpen day Wednesday, as none of the six pitchers they deployed worked more than two innings. Bivens was the one to get tagged with the loss after serving up back-to-back homers to Ian Happ and Dansby Swanson to lead off the fourth inning during a game in which San Francisco never held a lead. Bivens has pitched five innings over two appearances this week in his first taste of big-league action, giving up three homers, and he may get shipped back to Triple-A Sacramento to make way for a fresh arm.

Borucki (wrist) is set to throw live batting practice Friday, Andrew Destin of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Borucki has thrown three bullpen sessions, the most recent of which was 30 pitches Monday. Assuming Friday goes according to plan, Borucki is expected to begin a rehab assignment and could return prior to the All-Star break.

Fernandez (0-2) allowed a run on two hits over two-thirds of an inning, taking the loss Wednesday versus the Marlins.

Fernandez had not given up an earned run over his last 10 innings, earning three holds over nine appearances in that span. He wasn't as fortunate Wednesday, as Otto Lopez delivered a walk-off single in the ninth inning to stick Fernandez with the loss. The 26-year-old right-hander has been a positive part of the Cardinals' bullpen this year with a 2.59 ERA, though his 1.24 WHIP and 34:12 K:BB over 31.1 innings aren't particularly dominant. He's added a save and four holds but will likely continue to function mostly in a low-leverage role.

Liberatore allowed two runs on three hits and a walk while striking out one over 3.2 innings in a no-decision versus the Marlins on Wednesday.

Liberatore was pressed into a spot start after Kyle Gibson (back) was a late scratch. This was one day after Liberatore was charged with a blown save after allowing a run in two-thirds of an inning. The southpaw yielded solo home runs to Bryan De La Cruz and Jesus Sanchez in the first inning. Liberatore has a 4.46 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 28:15 K:BB over 38.1 innings over 26 appearances (four starts) this season, though he's mainly operated out of the bullpen as the Cardinals have tried to find one steady role for him. It's unclear at this time if Liberatore would be a candidate to start again should Gibson require a stint on the injured list.

Megill struck out one in a perfect inning to earn the save in Wednesday's 2-0 win over the Angels.

Megill needed just seven pitches (six strikes) against the middle of the Angels' order to close out this contest. He's pitched four of the last five days, but he's thrown just 12 pitches over his last two outings. He's now 15-for-16 in save chances with a 2.01 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 27:7 K:BB through 22.1 innings this season. If Megill is unavailable for Thursday's series opener versus the Padres due to his recent workload, a potential save chance would likely go to Joel Payamps or Hoby Milner.

Neris was not used to close out Wednesday's 6-5 win over the Giants, with Colten Brewer getting the save instead.

Neris took the loss and blew a save against the Giants on Monday, allowing three runs (two earned) in an inning of work, and he's allowed a total of seven earned runs over his last three outings. The veteran's ERA has climbed to 4.73 as a result of his recent struggles, and he's blown four saves this year in 14 chances. Chicago manager Craig Counsell said following Monday's game that he didn't plan on making a change at closer, according to James Neveau of Yahoo Sports, but this situation could be fluid. Brewer is at least worth keeping an eye on in the short term.

Brewer worked around two walks to pitch a scoreless ninth inning and earn the save in Wednesday's 6-5 win over the Giants.

Brewer just returned from the injured list last week and he's possibly already moved up the bullpen hierarchy. Regular closer Hector Neris has allowed seven earned runs over his last three appearances with two blown saves, including in Monday's contest. The veteran Neris may have simply been getting some rest, and there's been no official word that the team is making a change, but this is a situation worth monitoring. Brewer would, of course, see a jump in fantasy value if he starts getting regular save opportunities.

The Brewers designated Hernandez for assignment Wednesday.

The 29-year-old signed a one-year contract with Milwaukee on June 8 and delivered 5.2 scoreless frames in his first three appearances, but he allowed two runs on two hits while recording just one out Tuesday in Anaheim. Hernandez has a 6.32 ERA and 8:5 K:BB over 15.2 innings between his time with the Brewers and Dodgers this year.

The Brewers recalled Blalock from Double-A Biloxi on Wednesday.

Blalock was sent down by Milwaukee in late May but is back with the big club ahead of Wednesday's series finale in Anaheim. The 23-year-old was up with the Brewers for a few days in May but is still looking to make his MLB debut.

Bednar earned the save Wednesday against the Reds, pitching a perfect ninth inning to seal a 1-0 victory.

It's the second straight hitless appearance from Bednar after he allowed home runs in each of his previous two outings. Still, the right-hander has been solid of late following a rocky start to the campaign, allowing just three runs in his last 17.1 innings. Overall, Bednar's converted 16 of 19 save opportunities this year while pitching to a 5.17 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 32:7 K:BB across 31.1 innings.