MLB Player News

Romero (2-0) allowed three hits and struck out one over 1.1 scoreless innings to earn the win Saturday over the Cubs.

Romero became the pitcher of record after the Cardinals rallied for the lead in the bottom of the eighth inning. While this was a bit of a shaky performance, Romero was able to post his ninth scoreless appearance over 11 outings in May. The southpaw is at a 1.35 ERA, 0.79 WHIP and 26:4 K:BB while adding 17 holds and one blown save through 26.2 innings. He's the Cardinals' top lefty reliever and continues to feature in a setup role.

Helsley allowed two runs on four hits in one inning but earned the save in Saturday's 7-6 win over the Cubs. He did not walk or strike out a batter.

Helsley had gone 11 innings without allowing a run, and he hadn't given up multiple hits in an appearance since April 27. Luckily for the Cardinals, they gave him a three-run lead to protect, and that was just enough leeway in this one. Helsley is 16-for-17 in save chances this season with a 1.96 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 24:4 K:BB over 23 innings. His lone blown save came in his season debut, and he remains one of the top closers in baseball despite pitching for a mediocre team.

Megill recorded a one-out save in Saturday's 6-3 victory over the Red Sox.

The Brewers were hoping to give Megill the night off, but they were forced to turn to him with two outs in the bottom of the ninth and the tying run in the batter's box. Megill surrendered an RBI single to the first batter he faced to let one inherited runner score, but he quickly rebounded with a strikeout to end it. Having converted each of the Brewers' last eight traditional saves, Megill is the clear closer in Milwaukee.

Suter will serve as the Reds' opening pitcher in Sunday's game versus the Dodgers, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Suter had some extended relief appearances earlier this season, but he pitched an inning Friday and hasn't lasted more than one frame in any of his last seven outings, so he won't work deep into Sunday's contest. The presumption, while not confirmed, is that Nick Martinez will eat most of the innings behind Suter as a bulk reliever.

Bednar allowed two hits but hung on for a scoreless inning and a save in Saturday's 4-1 win over Atlanta.

Tasked with protecting a three-run lead, Bednar retired the first two batters of the ninth inning before back-to-back hits put the tying run in Ronald Acuna at the plate. The closer then got Acuna to ground into a fielder's choice to thwart the threat. After blowing three save chances in seven tries to start the season, Bednar has successfully converted each of his last seven opportunities.

Walston has joined the Diamondbacks' taxi squad and is expected to be called up from Triple-A Reno to start Sunday's game against the Marlins, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports.

The Diamondbacks haven't officially announced their pitching plans for Sunday, but Walston's presence in the clubhouse suggests that he'll be the choice to either start or work as a bulk reliever in the series finale versus Miami. The 22-year-old southpaw allowed two earned runs in 3.2 innings during his MLB debut May 1 against the Dodgers, and he has since posted a 4.20 ERA and 1.40 WHIP across three appearances upon being sent back down to Triple-A.

The Cubs optioned Cuas to Triple-A Iowa on Saturday, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

With Drew Smyly (hip) returning from the injured list, Cuas will be pushed back down to Triple-A after nearly two weeks in the majors. The 29-year-old right-hander gave up three earned runs in 5.1 innings during his latest stint in the majors, and he figures to be on the short list to return to the Cubs' bullpen if they find themselves in need of a fresh arm.

The Cubs reinstated Smyly (hip) from the injured list Saturday, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Smyly landed on the injured list in late April due to a right hip impingement. He struck out five batters in three scoreless innings during his lone rehab game at High-A South Bend on Tuesday. He had put up a 4.97 ERA and 1.34 WHIP across 12.2 innings before getting injured and figures to reprise his role as a middle reliever now that he's fully recovered. Jose Cuas was optioned to Triple-A Iowa in a corresponding move.

Marte (shoulder) will begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Saturday.

Marte has been on the injured list since early May due to shoulder inflammation, but he has now been given the green light to test his shoulder in a game environment. It's unclear how long the 29-year-old reliever will remain in the minors, but he will presumably return to a middle-relief role with the Phillies once he comes back from the IL.

Avila (1-0) allowed a run on one hit and one walk while striking out four over two innings to earn the win Friday over the Mets.

Another big comeback from the Giants in the eighth inning put Avila in line for his first major-league win after he pitched the sixth and seventh. It's a positive moment in a season that's had few of them for the rookie right-hander. Avila has been scored on in all but one of his appearances, posting an 8.49 ERA, 1.71 WHIP and 14:3 K:BB over 11.2 innings in a low-leverage role. He's filling the roster spot of Blake Snell (personal), who is expected to return from the paternity list early next week, at which point Avila is among the candidates to be optioned out.