MLB Player News

Hjelle (1-1) allowed three hits and struck out one without walking a batter over two scoreless innings to earn the win Friday over the Rockies.

Hjelle was in the game when the Giants rallied ahead in the fifth inning, and they kept the lead the rest of the way. The right-hander has been decent in May, allowing two runs on 11 hits with a 14:0 K:BB over 10 innings across his last seven appearances. He's at a 2.81 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 17:1 K:BB through 16 innings this season as a multi-inning relief option for the Giants. Hjelle's also added two holds, but he has little chance of seeing consistent late-inning work.

Estrada picked up the save Friday against Atlanta. He pitched a perfect inning with three strikeouts.

Estrada notched his first career save by retiring the bottom of the order on 16 pitches. The 25-year-old reliever has dazzled in his first 10.2 innings this season, firing a 0.84 ERA and 0.75 WHIP with 13 strikeouts. However, there shouldn't be any closer controversy in San Diego, as Robert Suarez was called upon earlier in a high-leverage spot, facing the heart of the talented Atlanta lineup in the eighth inning Friday night.

Hoffman earned the save in Friday's 4-2 win over the Nationals, allowing one hit in a scoreless ninth inning.

After Jose Alvarado finished the eighth inning, the Phillies turned to Hoffman in the ninth. The right-hander worked around Joey Gallo's one-out double to record his third save of the season, and his first since April 30. Hoffman's been sharp this year, pitching to a 0.90 ERA with a 0.95 WHIP and 27:7 K:BB over 20 innings. While Alvarado is still Philly's preferred ninth-inning option, Hoffman should see the occasional save chance depending on matchups.

The Reds recalled Spiers from Triple-A Louisville on Friday.

Spiers will come up from the minors to replace Justin Wilson (shoulder), who landed on the 15-day IL on Friday. Spiers allowed three runs in four innings during his season debut in early April, but he has fared much better in Triple-A with a 2.43 ERA and 1.12 WHIP. The 26-year-old right-hander has been used as a starter in seven of his eight appearances at Louisville this year, though he will likely be used as a multi-inning reliever while with the Reds.

The Reds placed Wilson on the 15-day injured list Friday with left shoulder tightness.

Wilson struck out the only batter he faced during Thursday's win over the Dodgers on three pitches, but he is dealing with shoulder problems following the appearance. With the 36-year-old southpaw sidelined for at least the next two weeks, Carson Spiers will come up from Triple-A Louisville to fill the open spot on Cincinnati's pitching staff.

The Dodgers optioned Ramirez to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Friday.

Ramirez was recalled for Thursday's game against the Reds. He pitched 2.1 innings and gave up three runs on five hits and two walks while striking out one batter. Ramirez has appeared in six major-league games this season, registering a 3.86 ERA and 1.50 WHIP over 9.1 frames. The Dodgers recalled right-hander Ricky Vanasco in a corresponding move.

The Dodgers recalled Vanasco from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Friday.

Vanasco made his major-league debut April 15 against the Nationals, throwing two scoreless innings while striking out one batter. He was optioned to Triple-A the next day, and he has not yielded an earned run over his last four relief appearances with Oklahoma City. To make room for Vanasco, the Dodgers optioned southpaw Nick Ramirez to Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Johnson (elbow) is expected to be reinstated from the 15-day IL on Saturday, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

After throwing a live bullpen session Wednesday, Johnson was expected to be activated prior to Friday's series opener against the Padres. However, he'll get one more day for recovery before rejoining the active roster Saturday. Friday's contest is the first of 17 straight for Atlanta, so Johnson's likely to see plenty of opportunities once available.

Almonte (shoulder) remains shut down but hopes to resume a throwing program next week, Ryan Herrera of MLB.com reports.

Almonte landed on the 15-day injured list almost a week ago with a right shoulder strain and is currently limited to doing strengthening exercises. However, the Cubs hope he won't need a long absence. Almonte boasts a 3.45 ERA and 1.09 WHIP with 20 strikeouts in 15.2 innings this season.

Banda was traded from the Guardians to the Dodgers for cash considerations Friday.

Banda will head to Los Angeles after playing with the Guardians' Triple-A affiliate in Colombus. The 30-year-old left-hander logged a 2.12 ERA and 0.94 WHIP with a 25:6 K:BB across 17.0 IP with the Clippers this season.