MLB Player News

Contreras was designated for assignment Saturday, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.

Contreras was out of minor-league options and had a 5.05 FIP and 1.65 WHIP in 12 appearances out of the big-league bullpen, so he was deemed expendable. At the peak of his fantasy value in 2021, Contreras sat 95-97 mph with his fastball as a starting pitcher, but he has averaged under 95 mph in back-to-back seasons, even while working in shorter stints out of the bullpen.

The Marlins optioned Villalobos to Triple-A Jacksonville on Saturday.

Villalobos appeared in three major-league games after having his contract selected by Miami on May 5. He allowed one run on three hits and two walks while striking out three over 4.1 innings. The move corresponds with the Marlins reinstating southpaw Jesus Luzardo (elbow) from the 15-day IL.

Brown (1-1) tossed 3.2 scoreless innings of relief to earn the win in Friday's 7-2 victory over the Pirates. He allowed two hits and a walk while striking out six.

Starter Javier Assad got the hook after 4.1 innings and 89 pitches, which opened the door for Brown to provide some valuable long relief. The 24-year-old was sharp as he recorded a season- and career-best six strikeouts, and the rookie picked up his first MLB win in the process. Brown's fantasy value is limited in his long-relief role, but he's pitched well so far as a rookie, compiling 33 strikeouts across 31.1 innings and posting a 3.73 ERA. The upside is there in the long term.

Gilbreath (shoulder) has yet to resume throwing, MLB.com reports.

Gilbreath is still waiting to take the next big step in his recovery from Tommy John surgery, but the current issue is pain behind his left shoulder. On a positive note, he is showing progress in his rehab exercises.

Diaz walked one and struck out two in a scoreless inning to earn the save in Friday's 4-2 win over the Giants.

Diaz had given up five runs over 1.1 innings across his last two outings, which came in non-save situations. This was his first save since April 27, and he's now 7-for-8 in save chances this season. A couple of implosions have wreaked havoc on Diaz's ratios -- he's at a 6.08 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 16:9 K:BB through 13.1 innings, and he's been scored upon in four of his 14 appearances. His walk rate is high, but it hasn't cost him the Reds' closer job yet.

Beeks picked up the save Friday against Texas, pitching a scoreless ninth inning without a strikeout or a walk.

Beeks only required nine total pitches to retire the bottom of the Texas order for his second save of the season. Justin Lawrence, the Rockies' usual closer, was brought in to shut down a rally in the seventh inning after starter Austin Gomber ran into trouble. However, the left-handed Beeks may be the second choice for saves in Colorado as he's been arguably the most dependable option in the bullpen, tossing a 2.45 ERA with a 14:8 K:BB over 18.1 innings.

Iglesias allowed a run on a hit and a walk in the ninth inning Friday to earn a save against the Mets.

Iglesias coughed up an RBI single to Pete Alonso with two outs in the ninth but was able to close out the 4-2 victory. The right-hander has converted 10 of his 12 save chances this year while posting a 10:4 K:BB through 15.1 innings. Friday was the first time he'd allowed an earned run since April 24, and he owns a strong 2.25 ERA.

Smith (shoulder) is slated to make another appearance with Triple-A Syracuse on Saturday, Tim Britton of The Athletic reports.

Smith started his rehab assignment with Syracuse on Wednesday, giving up a solo home run in an inning of relief while throwing 13 pitches. The right-hander is recovering from right shoulder inflammation that landed him on the 15-day IL on April 17.

Johnson (elbow) began throwing off a mound Friday, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

Just six days after landing on the injured list, Johnson has already been given the go-ahead to throw bullpen sessions. He will presumably throw a few more before progressing to facing hitters, but the 33-year-old righty could be on track to return to Atlanta's bullpen when first eligible May 19.

Phillips (hamstring) was out on the field playing catch Friday, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Phillips was placed on the 15-day IL on Sunday due to a Grade 1 right hamstring strain he sustained May 3 against Atlanta. He is eligible to return May 19, and the right-hander might only miss the minimum. Phillips has eight saves with a 0.66 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 17:4 K:BB over 13.2 innings this season.