MLB Player News

Kittredge allowed a hit and struck out one without walking a batter in a scoreless inning to earn his 10th hold of the season in Saturday's 7-4 win over the Mets.

Kittredge has been excellent in a high-leverage role for the Cardinals. He's been scored on just once in 13 appearances, posting a 0.75 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 13:3 K:BB through 12 innings. Manager Oliver Marmol has gone with more clearly defined roles in the bullpen this year than in previous seasons, and Kittredge has slotted in as a strong setup man in his first year with the team.

Wesneski will start Sunday in Boston in place of the injured Jordan Wicks (forearm), Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Wesneski went 2.1 innings and threw 20 pitches in a relief appearance Thursday against the Astros. He hasn't started a game since taking the hill April 12 for Triple-A Iowa, so Wesneski may be on a restricted pitch count Sunday and could struggle to hit the five innings he would need to qualify for the win. The Cubs haven't yet indicated that Wicks will need to miss any additional turns beyond Sunday, but if the lefty is forced to the injured list, Wesneski could end up becoming a fixture in the rotation.

Brown (0-1) was saddled with the loss Saturday, allowing three runs on seven hits over 3.2 innings against the Red Sox. He struck out four.

Tyler O'Neill clubbed a two-run homer in the first inning to getting the scoring started in what turned out to be a blowout victory for Boston. Brown threw an inning of relief on Tuesday, which likely contributed to him being pulled after 61 pitches. The rookie's usage has been erratic and unusual, but the results had been pretty good prior to this outing. If Brown gets another start -- which wouldn't appear to be guaranteed -- it will likely come either on the road against the Mets or at home versus the Brewers.

Helsley struck out one in a scoreless ninth inning Saturday to notch his ninth save of the season in Saturday's 7-4 win over the Mets.

Helsley made things interesting as he tried to protect a three-run advantage, loading the bases on two singles and a walk. However, with Francisco Lindor representing the go-ahead run, he got the shortstop to pop out on the first pitch to end it. Helsley is 9-for-10 in save opportunities on the season and boasts a 1.80 ERA and 17:2 K:BB across 15 innings.

Diaz pitched a scoreless two-thirds of an inning in Saturday's 8-4 win over the Rangers to record his sixth save of the season.

It didn't look like the closer's services would be necessary when the Reds took an 8-0 lead into the ninth inning, but Brent Suter served up back-to-back homers to Davis Wendzel and Corey Seager, and Diaz had to enter the game with one out and the tying run on deck. He was up to the task, needing seven pitches (five strikes) to get the final two outs. While his velocity remains down -- his fastball topped out at 94.0 mph Saturday -- Diaz is still getting results, converting six of seven save chances this season with a 3.27 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 11:6 K:BB through 11 innings.

Sewald (oblique) will have his rehab slowed a bit due to soreness, Jody Jackson of Bally Sports Arizona reports.

Sewald felt some soreness following a rehab appearance with Triple-A Reno earlier this week. He had been scheduled for a bullpen session Saturday, but that has been scrapped. While it does not seem to be a major setback for the reliever, Sewald no longer appears poised to return soon. Kevin Ginkel will continue to serve as the Diamondbacks' closer while Sewald recovers.

Phillips gave up an unearned run on one hit and struck out two Saturday to record his eighth save of the season in a 4-2 win over the Blue Jays.

The closer's own throwing error with two outs put Davis Schneider aboard and led to Toronto's final run, but Phillips otherwise had little trouble sealing the victory. The right-hander is a perfect 8-for-8 in converting save chances to begin the season, and he's delivered a dazzling 0.77 ERA and 15:4 K:BB through 11.2 innings.

The Brewers recalled Junk from Triple-A Nashville on Saturday.

With the Brewers down another starting pitcher following the news that Wade Miley (elbow) will need to undergo Tommy John surgery, Junk will come up from the minors to presumably fill the open spot in Milwaukee's rotation. His time in the majors will likely be brief, as Jakob Junis (shoulder/head) and DL Hall (knee) are both projected to return from the injured list within the next couple of weeks. Jared Koenig was optioned to Triple-A Nashville in a corresponding move.

The Brewers optioned Koenig to Triple-A Nashville on Saturday.

Koenig has been solid during his time in the majors, allowing just one earned run across 8.2 innings while striking out four batters and walking two. Despite his performance, the 30-year-old southpaw return to the minors to make room for Janson Junk, who was recalled from Nashville in a corresponding move.

The Dodgers transferred Hurt (shoulder) to the 60-day injured list Saturday.

Hurt has been on the injured list since April 20 due to right shoulder inflammation, and his move to the 60-day IL ensures he will be out until at least mid-June. Nabil Crismatt was selected from Triple-A Oklahoma City to take Hurt's place on the 40-man roster.