MLB Player News

Imanaga (3-2) earned the win over Arizona on Saturday, allowing four hits and issuing one walk while striking out five batters over seven scoreless innings.

Imanaga allowed just one extra-base hit (a double) and didn't allow any runners to reach third base. The southpaw was efficient in needing just 87 pitches to complete seven frames, and he racked up 14 whiffs. This was an excellent bounce-back performance for Imanaga after he allowed a season-worst five runs (four earned) in a loss against the Dodgers in his previous start. He's in the midst of a strong season overall, posting a 2.40 ERA, 0.85 WHIP and 43:10 K:BB over 41.1 innings spanning seven starts.

Graterol (shoulder) will begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Oklahoma City on Saturday, Triple-A Oklahoma City broadcaster Alex Freedman reports.

Graterol's first minor-league outing will mark his first appearance in a game at any level since the 2024 World Series. Because he's been sidelined for so long since undergoing surgery on his right shoulder, he will likely require an extended stay at Triple-A before the Dodgers add him back to their bullpen.

The Nationals recalled Ribalta from Triple-A Rochester on Saturday.

Ribalta has pitched well in the minors this season, boasting a 2.25 ERA and 0.88 WHIP across eight innings with a 7:3 K:BB. He last saw major-league action April 17, when he earned the save against the Pirates after tossing a scoreless ninth inning. Cionel Perez was outrighted to Triple-A in a corresponding move.

Perez cleared waivers and was assigned outright to Triple-A Rochester on Saturday.

Perez was removed from the 40-man roster after Friday's outing against the Brewers, when he allowed two hits across two scoreless innings. He has a shaky 6.19 ERA and 1.69 WHIP across 16 innings this season and will look to get his command and control in order in Triple-A. Orlando Ribalta was recalled by the Nationals from Rochester in a corresponding move.

The Reds optioned Maxwell to Triple-A Louisville following Friday's game against the Pirates.

The move corresponds with the Reds activating right-hander Graham Ashcraft (personal) from the bereavement list Saturday. Maxwell was roughed up during Friday's outing against Pittsburgh, as he allowed four runs on three hits (including two homers) and two walks while striking out one batter in one inning of work. He'll return to Triple-A, where he has a 5.91 ERA, 1.96 WHIP and 17:8 K:BB across 10.2 innings this season.

Palencia (lat) returned to the Cubs from his rehab assignment with Triple-A Iowa on Saturday and is expected to be activated from the 15-day injured list in the coming days, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Palencia landed on the 15-day injured list in mid-April due to a left lat strain. He made his lone rehab outing Friday in Triple-A, striking out one batter while allowing one hit and zero walks in two-thirds of an inning. Palencia has not yielded a run across five major-league innings this season and will resume closing duties for the Cubs once activated from the IL.

Bernardino will serve as the Rockies' opening pitcher for Saturday's game against Atlanta.

The Rockies have typically used an opener in front of right-hander Chase Dollander this season, and the team will call upon Bernardino to handle those duties Saturday. The 34-year-old southpaw has been one of the most effective members of Colorado's entire pitching staff this season, turning in a 0.71 ERA and 1.03 WHIP through 12.2 innings. He'll likely work just an inning or two before giving way to Dollander.

The Marlins selected Ekness's contract from Triple-A Jacksonville on Saturday, Craig Mish of FanDuel Sports Network Florida reports.

Although he's logged an impressive 21:6 K:BB, Ekness has struggled to limit runs in Triple-A this year, turning in a 5.68 ERA and 1.56 WHIP across 12.2 innings. He'll now join the major-league bullpen despite his difficulties and will be making his MLB debut whenever he gets into a game.

Brazoban (2-0) earned the win in relief Friday against the Angels after tossing a perfect sixth inning, striking out one.

Brazoban only needed 11 pitches to get through the sixth, and after the Mets' bullpen combined for four scoreless frames, the veteran right-hander was awarded his second win of the season. This scoreless outing represents a rebound after Brazoban allowed runs in his previous two outings, but those are the only two appearances in which he's allowed any damage. Through 13 appearances and 14.1 innings, Brazoban owns a 1.26 ERA and 0.98 WHIP with a strong 12:3 K:BB.

Williams earned his third save of the season Friday against the Angels, tossing a perfect ninth inning while striking out two.

Williams is trending in the right direction of late -- this was his third straight scoreless outing, and he is now 3-for-4 in save chances. Williams endured a rough stretch between April 15 and April 23, allowing eight runs on nine hits with a 6:4 K:BB across four appearances, but it looks like he's finding his groove again. Even with his struggles, Williams remains the Mets' ninth-inning arm until further notice, so he remains a valuable fantasy asset, especially considering his track record.