MLB Player News

Doval allowed a run on two hits and struck out one over one inning to earn the save in Sunday's 5-4 win over the Rockies.

Doval allowed two singles to begin the ninth inning. He yielded a run on a groundout but was able to stop the damage there to convert his 20th save of the campaign. Doval has converted six of his seven save chances in July despite allowing four runs over 8.1 innings this month. He's now at a 4.39 ERA, 1.61 WHIP and 53:26 K:BB through 41 innings.

Helsley (4-3) allowed a hit in a scoreless inning, earning the win over the Nationals on Sunday.

Helsley kept the game tied in the top of the ninth inning, and Paul Goldschmidt delivered a walk-off solo home run a half-inning later. This was just the seventh appearance of the month for Helsley, as the Cardinals' shaky play over the last three weeks have left him with inconsistent closing opportunities. He's still leading the National League -- and tied for the first in the majors -- with 33 saves while pitching to a 2.15 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 54:19 K:BB through 46 innings this season.

Kloffenstein was placed on Triple-A Memphis' 7-day injured list Wednesday due to right shoulder discomfort, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

The right-hander made his major-league debut June 20 with a scoreless inning against San Francisco, but he's otherwise spent the campaign at Triple-A. Kloffenstein's shoulder is still being evaluated, so it's unclear how long he'll be sidelined.

The Giants recalled Rodriguez from Triple-A Sacramento on Sunday, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

The right-hander was optioned to Sacramento on Wednesday but will quickly return to the big leagues as Sean Hjelle (personal) lands on the bereavement list. Rodriguez has made 29 appearances for the Giants this season and has a 4.19 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 44:15 K:BB across 43 innings.

The Giants placed Hjelle (personal) on the bereavement list Sunday, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Hjelle pitched a scoreless frame Saturday against the Rockies and will now step away from the team for a few days to be with his family. Randy Rodriguez was called up from Triple-A Sacramento in a corresponding move.

The Brewers optioned Jay to Triple-A Nashville on Sunday.

The left-hander was called up by Milwaukee on Saturday and delivered a scoreless frame in his Brewers debut. Jay will head back to the minors a day later to free up a roster spot for trade-acquisition Nick Mears.

The Padres designated Otto (undisclosed) for assignment Sunday.

The right-hander is on the injured list at Triple-A El Paso and has now been removed from the Padres' 40-man roster. The specifics of the injury are unclear, and that -- combined with a 4.63 ERA for El Paso this season -- is an indicator he's likely to pass through waivers unclaimed.

Small (oblique) shifted his rehab assignment to Single-A San Jose on Saturday and struck out two while allowing one hit and no walks over one inning.

Small was cleared to join the Giants' California League affiliate after he struck out four over three innings of a one-run ball across his three rehab appearances in the rookie-level Arizona Complex League. The southpaw will eventually move his rehab assignment up to Triple-A Sacramento, and he could remain with the Giants' top affiliate once he's activated from the 60-day injured list after his 30-day rehab window comes to a close. Small has been on the shelf all season with a right oblique strain.

Atlanta will start Holmes against the Brewers on Monday, Justin Toscano of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

The right-hander has worked out of the bullpen since being called up by Atlanta in mid-June, though he's primarily worked in long relief and has covered at least three frames in five of his 10 outings. Holmes threw a season-high 52 pitches in his previous appearance Wednesday, so he should be able to provide some length even if it's not quite a full starter's workload.

Puk allowed one walk and struck out one over a scoreless eighth inning in Saturday's 9-5 win over the Pirates.

Puk made his debut for the Diamondbacks after being acquired from the Marlins on Thursday. The left-hander was brought in to face the top of the Pirates order, which included three right-handed batters, so it would seem manager Torey Lovullo is comfortable using the new reliever against all hitters. Puk becomes the second lefty out of the bullpen along with Joe Mantiply, who typically gets opponents' toughest lefties and can now get a break. Puk will join other setup arms, like Kevin Ginkel, Justin Martinez and Ryan Thompson.