MLB Player News

The Cardinals optioned Leahy to Triple-A Memphis on Friday.

After giving up two runs in three innings against Atlanta on Wednesday, Leahy was removed from the active roster in favor of Gordon Graceffo. Leahy had been with the Cardinals since May 3, earning a 3.67 ERA over 27 innings.

Jackson (4-2) allowed two runs (one earned) on one hit in an inning of relief Thursday, taking an extra-inning loss versus the Cubs.

Just one day after picking up a win in a relief appearance, Jackson was on the hook for the loss. He gave up a two-run home run to Ian Happ in the 10th inning, and the Giants were unable to respond. Aside from Wednesday's sharp outing, Jackson has been rough lately, allowing seven runs (six earned) over his last 3.2 inning. He has a 6.23 ERA, 1.65 WHIP and 20:14 K:BB through 26 innings overall.

Scott earned a save against the Phillies on Thursday, striking out one batter in a perfect ninth inning.

Scott made quick work of Philadelphia in the ninth frame, retiring the side in order on nine pitches. The lefty closer has not given up a run in any of his past seven outings, tallying a win and three saves despite a mediocre 5:3 K:BB over seven innings during that span. Scott is 11-for-13 in save chances on the season and has an excellent 1.54 ERA across 35 frames.

Hodge worked around a hit to toss a scoreless 10th inning and earn the save in Thursday's 5-3 win over the Giants. He struck out one.

Incumbent closer Hector Neris pitched a clean ninth inning, then Hodge closed the door in the 10th, giving the rookie his first career MLB save. The 23-year-old righty has been solid so far with a 1.80 ERA and 15 strikeouts across 10 innings. The veteran Neris should stick in the closer role for now, but Hodge seems to be a viable option if the need arises.

Neris (7-2) tossed a scoreless ninth inning with two strikeouts to earn the win in Thursday's 5-3, 10-inning victory over the Giants.

Neris went through a rough patch earlier this month but has pitched better lately, tossing scoreless innings in consecutive outings with four total strikeouts. The veteran once again didn't see a save opportunity, as that went to Porter Hodge on Thursday, but it was encouraging to see Neris still work in a high-leverage spot. He figures to remain Chicago's closer moving forward, though he could be replaced if his struggles resurface.

Sanchez (shoulder) threw an 18-pitch bullpen session Wednesday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

He could throw off the mound again this weekend. While it appears he's inching in the right direction, Sanchez won't be eligible for activation until early August after being transferred to the 60-day injured list earlier this week. He's coming back from right shoulder inflammation.

The Reds transferred Pagan (lat) to the 60-day injured list Thursday.

Pagan landed on the injured list June 9 due to a strained right lat, and his move to the 60-day IL will ensure that he remains sidelined until at least early August. His 40-man roster spot will be given to Noelvi Marte, who was reinstated from his 80-game suspension Thursday.

Phillies manager Rob Thomson said Thursday that he expects Turnbull (lat) to be sidelined for 6-to-8 weeks, Alex Coffey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Turnbull suffered a right lat strain in his first start back in the Phillies' rotation Wednesday and was placed on the 15-day injured list Thursday. Given the pitcher's lengthy injury history, the team will proceed with extra caution. Michael Mercado will slide into the Philadelphia rotation for now, at least until Taijuan Walker (finger) is ready.

Phillies manager Rob Thomson said after Wednesday's game that Mercado would likely join the rotation if Spencer Turnbull (lat) needed to miss time, Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Turnbull has since been placed on the 15-day injured list, so it would appear Mercado is set to join the Phillies' rotation next week. Mercado made one one-inning relief appearance earlier this week in his major-league debut, but he's been used mostly as a starter this season at Triple-A Lehigh Valley, collecting a 1.71 ERA and 44:23 K:BB over 47.1 frames covering 10 starts and four relief outings. The 25-year-old's first big-league start is tentatively lined up to come Tuesday in Chicago against the Cubs.

The Phillies recalled Marte from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Thursday.

Marte held a 2.70 ERA and 12:5 K:BB over 13.1 frames with the Phillies earlier this season before missing time with a shoulder issue. He will operate in middle relief.