MLB Player News

Martinez is expected to operate as a primary pitcher out of the bullpen behind opener Brett Suter in Tuesday's game against the Guardians, Greg Kuffner of SI.com reports.

Martinez looks poised to fill the open spot in the rotation that was created when Graham Ashcraft was optioned to Triple-A Louisville on Thursday. Though he's previously made five starts this season, Martinez has been roughed up by opposing hitters to the tune of a .348/.378/.527 slash line across 25.2 innings. Martinez has been far more effective when working in relief (.141/.158/.239 opponent's slash line in 26.2 innings), so the Reds will keep him in the bullpen Tuesday with the hope of coaxing better results from him. The right-hander should be capable of offering plenty of length behind Suter, as he hasn't pitched since Friday, when he needed just 11 pitches to retire the side during an appearance against the Cubs.

Manager Bud Black said that Gilbreath (elbow/shoulder) is "progressing" after the southpaw resumed throwing June 3 at Coors Field, MLB.com reports.

After undergoing Tommy John surgery March 14, 2023, Gilbreath received clearance to head out on a minor-league rehab assignment in late April, but he made just one appearance before being shut down after experiencing shoulder discomfort. He's finally starting to get ramped back up again after a nearly six-week shutdown period, but Gilbreath could still be another week or more away from heading back out on a rehab assignment. During his last healthy season in the majors in 2022, Gilbreath compiled a 4.19 ERA and 1.47 WHIP over 43 innings out of the Colorado bullpen.

Bird (elbow) struck out two and allowed a solo home run in his first rehab appearance with the Rockies' rookie-level Arizona Complex League affiliate on Monday.

Bird has been shelved since mid-May with right elbow inflammation but is on the comeback trail. He'll likely move up to a higher affiliate eventually to continue his rehab assignment but should be ready to return from the 15-day injured list and take back a spot in the Colorado bullpen sooner rather than later.

Megill earned a save against the Blue Jays on Monday, allowing one hit in a scoreless ninth inning.

Entering with a 3-1 lead in the ninth inning, Megill allowed a two-out single to Spencer Horwitz but retired Vladimir Guerrero Jr. on the next pitch to secure his 10th save of the season. Megill has posted four straight scoreless appearances and is now 10-for-11 in save chances this season. He owns a 2.00 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 24:4 K:BB and should continue to be the primary closer in Milwaukee until Devin Williams (back) returns from the injured list.

Suter will serve as the Reds' opening pitcher for Tuesday's game against the Guardians, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Suter didn't make it through the first inning in his last stint as an opener, allowing one hit while recording two outs before being lifted in a May 26 start against the Dodgers. Nick Martinez will likely be tabbed to serve as a primary pitcher behind Suter on Tuesday, considering he hasn't pitched since Friday, when he needed only 11 pitches to get through a scoreless seventh inning against the Cubs.

The Pirates designated Heller for assignment Monday.

Heller was called up from Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday. He struggled in his two major-league outings, giving up 12 runs (11 earned) on nine hits and one walk while striking out three over just two innings. The move corresponds with the Pirates claiming infielder Niko Goodrum from the Angels.

Junis (shoulder) will throw a four-inning simulated game Wednesday in Arizona, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Junis made a 2.1-inning rehab start Saturday with Triple-A Nashville, but his velocity wasn't where he and the Brewers hoped. If his velocity bounces back during Wednesday's simulated game, it's possible he could be cleared to return from the 60-day injured list next week. Junis has been sidelined since early April, first with a right shoulder impingement and then with a head injury that occurred when he was hit by a ball during batting practice. The Brewers could have a spot in their injury-ravaged rotation available for Junis once he returns from the IL, though the team may prefer to ease him back into the mix in a multi-inning role out of the bullpen.

Lawrence (shoulder) faced hitters at Target Field on Monday, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Lawrence is working his way back from a a right shoulder strain. He's eligible for activation from the 10-day injured list at any point, and while his return would appear to be imminent, the Rockies may first ask him to go out on a rehab assignment.

Barnes (3-2) was credited with the win Sunday over Atlanta, walking one and striking out one in a scoreless inning of relief.

DJ Herz got the start but lasted only 4.1 innings, and Barnes was the next pitcher on the mound with the Nationals ahead 7-2. The 34-year-old right-hander has been inconsistent in a low-leverage role, posting a 4.35 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 15:7 K:BB through 20.2 innings, and he has zero holds or saves in 20 appearances.

Garrett (6-2) picked up the win Sunday over the Phillies, getting charged with one run on one hit and one walk over 1.2 innings of relief. He struck out two.

The right-hander entered the game with two outs in the seventh inning with the Mets down 4-3, making him the pitcher of record when New York erupted for three runs in the top of the ninth. Garrett did put two runners aboard before being lifted in the bottom of the frame and watched one of them come around to score, however. He's been tagged for runs in six of his last eight appearances, stumbling to a ghastly 11.74 ERA, 2.22 WHIP and 10:6 K:BB through 7.2 innings over that stretch, but Garrett will likely remain part of the team's high-leverage crew even after Edwin Diaz (shoulder) rejoins the bullpen.