MLB Player News

Helsley allowed a hit and struck out two without walking a batter in a scoreless inning to earn the save in Tuesday's 7-6 win over the Angels.

Helsley has a win and six saves during his nine-inning scoreless streak, a span that's seen him allowed six hits and one walk while striking out 11. The right-hander is 13-for-14 in save chances this season with a 1.35 ERA, 0.85 WHIP and 23:2 K:BB over 20 innings. Helsley seems to be benefiting from being the standalone closer as opposed to part of a committee. His career high in saves is 19 in 2022, a mark he should be able to shatter as long as he doesn't add to his lengthy injury history.

Phillips (hamstring) will throw a bullpen session Wednesday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Phillips has been on the injured list with a strained right hamstring since May 5, and he resumed playing catch Friday. He will presumably throw multiple bullpen sessions before progressing to facing live hitters, though he shouldn't take long to build back up as a reliever.

The Pirates recalled Ryan from Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday.

Ryan holds a 3.00 ERA and 1.08 WHIP through 12 innings across nine appearances with the Pirates this season, and he will now return to the majors to provide additional bullpen depth. He will replace Josh Fleming, who was designated for assignment in a corresponding move.

The Pirates will call up Mlodzinksi from Triple-A Indianapolis prior to Wednesday's game against the Brewers, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Mlodzinski went 3-3 with a 2.25 ERA across 36 innings over 32 appearances at the big-league level in 2023. However, he's had a much rougher time at Triple-A Indianapolis this season, posting a 6.43 ERA across 14 innings.

The Pirates designated Fleming for assignment Tuesday, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

Fleming was torched for six runs (five earned) during Monday's win over the Brewers, causing his ERA to skyrocket from 3.50 to 5.68 on the season. Although his most recent outing was rough, his solid start to the season may still attract interest from other teams in need of bullpen depth. Ryder Ryan was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis in a corresponding move.

An MRI confirmed Alzolay is dealing with a right flexor strain, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Alzolay was placed on the 15-day injured list Monday and imaging has confirmed the initial diagnosis. He will be shut down for five days before being reevaluated. Most likely, the injury is going to require longer than a minimum stay on the IL. Hector Neris will continue to serve as the Cubs' primary ninth-inning option.

Smith (shoulder) is slated to be activated from the 15-day injured list Wednesday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Smith is done with his rehab as he comes back from right shoulder inflammation. He had been slated to return Tuesday, but the Mets have elected to hold him back one more day. Smith has posted a 2.70 ERA and 11:7 K:BB over 10 relief innings this season.

Lovelady was designated for assignment by the Cubs on Tuesday, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

The Cubs needed to free up a spot on their 40-man roster for new acquisition Tyson Miller. Lovelady had allowed five runs over his last four appearances before being booted off the roster.

O'Brien (forearm) has been playing long toss as he continues a throwing progression, Daniel Guerrero of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

O'Brien is working his way back from a right flexor strain. He was shifted to the 60-day injured list last week, so the right-hander won't be eligible for activation until the end of May. It's not clear when he might be ready to throw bullpen sessions.

Middleton (forearm) will begin a rehab assignment with Double-A Springfield on Tuesday, Daniel Guerrero of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Middleton is finally ready to test things out in a game setting after being diagnosed with a right forearm strain back in mid-March. Because he's missed so much time, Middleton figures to require a fairly lengthy rehab assignment before joining the Cardinals' bullpen.