MLB Player News

Thompson allowed one hit and permitted two inherited runners to score over a scoreless third of an inning Thursday, getting charged with a blown save in a 5-4 win over the Reds.

Thompson was called on in a high-leverage spot in the bottom of the seventh inning and lost a battle with Spencer Steer, who fouled off a couple two-strike pitches before delivering a two-run single that knotted the game at 4-4. The blown save was the first of the season for Thompson, who has emerged as a trusted late-game arm for manager Torey Lovullo. The right-hander has a 1.20 ERA and 0.80 WHIP while striking out 11 over 15 innings, recording six holds in 15 appearances.

Myers did not factor into the decision in Milwaukee's win over the Cardinals on Thursday, allowing one run on three hits and four walks over four innings. He struck out six.

Myers managed to work his way out of jams despite issuing four walks for the second consecutive start. The only run allowed by the 25-year-old right-hander came via a Lars Nootbaar solo homer in the top of the third inning, and Myers has given up at least one home run in all four of his outings to open the campaign. The six strikeouts were a season high, and he now carries an 8:8 K:BB through two May starts after posting a 9:1 K:BB in his two April appearances.

Sewald earned the save in Thursday's 5-4 win over the Reds, striking out two in a perfect ninth inning.

After allowing a home run to Tyler Stephenson in his season debut Tuesday, Sewald looked much better in his first save chance Thursday, striking out Will Benson and Stephenson to close out the one-run victory. The 33-year-old Sewald is expected to step back in as Arizona's primary closer after missing the first month of the season with an oblique injury. He recorded 34 saves last year while pitching to a 3.12 ERA in 60.2 innings between Arizona and Seattle.

Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said Thursday that Liberatore will be available out of the bullpen for the team's series this weekend in Milwaukee, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Liberatore remains a candidate to draw a start early next week, but he will sit with the relievers this weekend in case he's needed. The left-hander allowed one run over 3.2 innings in a spot start versus the White Sox in his last appearance and before that held a 2.76 ERA in 12 relief appearances.

Blach tossed three innings out of the bullpen in Tuesday's 5-0 loss to the Giants, giving up one earned run on four hits and one walk while striking out two.

Blach made a five-inning spot start for the Rockies in an April 24 loss to the Padres, but he's since moved into a long-relief role. After tossing four shutout innings behind starter Peter Lambert in a 5-4 loss to the Marlins on May 2, Blach was called upon to cover multiple frames once again Tuesday and pitched effectively.

Reds manager David Bell said Gibaut underwent anterior interosseous nerve release surgery on his right arm Thursday, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Gibaut first began experiencing forearm issues back in late February and never was able to get over the hump, so he ultimately opted for a procedure. Bell said that the Reds are hopeful the reliever can make it back from the 60-day injured list later this season, although a more specific target date for his return probably won't be available for several weeks.

Smith (shoulder) began a rehab assignment Wednesday with Triple-A Syracuse, giving up one run on one hit over an inning of relief.

Smith served up a solo home run but otherwise navigated a 13-pitch eighth inning without much difficulty. The right-hander has been on the 15-day injured list since April 27 with shoulder inflammation and could need another rehab appearance or two before rejoining the Mets bullpen.

Lawrence allowed one hit and one walk across a scoreless inning Wednesday against the Giants.

Lawrence missed three games over the weekend while on the paternity list and made his first appearance since being activated. He entered the game with the Rockies down by four runs and managed to work out of a jam with runners at first and second base with one out. Since allowing six earned runs across his first 4.2 innings of the season, Lawrence has allowed only two runs in his last 8.1 frames and remains the leading candidate for saves in Colorado.

Lambert (2-2) took the loss against the Giants on Wednesday, allowing seven runs on nine hits and no walks over three innings. He struck out two.

Lambert went 1-2-3 through the first inning before getting lit up for six runs in the second, beginning with a leadoff homer from Michael Conforto. The right-hander would allow another run on a Blake Sabol double in the third and wouldn't return to the mound for the fourth. The seven earned runs marked a season high for Lambert, and he's now allowed at least four runs in three of his last four starts. He's still looking for his first win since April 8 against the Diamondbacks, when he was working out of the bullpen.

Mantiply struck out one in a scoreless two-thirds of an inning to record his first save of the season in Wednesday's 4-3 win over the Reds.

With Paul Sewald unavailable after making his season debut Tuesday and Kevin Ginkel struggling to shut the door in the ninth inning, Mantiply got the call and fanned Will Benson before getting Jonathan India to fly out with the winning run on second base for Cincy. Sewald will be the top option for saves in the Arizona bullpen, but as the team's top lefty reliever, Mantiply could see further situational chances. He's been reasonably effective this season, posting a 3.52 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 13:6 K:BB through 15.1 innings.