MLB Player News

Junis (shoulder) will be activated from the 60-day injured list for this weekend's series in San Diego, but he could be used in relief initially, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Officially, the Brewers are saying Junis' role is to be determined. However, they've already listed Bryse Wilson, Colin Rea, Carlos F. Rodriguez and Tobias Myers as their four starters for the series with the Padres. Rodriguez would seem to be the most at risk of losing his rotation spot, so Junis could end up replacing him if Rodriguez falters in Saturday's start. The right-handed Junis threw four innings in a simulated game earlier this week, so he's stretched out for a possible long-relief appearance this weekend.

Finnegan struck out two in a perfect ninth inning Wednesday to record his 21st save of the season in a 3-1 win over Arizona.

The right-hander breezed through the Diamondbacks' 5-6-7 hitters on 14 pitches (11 strikes) en route to his eighth straight successful conversion. Finnegan has put together the best first half of his career with a 1.72 ERA, 0.83 WHIP and 33:10 K:BB through 31.1 innings, but if the Nats fall out of the wild-card picture, he figures to become one of the team's biggest trade chips given that he has just one more year of arbitration eligibility in 2025 before reaching free agency.

Bivens (1-1) took the loss Wednesday as the Giants were downed 6-5 by the Cubs, giving up three runs (two earned) on five hits and two walks over two-plus innings. He struck out one.

The Giants went with a true bullpen day Wednesday, as none of the six pitchers they deployed worked more than two innings. Bivens was the one to get tagged with the loss after serving up back-to-back homers to Ian Happ and Dansby Swanson to lead off the fourth inning during a game in which San Francisco never held a lead. Bivens has pitched five innings over two appearances this week in his first taste of big-league action, giving up three homers, and he may get shipped back to Triple-A Sacramento to make way for a fresh arm.

Adam (4-1) didn't allow a baserunner and struck out one to earn the win Wednesday against the Twins.

Adam entered the game in the ninth inning with the score tied, 2-2, and turned in his eighth scoreless performance in his last 10 appearances. He has a 9:1 K:BB in that span, though he has allowed three earned runs. While Pete Fairbanks (thumb) isn't expected to be sidelined long, Adam could get a short-term look in save scenarios.

Tate allowed an unearned run on a hit and a walk while striking out one over one inning, earning the save in Wednesday's 7-6 extra-inning win over the Yankees.

Tate allowed a run to score on a sacrifice fly, and he got another out when Oswaldo Cabrera was caught stealing. Tate then struck out Jahmai Jones to complete the save, which was his first of the year. Craig Kimbrel pitched the ninth inning but took a blown save when he allowed a game-tying single to Giancarlo Stanton. Tate has pitched well in the majors this year with a 2.22 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 16:9 K:BB over 24.1 innings, and he's added two holds and a blown save. The right-hander was a setup man in 2022 before a forearm injury wiped out his 2023 season, though he's often been used in low-leverage spots this year.

Hader allowed one hit in a scoreless inning while striking out one batter to earn a save against the White Sox on Wednesday.

It was a relatively easy outing for Hader, who entered in the ninth with Houston ahead by three runs. The veteran closer allowed a one-out single but was never in serious trouble. Hader has converted all 10 of his save chances since blowing his first opportunity of the campaign April 2 versus Toronto.

Borucki (wrist) is set to throw live batting practice Friday, Andrew Destin of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Borucki has thrown three bullpen sessions, the most recent of which was 30 pitches Monday. Assuming Friday goes according to plan, Borucki is expected to begin a rehab assignment and could return prior to the All-Star break.

Fernandez (0-2) allowed a run on two hits over two-thirds of an inning, taking the loss Wednesday versus the Marlins.

Fernandez had not given up an earned run over his last 10 innings, earning three holds over nine appearances in that span. He wasn't as fortunate Wednesday, as Otto Lopez delivered a walk-off single in the ninth inning to stick Fernandez with the loss. The 26-year-old right-hander has been a positive part of the Cardinals' bullpen this year with a 2.59 ERA, though his 1.24 WHIP and 34:12 K:BB over 31.1 innings aren't particularly dominant. He's added a save and four holds but will likely continue to function mostly in a low-leverage role.

Yates earned a save against the Mets on Wednesday, striking out one batter in a perfect ninth inning.

Yates protected a two-run Texas lead in the top of the ninth frame, retiring the side in order on 16 pitches. The veteran reliever is a perfect 11-for-11 in save chances this season -- no closer in baseball has converted more saves without blowing any opportunities. Yates hasn't given up more than one run in any of his 26 appearances, leading to a superb 1.03 ERA.

Liberatore allowed two runs on three hits and a walk while striking out one over 3.2 innings in a no-decision versus the Marlins on Wednesday.

Liberatore was pressed into a spot start after Kyle Gibson (back) was a late scratch. This was one day after Liberatore was charged with a blown save after allowing a run in two-thirds of an inning. The southpaw yielded solo home runs to Bryan De La Cruz and Jesus Sanchez in the first inning. Liberatore has a 4.46 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 28:15 K:BB over 38.1 innings over 26 appearances (four starts) this season, though he's mainly operated out of the bullpen as the Cardinals have tried to find one steady role for him. It's unclear at this time if Liberatore would be a candidate to start again should Gibson require a stint on the injured list.