MLB Player News

Poche (back) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Durham on Sunday, MLB.com reports.

Poche's last documented activity was May 22, when he threw a 15-pitch bullpen session. He'll likely only need a couple of appearances in Durham before being activated.

Smith has allowed two runs over nine innings since the start of May.

Smith doesn't have the best control, having allowed six hits and three walks with just five strikeouts in that span. He's also picked up two of his four holds in that stretch, though manager Matt Quatraro has mostly kept Smith out of high-leverage situations since early April. The left-hander's season-long numbers remain poor (6.38 ERA, 1.58 WHIP, 12:8 K:BB), but he's been less volatile recently. With James McArthur, John Schreiber and Chris Stratton all pitching at a mediocre level in May, there could eventually be a path to high-leverage chances for Smith if he can keep performing well.

Clase earned a save against the Nationals on Saturday, retiring all three batters he faced in the ninth inning.

Tasked with preserving a 3-2 lead in the ninth inning, Clase needed only eight pitches to secure his 18th save of the season. The save tied him with Ryan Helsley of the Cardinals for the league lead, and he now boasts a ridiculous 0.31 ERA, 0.61 WHIP and 29:2 K:BB over 29.1 innings.

Trivino (elbow) hasn't resumed throwing since being shut down in early May, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

It was reported May 12 that Trivino was in the midst of a 3-to-4 week shutdown period, and although it's been three weeks since the announcement, the 30-year-old has yet to start throwing again. At this time, there's no timeline for Trivino's throwing program to begin, but it's safe to assume he'll be out until at least the All-Star break.

Jimenez earned the save in Saturday's 11-9 win over Atlanta, allowing one hit while logging a strikeout in the ninth inning.

Atlanta made things interesting after Matt Olson led off the ninth with a double. However, Jimenez, making his first appearance in the majors following his demotion to Triple-A Las Vegas in early May, was able to set down the next three batters in order, earning his first save of the campaign. Mason Miller, the A's regular closer, was likely unavailable Saturday after pitching two innings Thursday. However, Jimenez could find himself slotted back into a high-leverage role due to Lucas Erceg (forearm) being placed on the IL. Overall, the 30-year-old Jimenez sports a 3.45 ERA with a 1.47 WHIP and 12:13 K:BB across 15.2 innings this year.

Ginkel is day-to-day after X-rays on his left knee came back negative following Saturday's 10-5 win over the Mets, Jesse Friedman of GoPHNX.com reports.

Ginkel took a 98.3 mile-per-hour comebacker to the inside of his left knee during his relief appearance in the sixth inning and was immediately lifted from the contest. Fortunately for Ginkel, he seems to be dealing with nothing more than bruising to his leg, and he disclosed after the game that he's already feeling better. Manager Torey Lovullo expressed optimism that Ginkel could be available out of the bullpen as soon as Sunday's series finale with the Mets, though the Diamondbacks may prefer to stay away from him for another day or two to afford him additional healing time.

Ginkel was hit in the left leg by a comebacker during Saturday's game against the Mets and was removed from the game, Jesse Friedman of GoPHNX.com reports. He threw one perfect inning before the incident.

Ginkel was the first arm out of the bullpen for the Diamondbacks on Saturday, replacing Slade Cecconi late in the fifth inning. The 30-year-old retired the first two batters he faced before getting hit by a 98 MPH comebacker from Brandon Nimmo, who was still thrown out at first. Bryce Jarvis replaced Ginkel on the mound.

Middleton (forearm) will get a second opinion from a specialist Monday, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Middleton underwent an MRI on Friday after being checked out by team doctors and it appears he may be dealing with a significant injury to his throwing arm. Season-ending surgery has yet to be ruled out, though even if he avoids surgery, Middleton could have to start over after being close to returning from the 15-day IL just days before reporting the injury. Regardless, there should be more clarity regarding Middleton's status in the coming days.

Manager Craig Counsell said Saturday that Merryweather (ribs) will not return until after the All-Star break, Tony Andracki of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Merryweather has been on the IL since early April due to a rib stress fracture in his back. He's only a couple weeks into his throwing program, but the Cubs have already determined that it will take at least another month-and-a-half to get the 32-year-old reliever ready for game action. As Merryweather continues to check off boxes in his rehab process, a more exact return date should emerge.

Snider was called up from Triple-A Tacoma on Saturday.

Snider will return to the major-league bullpen for the first time since April 8, replacing Gabe Speier (shoulder) on the 26-man roster after Speier was placed on the 15-day injured list Saturday. Snider has appeared in three games with Seattle in 2024, surrendering two runs on three hits and a walk while striking out two over three innings.