MLB Player News

Jimenez blew the save Friday against the Nationals. He allowed one run on two hits and no walks with two strikeouts in one inning.

After Mason Miller collected saves in two of the three previous games, Oakland manager Mark Kotsay called upon Jimenez for the save opportunity Friday night. It didn't take long for Kotsay to regret that decision as the 30-year-old reliever allowed a solo home run to his first batter faced, Jesse Winker. Jimenez's performance in Friday's save situation only further solidifies Mason Miller's grip on the Athletics' closer role.

Helsley struck out two batters in a perfect inning and earned a save against the Diamondbacks on Friday.

Helsley worked quickly Friday, needing just 11 pitches to finish off the 9-6 win. He's now converted five of his six save chances through eight appearances. He lowered his ERA to 3.38 with a strong 9:1 K:BB. Helsley has punched out four batters in two perfect frames since taking a loss against the Phillies on April 8.

Megill (concussion) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Nashville on Saturday, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Megill has been sidelined due to a concussion since April 3. He threw a bullpen session earlier in the week without any issues and doesn't project to spend much time on his rehab assignment, making it likely he returns to the Brewers' bullpen within a few days. Megill threw two scoreless innings and struck out three batters during Milwaukee's season-opening series against the Mets.

Sewald (oblique) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Saturday, Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic reports.

Saturday's bullpen session will mark Sewald's first opportunity to throw off a mound since he suffered a Grade 2 left oblique strain in late March. He will likely require additional bullpen sessions before progressing to facing live hitters and potentially a rehab assignment in the minors, but the right-hander seems to be trending toward a return in late April. Until then, Kevin Ginkel will continue serving as Arizona's closer.

The Padres recalled Morejon from Triple-A El Paso on Friday.

Morejon pitched two-thirds of an inning during San Diego's series in South Korea but was optioned to Triple-A ahead of its domestic opener. He's given up two runs across 6.1 minor-league frames and will now return to the Padres to provide additional bullpen depth. Pedro Avila was designated for assignment in a corresponding move.

The Padres designated Avila for assignment Friday.

Avila has struggled in his four outings this season, allowing eight runs on five hits and six walks while striking out nine in eight innings over that span. In a corresponding move, the Padres recalled left-hander Adrian Morejon from Triple-A El Paso.

The Red Sox placed Campbell on the 15-day injured list Friday with a right shoulder impingement, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports.

Campbell gave up six runs in one inning during Thursday's loss against Baltimore, and his shoulder injury could help explain his poor performance. He'll now be sidelined for the next couple of weeks, and Bobby Dalbec will come up from Triple-A Worcester to take the right-hander's spot on the active roster.

Manager Craig Counsell revealed on "The Parkins & Spiegal Show" that the Cubs had called up Thompson from Triple-A Iowa on Friday, per 670 The Score.

With Jose Cuas being sent down Thursday, the Cubs are bringing in Thompson to shore up their bullpen depth. Thompson has not allowed a run in his last three outings with Iowa, striking out six batters while allowing one hit and two walks in five innings over that span.

Diaz signed a minor-league contract with the Astros on Friday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Diaz elected free agency Thursday after being DFA'd by Houston on Monday, and he will now return to the Astros organization after exploring his options on the open market. The 29-year-old righty will report to Triple-A Sugar Land, after posting a 5.05 ERA and 1.40 WHIP in 2023 at that level as part of the Tigers' farm system.

Through four appearances (6.2 innings), Smyly has a 4.05 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and seven strikeouts.

Outside of his first appearance of the season, Smyly has retired more than three batters in all of his outings, and he should continue to work in a long-relief role for the Cubs. While a 4.05 ERA isn't amazing, it is an improvement on the 5.00 ERA he posted in 2023. The veteran southpaw has also lowered his WHIP from 1.43 last season. It's still early, but Smyly's results have been encouraging so far.