MLB Player News

Diekman was activated from the paternity list by the Rays on Thursday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Diekman missed the first three games of the series against the Blue Jays but is back for the finale. Ben Heller was optioned in a corresponding move.

Finnegan struck out one in a perfect ninth inning Wednesday to record his 10th save of the season in a 5-3 win over the Padres.

The right-hander's numbers on the season remain ugly, but Finnegan has been fairly reliable since a bumpy beginning to 2023. He's been scored upon in only three of his last 17 appearances, posting a 1.62 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 18:7 K:BB through 16.2 innings over that stretch while converting nine of 10 save chances.

Weathers (1-3) took the loss Wednesday as the Padres were downed 5-3 by the Nationals, giving up five runs (four earned) on seven hits and two walks over six innings. He struck out four.

Three errors on the night by San Diego didn't help matters, but Weathers also had trouble putting batters away, managing only eight swinging strikes among his 93 pitches. The southpaw has lost three straight starts for the Padres sandwiched around a couple relief appearances and a stint at Triple-A El Paso, posting a 4.58 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 13:8 K:BB through 19.2 big-league innings over that stretch. With Seth Lugo (calf) potentially able to return from the injured list at the beginning of June and the team having an off day Monday, it's not clear if Weathers will get another turn in the rotation.

Leclerc allowed two hits and one walk over one-third of an inning to get a hold in Wednesday's 3-2 win over Pittsburgh.

Leclerc had made a stretch of low-leverage appearances before getting the call to pitch the eighth inning of a one-run game Wednesday. He retired the first batter then allowed the next three to reach, and he was removed after 16 pitches (eight strikes). Closer Will Smith escaped from the frame unscathed and returned for the ninth inning to complete a five-out save.

Chafin did not pitch in Wednesday's 6-5 extra-inning loss to the Phillies.

The Diamondbacks had a save situation -- entering the ninth inning up 5-3 -- but none of Chafin, Miguel Castro or Kyle Nelson were available after throwing three of the last four days. Jose Ruiz tried to close the door but gave up a two-run home run to Trea Turner before taking the loss in the 10th.

Castro was not used for a save opportunity in Wednesday's 6-5 extra-inning loss to Philadelphia.

None of Arizona's most trusted bullpen arms were available due to heavy usage this week. Castro had pitched three of the last four days, as had Andrew Chafin and Kyle Nelson. With a 5-3 lead entering the ninth inning, manager Torey Lovullo tried to get by with Jose Ruiz, but he allowed a two-run home run with two outs that sent the game into an extra frame.

Leiter earned a save against the Mets on Wednesday with a perfect inning during which he struck out one batter.

Leiter had been struggling a bit coming into this week, allowing three runs (two earned) over his previous three appearances. He got five days off before striking out two and notching a hold over 1.1 perfect innings Tuesday, then got the call in the ninth Wednesday with the Cubs leading by two. Leiter made quick work of New York, retiring the side on 10 pitches to pick up the save. The Cubs' closer situation remains hazy, but Leiter may be the best bet for ninth-inning opportunities given his strong numbers this season (1.77 ERA, 0.89 WHIP and 31:6 K:BB over 20.1 innings). He's notched two of the team's five saves on the campaign.

Kauffmann (0-2) took the loss Wednesday, allowing five runs on six hits and three walks over 4.1 innings against Miami. He struck out two.

Kauffmann has lasted 4.1 innings in each of his first two starts, allowing a total of nine runs to date. The Marlins chased him in the fifth, as four of the five batters he faced reached base. Kauffmann had a 7.78 ERA in eight starts at Triple-A before the call up to the majors. If the rookie gets another turn in the rotation, he won't be a recommended fantasy option.

Lange allowed a run on one hit but managed to earn the save in Wednesday's 6-4 win over the Royals. He struck out one.

Lange allowed his first run since early April, a streak of 16 consecutive appearances, but he was still able to shut the door for his ninth save in 10 chances. The righty has firmly established himself as Detroit's closer, and he has a sparkling 1.27 ERA and 28 strikeouts across 21.1 innings so far this year.

Duran allowed a hit while striking out two over two-thirds of a scoreless ninth inning in Wednesday's 7-1 win over the Giants. He threw 104.6 mph and 104.4 mph fastballs, which are new Twins records, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Duran was getting work in a blowout win as he hadn't pitched in four days. With the Twins off Thursday, Duran should be available for Friday's game against Toronto.