MLB Player News

Johnson allowed four earned runs on four hits and a walk while striking out two across 0.2 innings Thursday against the Marlins.

Johnson entered the game in the top of the ninth inning with a four-run lead and served up a pair of two-run homers to blow the lead. He was ultimately bailed out by his offense in the bottom of the same frame, though the performance continued a shaky stretch for Johnson. Across his last 12 appearances, he's allowed at least one earned run on six occasions. On the other hand, he has tallied seven saves in that span and there is no sign that the Rockies are looking to move away from him as the closer at this point.

Junis (3-2) allowed two hits and two walks while striking out four over 2.1 scoreless innings to earn the win Thursday over the Brewers.

Six pitchers combined for the shutout, and Junis led the way by getting seven outs. He hasn't given up a run over his last 6.1 innings, posting a 10:2 K:BB with four hits allowed in that span. The right-hander has a 4.13 ERA, 1.66 WHIP and 33:14 K:BB over 28.1 innings through 14 relief appearances this season. The Giants continue to use Junis in a swingman role -- he and Sean Manaea, who had a hold with 1.1 scoreless innings Thursday, are options to serve as primary pitchers whenever manager Gabe Kapler opts for a bullpen day.

Harvey (2-2) blew the save and took the loss in Thursday's 8-6 defeat against the Padres. He allowed three runs on three hits while striking out two over one inning.

After Kyle Finnegan worked the eighth inning to protect a 6-5 lead, Harvey allowed a pair of singles to start the ninth. He'd strike out the next two batters before Rougned Odor launched a three-run homer, handing Harvey his fourth blown save of the year. The right-hander had been pitching well prior to Thursday's outing, holding opponents scoreless in 11 of his previous 13 appearances. Harvey's ERA is up to 3.86 with a 0.99 WHIP and 28:7 K:BB over 23.1 innings this season. The Nationals are making an effort to try and ease the 28-year-old into a share of the closing duties, but it hasn't gone well -- Harvey is just 2-for-6 in converting save chances in May, and Finnegan remains the clear top option in the bullpen.

Hader picked up the save Thursday against Washington, striking out two in a perfect ninth inning.

Hader continued his dominant season Thursday, setting the Nationals down in order while recording two more strikeouts. The left-hander has allowed just one earned run in his last 16 innings, striking out 19 in that span. Hader's ERA is down to 0.86 with a 0.76 WHIP and 29:9 K:BB through 21 innings this season.

Snead (shoulder) will throw roughly 20 pitches in a sim game Friday, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Snead is currently on the 60-day injured list after suffering a shoulder strain in early March. He's eligible to return May 29, though that's unlikely given the state of his throwing progression. Snead could realistically return in early to mid-June following a rehab assignment.

The Brewers optioned Cousins to Triple-A Nashville on Thursday.

As the signing of Julio Teheran became official Thursday, Cousins will serve as the Brewers' roster casualty. The 28-year-old reliever has done a good job at limiting runs but struggles to keep runners off base -- especially via walks. He will likely continue to bounce back and forth between Milwaukee and Nashville as the Brewers' pitching depth is tested throughout the season.

Tarnok (shoulder) will throw around 20 pitches in a simulated game Friday, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Tarnok has been sidelined since Opening Day after suffering a shoulder strain in the middle of spring training. He could begin a rehab assignment shortly after the sim game, meaning a return in mid-to-late June is realistic, barring setbacks.

The Dodgers optioned Scott to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Thursday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Scott avoided being optioned Tuesday in correspondence to Bobby Miller's promotion, but he will now be sent back to the minors to clear a spot for Clayton Kershaw to return from the bereavement list. The 30-year-old reliever holds an impressive 1.08 ERA and 1.23 WHIP through 16.2 innings in Triple-A but has yet to pitch in the majors this year.

Alvarado (elbow) will throw another bullpen session Saturday, Corey Seidman of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.

If all goes according to plan, Alvarado will move to throwing live batting practice next week during the Phillies' series against the Mets. From there, the 28-year-old closer would likely require a rehab assignment before returning to Philly's bullpen. Alvarado has been on the injured list since May 10 with left elbow inflammation.

Suero cleared waivers and was outrighted Thursday to Triple-A Oklahoma City, Eric Stephen of SBNation.com reports.

Suero was designated for assignment by the Dodgers on Monday after yielding six earned runs in 6.2 innings of relief. He'll remain a member of the organization for now.