MLB Player News

Martin allowed two runs on four hits and two walks while striking out two over three relief innings in Tuesday's 9-8 loss to the Giants.

Martin was called up Monday, seemingly to join Arizona's rotation, but he piggybacked with Alex Young, who made his first start of the season. With the Diamondbacks missing several starters due to injury, manager Torey Lovullo is kicking around the idea of using more piggyback or tandem starters, as reported by Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic. "We have been thinking about that," Lovullo said. "That's been a strong part of our conversation." The Diamondbacks may eventually add Martin as a full-fledged rotation member and let his development continue at the MLB level.

Rogers earned the save against Arizona on Tuesday with a perfect inning during which he struck one one batter.

It didn't look like the Giants would have any use for a closer early on, as Arizona built up a quick seven-run lead. However, San Francisco's offense stormed back and took the lead in the bottom of the eighth inning, giving Rogers a shot at his ninth save. He had little trouble taking advantage of the opportunity, pitching a 1-2-3 ninth inning and striking out Asdrubal Cabrera to end the game. Rogers has emerged as the Giants' top closing option due to a standout 1.56 ERA and 0.98 WHIP across 34.2 innings. His 4.7 K/9 and .239 BABIP provide some reason to doubt whether those numbers will hold up, however.

Littell allowed four runs on four hits and two walks without recording an out Tuesday against Arizona. He did not factor in the decision.

The Diamondbacks couldn't have asked for a better offensive start in the contest, collecting four singles and a pair of walks while scoring four times before Littell was lifted without recording an out. The right-hander was working as an opener and wasn't expected to pitch very long, but his inability to retire any batters still qualifies as a disaster despite the fact the Giants eventually came back to win. It remains to be seen how Littell will be deployed going forward, though it wouldn't be surprising if he's no longer asked to open games given the outcome Tuesday.

Young pitched four innings against San Francisco on Tuesday, allowing three runs on five hits and one walk while striking out two. He did not factor in the decision.

Arizona staked Young to a seven-run lead through the top half of the second inning, but he gave back three runs in the bottom of the frame and was pulled after tossing 57 pitches through four innings. The Giants eventually came all the way back to pick up the win and extend Arizona's road losing streak to 21 games. Young was making his first start of the campaign after working exclusively out of the bullpen in his first 26 appearances, so the short outing was expected, though a smoother second frame may have allowed him to work deeper into the game and potentially qualify for a win. With Arizona's rotation beset by injuries, Young could feasibly get another chance to start. If that comes to pass, he could face the Dodgers at home Sunday.

Maton allowed two hits and struck out three during a scoreless inning in Tuesday's 7-2 win over Baltimore.

Maton has posted an odd stat line over the last month or so, as he's given up 12 runs on 17 hits in his last 13.2 innings despite notching an excellent 23:4 K:BB in that span. With a 6.20 ERA on the year, he's not likely to find his way into a higher-leverage role anytime soon, but Maton's 3.57 FIP and 2.94 xFIP do offer some hope for a turnaround.

Karinchak (4-2) struck out the side in a perfect inning and was credited with the win Tuesday versus Baltimore.

Starting pitcher Cal Quantrill lasted only four innings, and Karinchak was awarded the win as the most effective reliever in the contest. The right-hander has strung together 4.2 scoreless innings on the heels of a skid that saw him allow nine runs (eight earned) over four innings. For the year, Karinchak owns a 2.45 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 53:14 K:BB across 29.1 innings. He's 7-for-8 in save chances with six holds.

Hill (3-3) was tagged with the loss in relief Tuesday against the Rockies after allowing two runs on three hits across one-third of an inning. He didn't record a strikeout and didn't issue a walk.

Hill entered this game in a run of six straight scoreless outings, but he didn't look comfortable in this one and was deservedly tagged with the loss. The left-hander saw his ERA rise from 2.03 to 2.67 as a result of this outing, but he still owns a strong 33:10 K:BB across 27 innings.

Estevez (1-0) earned the win in relief Tuesday against the Padres after tossing a scoreless inning, walking one and fanning one.

Estevez pitched the seventh inning ,and while his command wasn't too sharp -- eight strikes out of 15 pitches -- he still got the job done and posted a scoreless outing. He's accomplished that feat in just three of his last six appearances, though, so the right-hander has been far from a reliable presence out of the bullpen for the Rockies.

Reyes (4-2) earned the win in relief Tuesday against the Marlins after tossing a scoreless inning, allowing one walk and striking out one.

Reyes entered the ninth inning with a 1-1 tie, and while his command wasn't the best -- he tossed only six of his 12 pitches for strikes -- he still got the job done. The right-hander has been one of the most successful late-inning relievers in the National League, converting all 17 of his save chances with a 0.82 ERA, but his horrendous 7.9 BB/9 has led to a 1.33 WHIP, and he won't be able to pitch around all those baserunners forever.

Garcia (3-5) was tagged with the loss Tuesday against the Cardinals after giving up a walkoff home run in the ninth inning. He didn't record a single out.

Garcia entered the game in the bottom of the ninth with a clear goal, which was to keep the tie and force extra innings, but he failed miserably and gave up a walkoff homer to the first batter he faced -- Paul Goldschmidt. Garcia ended a streak of four scoreless outings in this one, but his role as the Marlins closer shouldn't be at risk going forward.