MLB Player News

Cruz will play catch Thursday after an MRI on his right shoulder came back negative, Meredith Marakovits of YES Network reports.

Cruz felt a pull in his right trap area recently that has left him unavailable to pitch recently. He was given a cortisone shot to combat inflammation and the hope is that he will be able to avoid the injured list, but it's not clear when he might be available to pitch again.

Brazoban (3-0) picked up the win Wednesday over the Red Sox, striking out four and allowing one hit over 2.1 scoreless innings.

Tylor Megill lasted just 4.2 innings as the Mets' starting pitcher, but Brazoban stepped in to complete the fifth frame and breezed through two more innings, becoming the pitcher of record when New York broke a 1-1 tie in the top of the seventh. The 35-year-old righty has had a fantastic start to the season, posting a 0.90 ERA, 0.77 WHIP and 30:8 K:BB through 30 innings while adding six holds and his first career save to his three wins.

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said after Wednesday's 3-1 loss to the Dodgers that Martinez (shoulder) has a good chance to return from the 15-day injured list for this weekend's series in St. Louis, Jody Jackson of Bally Sports Arizona reports.

Martinez has been on the shelf since May 1 due to right shoulder inflammation, an injury that resulted in a significant drop in velocity in his last couple of relief appearances before he was deactivated. The right-hander seems to have bounced back nicely from the extended rest, as he tossed scoreless innings in both of his minor-league rehab appearances and reached 101.1 miles per hour with his sinker during his most recent outing with Triple-A Reno on Tuesday. Per John Gambadoro of 98.7 FM Arizona Sports, Martinez flew back to Phoenix on Wednesday, and assuming the Arizona training staff was satisfied with his health, he'll accompany the Diamondbacks on their road trip and will likely be activated Friday. Martinez should eventually settle back in as the Diamondbacks' preferred option at closer, though it's possible that manager Torey Lovullo chooses to ease him back in with a low-leverage appearance or two.

The Reds optioned Richardson to Triple-A Louisville on Thursday.

Cincinnati will announce a corresponding roster move Friday, when Hunter Greene (groin) will be activated from the 15-day injured list to start the Reds' series opener versus the Cubs. Richardson has allowed just three runs (two earned) over 13.2 innings out of the Reds bullpen this season, although he struck out only seven batters.

Scott earned a save against the Diamondbacks on Wednesday, striking out two batters in a perfect ninth inning.

Scott blew a save opportunity while giving up three runs (two earned) over 1.2 frames Tuesday, but he was right back on the mound one day later despite having thrown 28 pitches in that outing. This time the southpaw got the job done, throwing 12 of 14 pitches for strikes and fanning two batters en route to an impressive 1-2-3 frame. Seven different Dodgers relievers have a save this season, but Scott is the clear leader of the pack with 10 saves (no other Dodgers pitcher has more than two). As such, he should be viewed as one of fantasy's most desirable relievers despite the fact that he'll occasionally be used in high-leverage situations before the ninth inning.

Ross threw two scoreless relief innings in Wednesday's 9-5 win over the Rockies. He struck out three.

Ross continues to operate as a multi-inning reliever for the Phillies, and he's pitched well in recent weeks. After logging a 9.39 ERA over his first 7.2 innings of the year, the veteran right-hander holds a 1.72 ERA and 13:2 K:BB across his last 15.2 frames. Ross still remains without a clear pathway to fantasy appeal, as he remains out of Philadelphia's rotation and high-leverage picture despite the absences of Aaron Nola (ankle) and Jose Alvarado (suspension).

Dominguez threw a clean 11th inning in Wednesday's 8-4 extra-innings victory over the Brewers. He struck out one.

Dominguez sealed the victory in extra innings for the Orioles, but it's been a struggle for him overall since opening the year with a scoreless streak of 8.1 innings. Over his last 7.2 frames, the right-hander has a 9.39 ERA and 9:6 K:BB. With Andrew Kittredge having made his season debut Wednesday, Dominguez now has more competition for high-leverage work in the Orioles' bullpen.

Banks threw a scoreless sixth inning in Wednesday's 9-5 win over the Rockies. He struck out one.

That's now seven scoreless outings out of nine appearances in May for Banks, but he's still given up five runs this month. On the season, the 33-year-old owns a 3.97 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 25:5 K:BB. With Jose Alvarado out of action due to an 80-game suspension, Banks could see more action as a setup man as opposed to a middle reliever, but he remains well out of contention for regular save chances.

Jackson (0-4) blew the save in Wednesday's 4-3 defeat to the Yankees, allowing one run on two hits in the ninth inning.

Jackson gave up a walk-off home run to Jasson Dominguez, taking his second blown save of the season. The veteran right-hander has worked as Texas' primary closer to open the campaign, but his 5.52 ERA, 1.57 WHIP and 13:8 K:BB over 14.2 innings likely loosens his grip on the gig and leaves the door open the door for the likes of Shawn Armstrong, Robert Garcia and Jacob Webb to see additional save chances in the future. Jackson missed some time with a swollen hand recently, and he's yielded six runs across his last 5.2 innings.

The Yankees plan to recall Headrick from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Thursday, Brendan Kuty of The Athletic reports.

Since being sent down to Triple-A in early April, Headrick has given up four earned runs in 9.2 innings while striking out eight batters and walking four. He'll now return to the Bronx to give the Yankees a fresh bullpen arm and possibly replace Fernando Cruz, who has been dealing with a shoulder injury for a few days.