MLB Player News

Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said that he expects Fairbanks (hand) to return from the 15-day injured list Wednesday when first eligible, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

After checking out fine after throwing a live batting practice session Saturday, Fairbanks has been cleared to join the Marlins for the start of their six-game road trip and should be ready to go for the second game of the club's series in Minnesota. Before hitting the shelf April 28 after experiencing nerve irritation in his right hand, Fairbanks had notched five saves in six chances but had posted a 10.00 ERA and 1.44 WHIP in nine innings over 10 appearances. Fairbanks' underlying numbers (3.48 xERA, 22.0 K-BB%) were more encouraging, however, and he should immediately step back in as Miami's preferred closing option, as none of the Marlins' other relievers have seized control of the ninth inning while he's been on the shelf.

Jax is slated to start Wednesday's game against the Blue Jays in Toronto, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

After making his first 11 appearances of the season as a reliever and recording no more than six outs in any of those contests, Jax has gradually gotten more stretched out while starting in his last three outings. He built up to 59 pitches and four innings in his most recent start Thursday in Boston, and if he's able to tack on another inning to his workload Wednesday, Jax will have a shot at qualifying for a win. The Rays haven't indicated whether Jax will remain in a starting role for the long haul, though the team will have a spot in the rotation available to him while both Steven Matz (elbow) and Joe Boyle (elbow) are stuck on the injured list.

Baker earned the save in Sunday's 4-1 win over the Red Sox, working around a hit and a walk while striking out one in a scoreless ninth inning.

Baker found himself in trouble Sunday after giving up a double and a walk to open the ninth, but he managed to get through the inning unscathed, extending his scoreless streak to 7.1 innings while converting his 10th save this season. Baker's ERA is down to 2.30 across 15.2 innings with a 0.89 WHIP and 17:4 K:BB.

Martinez (4-1) earned the win Sunday over the Red Sox, allowing a run on seven hits over 5.2 innings. He struck out three.

Martinez was sharp again Sunday, as he held the Red Sox scoreless until the sixth inning. The veteran right-hander still hasn't allowed more than two runs in a start this season and he's held opponents to just three runs over 25.2 innings in his last four outings. Martinez's ERA is down to 1.70 through eight starts (47.2 innings) this season with a 1.06 WHIP and 31:10 K:BB. He's tentatively lined up to face the Marlins at home his next time out.

Garcia earned the save in Sunday's 2-1 win over the Athletics, allowing one walk and striking out one in a scoreless ninth inning.

Garcia was summoned to protect a one-run lead in the ninth inning and worked around a two-out walk to slam the door on 17 pitches. It marked the second straight converted save for the 32-year-old, and he's now held opponents scoreless in 18 of 19 appearances to open the campaign. Overall, he owns a 0.50 ERA, 0.44 WHIP and 20:7 K:BB across 18 frames and should remain Baltimore's preferred option for saves until Ryan Helsley (elbow) returns.

The Mets reinstated Gerber (finger) from the 15-day injured list and optioned him to Triple-A Syracuse on Sunday.

The right-hander has been sidelined nearly a month due to a finger blister, but he's now been fully cleared after a four-game rehab assignment. Gerber struck out five over two scoreless frames in his lone appearance for the Mets, but he's struggled to a 6.75 ERA across seven outings at Syracuse.

The Dodgers selected Mills' contract from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Sunday.

Mills will provide the Dodgers with a fresh arm in the bullpen after the team needed three relievers to cover the final six innings of Saturday's 7-2 loss to Atlanta. The 31-year-old righty received the promotion after logging a 3.26 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 28:7 K:BB in 19.1 innings for Oklahoma City.

Ekness retired the only batter he faced to earn a one-out save in Sunday's 5-2 win over the Nationals.

The Marlins have been playing matchups in the ninth inning during Pete Fairbanks' (hand) absence, and Sunday was Ekness' turn. He entered to face righty Curtis Mead with two outs and a runner on first base and earned his first career save on just three pitches. The 24-year-old made his major-league debut May 3, and he's now held opponents scoreless in three of four appearances while posting a 2:1 K:BB across 3.1 innings with Miami.

The Dodgers transferred Diaz (elbow) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Sunday.

The transaction is merely a procedural move that clears a spot on the 40-man roster and won't have any bearing on Diaz's timeline to return to action. Diaz underwent surgery April 22 to remove loose bodies from his elbow and isn't expected to be available until after the All-Star break. Diaz is expected to start playing catch later this month once the stitches are removed from his elbow, but a more precise target date for his activation from the IL won't become clear until he's further along in the rehab process.

The Giants optioned Santos to Triple-A Sacramento on Sunday.

The right-hander was called up by San Francisco in late April, but he'll return to Sacramento after giving up two earned runs with a 1:3 K:BB across three appearances and 5.2 innings. Santos could rejoin the Giants later in the season when bullpen depth is needed.