MLB Player News

Diaz did not factor into the decision in Sunday's loss to the Pirates. He did not allow a run and gave up one hit while walking four and striking out seven over five innings.

The only hit allowed by Diaz was a leadoff single from Andrew McCutchen to begin the game. He had to work around some traffic on the bases in the first and third innings but otherwise put together a fantastic bounce-back outing after getting shelled in his prior start against the Royals. Diaz punched out a career-high seven batters, which included striking out the side in the fourth inning, after only racking up seven strikeouts in his first three career starts. He now owns a 4.05 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 14:8 K:BB in 20 innings so far and lines up for a rematch against the Pirates on the road over the weekend.

Festa is scheduled to start Tuesday's game against the Mets at Citi Field.

After being roughed up for 12 earned runs in 10 innings in his first two big-league starts earlier this summer, Festa was deployed as a bulk reliever in this past Wednesday's game against the Phillies following his call-up from Triple-A St. Paul. Upon entering the game behind opening pitcher Steven Okert, Festa delivered by far his best MLB outing to date, striking out seven over four innings of relief while giving up one earned run on four hits and two walks. Despite Festa's success out of the bullpen, the Twins will give him another look in a starting role when his next turn through the rotation comes up in New York. Festa brings plenty of strikeout upside to the table, though keeping the ball in the yard has been a major issue for the 24-year-old both in the majors and minors in 2024.

Fried (forearm) threw a ball in the outfield before Sunday's game, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

The southpaw didn't appear to be bothered by the nerve inflammation in his forearm that landed him on the IL on July 21. "Max is feeling better," manager Brian Snitker said Sunday. "He'll amp up as they see fit, but just talking to him the last couple of days, I think he likes where he's at right now. No timetable or anything like that, we'll just take it day to day and see where he's at. But it sounds pretty good." It's not yet clear whether Fried will need a rehab assignment before returning to the Atlanta rotation, but with Reynaldo Lopez (forearm) leaving his start early Sunday, the team may have incentive to get Fried back as soon as possible.

Keller did not factor into the decision Sunday against the Diamondbacks, allowing two runs on two hits and two walks while striking out six over seven innings.

Keller was dominant once again and faced his only trouble in the fourth after Jake McCarthy ripped an RBI triple and then later scored on a sacrifice fly. It was the third quality start in the last four outings for Keller, though he only has one win to show for it, as the Pirates' offense only mustered up one run until they scored in the ninth to send the game into extras. Keller also managed to keep the ball inside the park, something he's struggled with a bit lately after allowing five home runs over his last four starts. The 28-year-old now owns a 3.30 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 114:34 K:BB in 128.1 innings and lines up for a rematch with the Diamondbacks at home over the weekend.

Lorenzen allowed one run on three hits and struck out one over four relief innings in Sunday's 7-3 loss to Toronto.

After getting chased by the Blue Jays on Saturday, when he lasted two-thirds of an inning (40 pitches), Lorenzen volunteered to pitch Sunday following starter Jon Gray's (groin) removal without throwing a pitch. He gave the Rangers 55 pitches and saved the bullpen. With the team having a day off Thursday, Lorenzen is expected to remain Friday's scheduled starter against Boston.

Spiers (shoulder) will be activated from the 15-day injured list to start Monday's game against the Cubs in Cincinnati, MLB.com reports.

Spiers landed on the injured list July 13 with a right shoulder impingement but made a quick recovery from the injury. He didn't go out on a minor-league rehab assignment prior to being activated, as the Reds feel comfortable enough with him taking the hill Monday after he checked out fine following a bullpen session Friday. Spiers owns a 3.86 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 41:9 K:BB over 47 innings with the Reds this season.

Howard elected free agency Monday after he was outrighted off the Guardians' 40-man roster.

After being acquired from the Giants on July 5, Howard made two appearances (one start) for Cleveland before he was pushed off the 40-man roster July 21. Between his stops with San Francisco and Cleveland, Howard turned in a 6.21 ERA and 2.00 WHIP over 29 innings, and his numbers with the Giants' Triple-A affiliate in Sacramento (5.90 ERA, 1.56 WHIP and 57:17 K:BB in 39.2 innings) weren't especially inspiring, either. As such, Howard will most likely have to settle for a minor-league deal in free agency.

Rodriguez (shoulder) threw a bullpen session Sunday, MLB.com reports.

Rodriguez followed up a two-inning simulated game Friday with Sunday's bullpen. The Diamondbacks will evaluate the left-hander Monday to determine what the next step is for him. Rodriguez landed on the injured list during spring training and had a setback in April, when he experienced discomfort in his left lat.

Kelly (shoulder) threw a bullpen session Sunday, MLB.com reports.

Kelly, who threw a simulated game Thursday, followed up with a bullpen Sunday. The Diamondbacks plan to assess the right-hander after recovering from the session to determine next steps. Kelly landed on the injured list in April after feeling something grab in the shoulder while playing catch in the outfield.

Miller (8-7) allowed three runs on seven hits over 6.1 innings Sunday, striking out six and earning a win over the White Sox.

Miller held the White Sox to one run through six frames before coughing up a two-run shot to Paul DeJong in the seventh inning. Miller has shown great command over the last several weeks, posting a 37:7 K:BB across his last 46.2 innings. He's issued just three free passes over his last six starts. Miller owns a 3.46 ERA with a 109:29 K:BB through 122.1 innings this season. He's currently lined up for a tough home matchup with the Phillies next weekend.