MLB Player News

Martinez struck out two in a perfect inning to earn the save in Sunday's 3-1 win over the Nationals.

Martinez had been eased back into closing duties since returning from a shoulder injury that cost him most of May. This was his third appearance since coming off the injured list, and he closed the game out after picking up a hold in his last outing Monday versus the Pirates. Martinez is up to four saves, four holds and a blown save over 15 appearances this season. He's also pitched to a 3.46 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 16:7 K:BB across 13 innings. Late-inning duties could continue to be split between Martinez and Shelby Miller in the short term, but the closing job should eventually tilt in Martinez's favor as long as he performs well.

Burnes (elbow) was removed from Sunday's 3-1 win over the Nationals due to right elbow inflammation, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports. He struck out six and allowed one run on four hits and one walk over 4.2 innings before leaving the game.

Burnes called for the team trainer after surrendering a two-out single on a cutter to CJ Abrams in the top of the fifth inning. Manager Torey Lovullo said following the contest that his concern level on the starter's elbow is "more than minimal," according to Jesse Friedman of GoPHNX.com. Burnes will undergo an MRI on Monday to determine the severity of the injury. If Burnes ends up landing on the injured list or misses his next start, the Diamondbacks would likely reopen a spot in the rotation for Ryne Nelson, who had been expected to shift to the bullpen with Eduardo Rodriguez (shoulder) due to return from the IL this week.

Sheets (undisclosed) exited Sunday's contest versus the Pirates in the top of the fourth inning after colliding with the outfield wall, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Sheets slammed into the wall while trying to track a flyball from Adam Frazier, which went over the fence for a solo home run. The 29-year-old was removed from the game after remaining down for several moments, being replaced in left field by Brandon Lockridge. More information on his status will likely be provided in the near future.

Perez (elbow) is scheduled to make his eighth rehab start Tuesday with Triple-A Jacksonville, FishOnFirst.com reports.

Perez turned in his best rehab outing yet with Jacksonville this past Wednesday, striking out four and inducing whiffs on seven of his 72 pitches while spinning five shutout innings. He'll look to push his pitch count up to the 75-to-85 range Tuesday, and if all goes well, it could be his final outing in the minors before making his return from the 60-day injured list. Perez has been sticking to a five-day rest schedule between his recent rehab starts, so if that pattern holds, he could make his 2025 Marlins debut June 9 in Pittsburgh.

Yates (hamstring) is expected to face hitters in a simulated game early this week, Sonja Chen of MLB.com reports.

Yates threw a bullpen session Friday that apparently went well, and he appears ready to move on to the next phase of his throwing program as he works his way back from a right hamstring strain. If all goes well during the sim game, Yates could bypass a minor-league rehab assignment and return from the 15-day injured list next weekend.

Hoerner went 3-for-4 with two RBI in Sunday's 7-3 win over the Reds.

Hoerner was caught stealing for just the third time this season in 14 attempts, but it otherwise was a productive afternoon. The speedy infielder pushed his batting average over .300 to sit at .301 through 55 games. Hoerner's career best in the category is .302, which he set back in 2021, albeit in only 44 games as he missed significant time due to injuries.

Crow-Armstrong went 3-for-4 with an RBI and three runs scored in Sunday's 7-3 win over the Reds. He also stole two bases.

After recording nine home runs, five stolen bases and an .888 OPS across 27 games in May, Crow-Armstrong got June started on an equally solid note. The young outfielder is having a breakout campaign with 19 stolen bases, which is good for third in the majors, to go along with 15 long balls and an .873 OPS. Crow-Armstrong's combination of speed and power makes him a very attractive fantasy option in all formats.

Busch went 2-for-2 with two walks, a home run and three RBI in Sunday's 7-3 win over the Reds.

Busch had a big afternoon to lead the Cubs to another victory, and he recorded his first multi-hit effort since May 18. The slugging infielder has been a steady fantasy contributor all season, as he now has eight home runs, 33 RBI and an .852 OPS. The OPS would be a new career best for Busch, who could also surpass his career highs of 21 home runs and 65 RBI, both of which he posted last year.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Sunday that Kopech (shoulder) could be activated from the 60-day injured list during the upcoming week, Sonja Chen of MLB.com reports.

Kopech is expected to pitch Sunday for Triple-A Oklahoma City in what would be the ninth appearance of his rehab assignment. The right-hander entered Sunday's contest with an 18.56 ERA, 3.53 WHIP and 9:10 K:BB in 5.1 innings for the Triple-A club, but he had delivered scoreless appearances in three of his last four outings. Kopech served as a high-leverage reliever during the Dodgers' run to the World Series last fall, but given his rocky performance during his rehab assignment, the right-hander could be deployed in middle relief in his initial appearances upon returning from the IL.

Burnes was removed from Sunday's start against the Nationals due to an apparent injury, Jesse Friedman of GoPHNX.com reports.

The veteran right-hander showcased some decreased velocity during the fifth inning but still retired the first two batters before giving up a single to CJ Abrams and subsequently departing with the training staff. Abrams then came around to score on reliever Jalen Beeks, so Burnes was charged with one earned run across 4.2 innings Sunday. The specifics of the injury are unclear, but the team is likely to update Burnes' status in the near future.