MLB Player News

Marte (hamstring) hit a pair of home runs and played three innings in the field in an extended spring training game Saturday, Kellan Olson of Arizona Sports reports.

Arizona manager Torey Lovullo was enthused by Marte's progress in his rehab and hasn't ruled out the second baseman returning for the second series of a two-city road trip next week. The Diamondbacks begin a series Tuesday against the Mets then move on to Philadelphia for the weekend. Alternatively, Marte could remain back in Arizona and rejoin the team for a seven-game homestand beginning May 5. Lovullo kicked around the idea of easing Marte back into the lineup as a designated hitter against lefties only, as the organization is keenly aware of Marte's history of hamstring issues.

Keller didn't factor in the decision Saturday against the Dodgers after allowing three runs (two earned) on five hits and a walk over six innings. He struck out six.

The right-hander delivered 65 of his 89 pitches in the zone and had 21 called strikes as he kept Los Angeles in check, though he didn't generate much swing-and-miss with just six whiffs. Keller hasn't picked up a win since Opening Day, but he's pitching well lately with a 2.59 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 18:6 K:BB in 24.1 frames across his past four starts.

Sasaki struck out four and didn't factor in the decision Saturday against the Pirates. He gave up three runs on five hits and two walks across 5.2 innings.

A leadoff homer from Oneil Cruz in the opening frame is all Sasaki allowed through four innings, but Cruz followed up with a two-run single in the fifth. Sasaki fell an out short of recording his second consecutive quality start, but it was still another solid performance for the right-hander despite the fact he issued multiple walks for the sixth straight start to begin his MLB career. He has a 3.55 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 20:18 K:BB over 25.1 innings and lines up to take the mound next weekend in Atlanta.

Cease (1-2) took the loss Saturday against the Rays after allowing three runs (two earned) on six hits and four walks across 4.1 innings. He struck out six.

The 29-year-old generated 19 whiffs but struggled to put away hitters and was unable to get through the fifth inning after 95 pitches (54 strikes) for the day. It was the third consecutive start in which Cease gave up exactly two earned runs, and he has a 3.60 ERA, 1.67 WHIP and 18:6 K:BB over 15 innings during that span. He hasn't picked up a win since April 2 versus Cleveland but lines up for a favorable matchup in Pittsburgh next weekend.

Gillispie (0-3) was charged with the loss Saturday in Seattle after surrendering seven runs on six hits and three walks over two innings. He struck out two.

The Mariners batted around in a six-run opening frame, as Gillispie gave up four extra-base hits, including back-to-back homers to open the contest. It's the first time through six starts this year that the right-hander failed to last at least four frames, but it was also the third straight outing in which he allowed more than three runs. Gillispie's spot in Miami's rotation is hardly secure with an 8.65 ERA and 1.65 WHIP, but for now he tentatively lines up to pitch next weekend versus the A's.

Harris went 2-for-4 with a double, a walk, two RBI and one stolen base in Saturday's 8-7 extra-inning win over Arizona.

Harris has hit safely in seven of his last eight games, a span that includes five multi-hit efforts for the center fielder. He is 13-for-32 (.406) over that stretch, which has lifted his batting average to .253 with a .657 OPS across 26 contests. Harris has added three home runs, five steals on six attempts, 13 RBI, 10 runs scored and four doubles through 108 plate appearances.

Albies went 2-for-5 with one RBI, a stolen base and two runs scored in Saturday's 8-7 extra-inning win over Arizona.

Albies has hit safely in his last four games, but this was his first multi-hit effort since April 18 versus Minnesota. The second baseman also picked up his third steal of the season and his first since he swiped a bag in back-to-back contests April 12 and 13 versus the Rays. Albies is up to .240/.301/.394 slash line with four home runs, 13 RBI, 15 runs scored and four doubles over 26 games.

Murphy went 1-for-2 with a solo home run and two walks in Saturday's 8-7 extra-inning win over Arizona.

Murphy has three homers over his last five games, a span in which he has gone 4-for-15 (.267). The catcher went deep off Merrill Kelly in the second inning of this contest. Murphy is at a .220/.350/.660 slash line with seven homers, 13 RBI, nine runs scored and a double over 15 games this season. He has been Atlanta's primary catcher since early April after recovering from fractured rib, though any drop in performance by Murphy could open the door for prospect Drake Baldwin to seize more playing time.

White went 1-for-5 with a two-run home run in Saturday's 8-7 extra-inning win over Arizona.

White was in the lineup versus a right-handed pitcher for the third game in a row, and his seventh-inning homer came off right-handed reliever Ryan Thompson. White is 4-for-13 with two homers and seven RBI across his last three games. He's at least temporarily pushed Jarred Kelenic into a reserve role, and White's hot hitting will also put a little pressure on Alex Verdugo. Over 18 contests this season, White is batting .267 with two homers, seven RBI, nine runs scored and a stolen base across 33 plate appearances. He's never held a starting role for a full season, and that seems unlikely to change with Ronald Acuna (knee) likely rejoining the mix at some point in the coming weeks.

Ozuna went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and a walk in Saturday's 8-7 extra-inning win over Arizona.

Ozuna took Merrill Kelly deep in the first inning. This was Ozuna's fifth homer of the season, and he also drew a walk for a sixth straight game. He has nine free passes and just three strikeouts in that six-game span while batting .375 (6-for-16). The designated hitter is batting .311 with a 1.031 OPS, 10 RBI, 14 runs scored and two doubles across 100 plate appearances so far in 2025, as he's been the most consistent producer of a largely underwhelming Atlanta lineup.