MLB Player News

Neris should be one of the top options for saves after manager Craig Counsell indicated Sunday that Adbert Alzolay isn't currently considered the closer, Steve Greenberg of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Neris picked up his first save of the year in Game 2 of Saturday's doubleheader after Alzolay blew his fourth save. Counsell didn't name a replacement, but Neris is the obvious candidate given his usage Saturday and his experience as a high-leverage arm. Mark Leiter should also be in the mix.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell indicated Sunday that Alzolay isn't currently the club's closer, and the skipper said he'll treat the role as a "day-to-day thing," Steve Greenberg of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

The right-hander blew his second straight save, and fourth of the season, during Saturday's doubleheader, so it appears he'll get a break from the ninth inning. Alzolay has a 4.50 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 9:4 K:BB across 10 innings and is now set to fill a lower-leverage role, at least temporarily. Hector Neris and Mark Leiter are now the top candidates for the ninth inning, though Counsell didn't indicate if he'll go with one reliever or utilize a committee approach.

Soler is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Diamondbacks, Shayna Rubin of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

It's the first day off of the season for Soler, who has gone 5-for-16 with a solo homer during a modest four-game hit streak. Wilmer Flores will bat third as the designated hitter Sunday.

Walker is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Giants.

Walker started the first 22 games of the season but will receive a well-deserved day off Sunday in San Francisco. Pavin Smith will step in at first base and bat sixth.

Montas had X-rays come back negative and was diagnosed with a right forearm bruise after exiting Sunday's start against the Angels.

The right-hander was struck by a comebacker during the opening frame but appears to have avoided a serious injury. Montas should be considered day-to-day, and it remains to be seen if he'll be ready for his next turn through the rotation.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Sunday that Martinez (back) could join the big club as soon as Friday, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.

The veteran slugger is scheduled to play with Triple-A Syracuse on Tuesday and Wednesday, which could be the final hurdle before being cleared for his Mets debut. Martinez played in two minor-league games in early April before the back issue surfaced, but he's just about MLB ready after receiving an injection and ramping his baseball work back up over the past couple weeks.

Kelly will return to Phoenix to be evaluated after he was scratched ahead of his scheduled start Sunday in San Francisco due to a right shoulder injury, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.

Kelly had an MRI on Saturday, but the Diamondbacks haven't disclosed the results. While the fact that Kelly is being sent in for further evaluation wouldn't seem to be a promising sign, manager Torey Lovullo hopes a trip to the injured list won't be necessary for the right-hander. Slade Cecconi was called up from Triple-A Reno to start in the series finale against the Giants.

Montas was removed from Sudnay's game against the Angels after being hit in the right arm by a comebacker, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Montas was struck by a line drive off the bat of Taylor Ward during the first inning and was unable to remain in the contest. The specifics of the injury remain unclear, but the right-hander could be headed for medical imaging.

The Diamondbacks optioned Martinez to Triple-A Reno on Sunday.

Martinez was called up by Arizona on Wednesday. He appeared in two games for the Diamondbacks, allowing four walks but no hits or runs while striking out two over three frames. The move corresponds with Arizona recalling right-hander Slade Cecconi from Triple-A Reno.

The Diamondbacks recalled Cecconi from Triple-A Reno on Sunday, and he will start against the Giants.

Cecconi was unable to make the big-league roster out of spring training. He had a good outing in his last start with Reno on April 16, allowing one run on five hits and one walk while striking out six batters over six frames. Cecconi appeared in seven games for the Diamondbacks last season and posted a 4.33 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 20:4 K:BB over 27 innings. To make room for Cecconi, the Diamondbacks optioned right-hander Justin Martinez to Triple-A Reno. Cecconi will be thrown right into the fire, as he will start Sunday for Merrill Kelly (undisclosed).