MLB Player News

Leone (back) appears set to be activated from the 15-day injured list Monday, James Fegan of SoxMachine.com reports.

Leone has been on the shelf since May 6 with lower-back tightness, but he looks primed to be back in Chicago's bullpen after the minimum 15-day stay on the injured list. Right-hander Brad Keller was designated for assignment Sunday, opening a spot on the major-league roster for the reliever, once activated.

Keller was designated for assignment by the White Sox on Sunday, James Fegan of SoxMachine.com reports.

Keller was tagged with a loss Saturday versus the Yankees, giving up six runs (five earned) on seven hits, including four homers, and he'll now be placed on waivers. The right-hander still owns a 4.86 ERA over 16.2 innings in five appearances, including two starts, with Chicago in 2024, so it's certainly plausible that another organization could claim him. The transaction opens a spot on the Chicago's 40-man roster, while Keller's spot on the major-league roster will likely be filled by Dominic Leone (back), who's slated to be activated from the 15-day injured list in the near future. It's unclear who will replace Keller in the starting rotation, though Michael Soroka projects as a logical replacement for the time being.

Pagan (undisclosed) was removed from his appearance in the ninth inning versus the Dodgers on Sunday, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Pagan entered the game with two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning, ultimately escaping the frame when Teoscar Hernandez was caught stealing second. The right-hander returned for the bottom of the ninth, recording two outs before being removed with an apparent injury. More information on his status will likely be provided following Sunday's contest.

Garrett cleared outright waivers Sunday and elected free agency.

The veteran left-hander was designated for assignment by the Angels on Wednesday, and he'll head to the open market rather than report to Triple-A Salt Lake. Garrett made just six appearances for the Halos and gave up three earned runs with an 11:5 K:BB over 5.1 innings.

The Rockies selected Koch's contract from Triple-A Albuquerque on Sunday, Luke Zahlmann of The Denver Gazette reports.

The right-hander missed Colorado's Opening Day roster but will join the big-league club after making 18 appearances for Albuquerque. Koch has posted a 2.53 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 15:2 K:BB across 21.1 innings in the minors this season.

Bird was placed on the 15-day injured list Sunday with right elbow inflammation, Luke Zahlmann of The Denver Gazette reports.

It's unclear when the injury first surfaced for Bird, but he struggled in his past three outings with six walks and four runs allowed. The 28-year-old will be eligible to return in early June, but a longer absence wouldn't be surprising given it's an elbow injury.

Garrett will likely be in the mix for save chances going forward after manager Carlos Mendoza said Sunday that closer Edwin Diaz will shift to a "fluid" role, Paige Leckie of MLB.com reports.

It's not a full demotion, but Diaz is now slated for lower-leverage work to help get his confidence back after giving up seven runs in his past three outings. Garrett entered 2024 with a 7.11 ERA in 31 career appearances in the big leagues, but he's turned into a major bullpen piece for the Mets with a 0.78 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 37:11 K:BB in 23 innings. Adam Ottavino should also be an option for saves until Diaz is back on track.

Ottavino should be in the mix for save opportunities going forward after manager Carlos Mendoza said Sunday that closer Edwin Diaz will shift to a "fluid" role, Paige Leckie of MLB.com reports.

Diaz had a strong start to the season after missing all of 2023 with a torn patellar tendon, but his confidence is off after giving up seven runs in his past three outings. Ottavino has a 2.95 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 26:6 K:BB across 18.1 innings this season and has recorded eight holds and a save in a setup role. Reed Garrett should also be in the mix for the ninth inning until Diaz rediscovers his form.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Sunday that Diaz's bullpen role will be more "fluid" for the near future, Paige Leckie of MLB.com reports.

The 30-year-old surrendered four runs in his third blown save of the season Saturday and admitted that his confidence is down with seven runs allowed in his past three outings, so the Mets won't rely on him to be their primary closer for a bit. Diaz is still viewed as the club's closer long term but is now likely to see some lower-leverage work in an attempt to get him back on track. Adam Ottavino and Reed Garrett are the likely candidates to step in for save chances in the meantime.

The Dodgers transferred Brogdon (foot) to the 60-day injured list Sunday.

Brogdon landed on the injured list with plantar fasciitis in mid-April shortly after being acquired from Philadelphia, and he'll be sidelined for at least another month. The right-hander began a rehab assignment in early May and appeared close to joining the Dodgers, but he apparently suffered a setback and is now without a clear timeline for his return.