MLB Player News

Duran (2-5) took the blown save and the loss Friday against Kansas City. He allowed two walks and a walk-off grand slam to Bobby Witt after retiring the first batter he faced in the 10th inning.

This was one to forget for the normally reliable Duran. It marked just his second time allowing multiple earned runs through 38 appearances this season. Given how well he's pitched overall (2.66 ERA, 1.11 WHIP), it seems likely that this will end up being just a blip for Minnesota's primary closer.

The Red Sox optioned Jacques to Triple-A Worcester after Friday's game, Sean McAdam of The Springfield Republican reports.

Jacques was sent out to make room on the roster for Mauricio Llovera, whom the Red Sox will officially activate Saturday. The left-handed Jacques has pitched to a 4.86 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and 13:2 K:BB in 14 appearances (16.2 innings) since his contract was selected in June.

Jansen struck out two in a perfect inning to earn the save in Friday's 3-2 win over the Giants.

He threw eight of nine pitches for strikes to make tidy work of the Giants' Nos. 5-7 hitters. Jansen has allowed just two hits and two walks during his 5.2-inning scoreless streak, which spans his last seven appearances. The Boston closer is up to 23 saves in 26 chances while maintaining a 2.88 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 41:14 K:BB over 34.1 innings this season.

Sewald walked one and struck out one in a scoreless and hitless inning to earn the save in Friday's 5-2 win over the Diamondbacks.

Sewald had allowed a run in back-to-back outings entering Friday, something that's only happened twice to him this season. The right-hander responded with a steady appearance to pick up his 21st save in 24 chances. He's maintained a 2.93 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 60:14 K:BB through 43 innings this season.

Pressly (3-3) took the loss in Friday's 4-3 loss to the Rays. He allowed one run on two hits without a walk or a strikeout over one inning.

Astros manager Dusty Baker turned to his closer in the ninth inning with the game tied 3-3, and Pressly proceeded to put the go-ahead run in scoring position right away on a Jose Siri double. Pressly couldn't strand him and was ultimately stuck with the loss. He's in a bit of a rough patch right now, but provided there is no injury behind his recent struggles, Pressly should remain the top endgamer in Houston.

Fairbanks picked up the save in Friday's 4-3 victory over the Astros. He allowed one walk while striking out one over a scoreless inning.

Fairbanks threw only 10 of his 19 pitches for strikes but got the job done regardless, securing his 13th save in 14 chances. The Rays have famously spread the saves around in recent years, but Fairbanks has emerged as the clear-cut closer this season when healthy. Jason Adam's last save came back on June 14, the day before Fairbanks returned from a stint on the injured list.

May issued one walk in a scoreless inning against Colorado on Friday. He struck out one batter and picked up a save.

May worked around a two-out walk to shut the door in Friday's 8-5 win. All 10 of his saves have come since the start of June and he hasn't blown a chance since May 25. The 33-year-old now owns a 4.55 ERA with a 24:24 K:BB through 27.2 innings.

Curry (3-1) took the loss Friday, allowing one run on two hits and three walks over three innings against the White Sox. He did not record a strikeout.

Luis Robert touched him up for a homer in the first inning. As has been the case for Curry in every outing since April, he was capped at three innings, but he did throw a season-high 54 pitches in this start. He's pitched well with a 2.98 ERA and 1.19 WHIP in 57.1 innings, but in this role Curry's fantasy utility is limited to AL-only formats.

Santos picked up the save Friday against the Guardians. He allowed one hit while striking out two over a scoreless inning.

The hard-throwing right-hander completed the shutout and secured the win for Touki Toussaint. It was only Santos' second save this season, but both have come in July. Scott Merkin of MLB.com suggests Santos will be the new closer in the absence of Liam Hendriks (elbow) after Kendall Graveman was traded to the Astros on Friday. Keynan Middleton has also struggled lately, pitching to a 8.59 ERA in July.

Romano's lower back locked up on him during Friday's appearance against the Angels, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports. He gave up two hits and a walk in a scoreless two-thirds of an inning.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider said that the team will evaluate Romano on Saturday morning. Romano's back was bothering him so much that he had to leave his appearance in the All-Star Game, but a subsequent MRI was clean and he's been able to manage the issue in the weeks since. Yimi Garcia replaced Romano in the ninth inning Friday and recorded the final out to secure the save.