MLB Player News

Estevez (shoulder) didn't feel great after throwing a bullpen Saturday and will be re-evaluated in the coming days, MLB.com reports.

Estevez had been making progress in his recovery from a right rotator cuff strain, but this marks another potential setback for the right-hander, who has been sidelined since March 29, originally due to a left foot contusion. More clarity on the 33-year-old's outlook will likely come following his pending re-evaluation. With Estevez sidelined for all but one appearance in 2026, Lucas Erceg stepped in as the closer and recorded 12 saves before being removed from the role due to poor performance in favor of Alex Lange, who has converted all seven of his save opportunities in June.

Mears (shoulder) threw a bullpen Saturday, MLB.com reports.

Mears has been on the injured list since May 29 due to a right shoulder impingement, with his progression halted June 16 after a bullpen session reignited the same soreness and pinching feeling that initially landed him on the shelf. The right-hander is now getting back on track in rehab and came out of Saturday's session feeling good, according to Royals manager Matt Quatraro. Provided no further setbacks ensue, Mears is likely to embark on a rehab assignment in the near future before returning to the big-league club. On the year, he owns a 5.12 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 15:11 K:BB across 19.1 innings.

Varland (3-3) took the loss Sunday against the Rangers, striking out the side in the ninth inning but allowing one run on one hit.

With the score tied 2-2, the Blue Jays turned to their closer in the top of the ninth inning with a potential save situation off the table, but Varland suffered a very fluky loss. Following a two-out double by Josh Jung, Varland saw pinch runner Jarred Kelenic race home from second base after a wild pitch took a strange bounce that left catcher Alejandro Kirk unable to find it in time. Varland has been scored upon in three of 12 appearances in June, posting a 2.57 ERA, 0.71 WHIP and 20:3 K:BB over 14 innings on the month while going 8-for-8 in converting save chances.

Natera picked up the save Sunday against the Athletics. He allowed a hit and no walks while striking out two over 1.1 scoreless innings.

Natera entered with two outs in the eighth inning and finished off the game with little resistance, earning the first save of his big-league career. Since having his contract selected June 5, the 26-year-old has posted a 0.96 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 12:6 K:BB across 9.1 innings. Natera could continue to see high-leverage opportunities in a suspect Angels bullpen that lacks a defined closer, with Ryan Zeferjahn, Kirby Yates and Sam Bachman combining for five saves as part of an informal closer committee.

Gomez picked up the save Sunday against the Rockies. He pitched a perfect inning without recording a strikeout.

Following an Anthony Banda hit-by-pitch to open the ninth inning, Gomez entered and retired the side without any trouble to secure his eighth save of the season. The right-hander has been stellar of late, not allowing a hit across 6.1 scoreless innings over his past six outings while recording three saves during that stretch. The 26-year-old has been great since joining the Twins on May 6, posting a 1.25 ERA, 0.88 WHIP and 22:8 K:BB with seven saves across 21.2 innings for Minnesota while emerging as the club's top option in the ninth inning.

Chapman allowed two runs (one earned) on a hit and a walk while striking out two over one inning to take a blown save in Sunday's 5-4 extra-inning win over the Yankees.

Chapman continued a rough patch of performances. He's now allowed six runs (five earned) over his last five innings, a span that includes both of his blown saves and two of his three losses this season. He was able to avoid the loss Sunday, as the Red Sox went on to win in 10 innings. Despite the recent hiccups, Chapman still has a 2.19 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 32:12 K:BB across 24.2 innings while converting 16 of 18 save chances this season. He doesn't appear to be at risk of losing the closing job yet, though he has pitched three of the last four days and may be due a rest day soon.

Triple-A Durham placed Vernon (elbow) on its full-season injured list Friday.

The Rays initially shut Vernon down due to right elbow soreness back during spring training. The right-hander then went on a minor-league rehab assignment in May, making five appearances as a reliever, before going back on the shelf for good. His 2026 season ends with a 1.42 ERA, 0.79 WHIP and 8:2 K:BB across 6.1 innings in the Florida Complex League and for High-A Bowling Green.

Lange earned the save Sunday against the White Sox, retiring the side in order in the ninth inning of a 5-4 win.

Lange was called upon to protect a one-run lead and needed just 10 pitches to retire Chicago in order, locking down his seventh save of the season. It was an encouraging bounce-back after he was tagged for five runs while recording just one out in his previous appearance. Despite the uneven results recently, Lange appears to have a firm grip on Kansas City's primary closer role. He now owns a 4.95 ERA, 1.49 WHIP and 37:21 K:BB across 36.1 innings.

Avila did not factor into the decision Sunday, allowing four runs on six hits and three walks while striking out four over four innings against the White Sox.

Avila ran into trouble immediately, walking the first batter he faced before serving up a two-run homer to Miguel Vargas. He was tagged again in the second inning, allowing three consecutive hits that led to two more runs. Command continues to be the biggest concern for the right-hander, as he has now issued at least three walks in five of his six starts since joining the rotation. During that stretch, Avila owns a 5.68 ERA and 23:18 K:BB. His next start is set to come Sunday at home against the Phillies.

Smith earned the save Sunday against the Mariners, allowing one unearned run on two hits while striking out one in the ninth inning.

After Cleveland erupted for five runs in the eighth inning, Smith was called on to protect a two-run lead. He allowed back-to-back singles before a throwing error by Victor Robles allowed a run to score. The right-hander stranded runners on second and third to preserve his 26th save of the season. Following a brief rough patch over his last few appearances, Smith has begun to steady himself and lower his ratios. He owns a 3.05 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and a 57:10 K:BB across 38.1 innings.