MLB Player News

Romano struck out two in a perfect ninth inning Saturday to record his 10th save of the season in a 5-2 win over Atlanta.

The right-hander's numbers are down a bit from prior seasons, but Romano has still allowed runs in only four of his 18 appearances, posting a 3.38 ERA and 1.19 WHIP through 16 innings, and his 30.9 percent strikeout rate and 7.4 percent walk rate remain excellent. His luck figures to turn for the better over the summer -- Romano's .325 BABIP and 75.3 percent LOB rate would both be his worst marks since his rookie season in 2019.

Jansen was charged with three pitch-clock violations (one warning) during the ninth inning of Saturday's 4-3 loss to St. Louis.

The violations contributed to Jansen blowing his second save in as many days. One of those violations resulted in ball four and put runners on first and second with none out. Jansen started his move to home plate before Willson Contreras, who was waiting for the clock to tick down to eight seconds, had his second foot in the box, per Ian Browne of MLB.com. "That's nothing against them, but I have to take advantage of the clock a little bit, especially in those situations where we're looking to create a rally," Contreras explained. "He's been struggling since last night throwing strikes, so I was just getting him upset a little bit, and it was nothing disrespectful." Jansen, who threw just eight strikes among his 17 pitches, vowed to learn from the experience.

Graveman picked up a save against the Astros on Saturday, allowing one hit and striking out one batter in a scoreless inning.

Graveman got the call with the White Sox holding a 3-1 ninth-inning lead. The right-hander surrendered an infield single to the first batter he faced before retiring the next three Astros in order. Graveman has notched each of Chicago's past two saves, so he appears to have temporarily moved up to the top of the team's closer pecking order. However, he'll likely slide out of the role once Liam Hendriks (illness) is ready to return to the big club.

Bautista recorded a save against the Pirates on Saturday, allowing one hit and striking out three batters in a scoreless inning.

Bautista got the ball in the ninth frame with Baltimore holding a 2-0 lead. The right-hander allowed a leadoff single to Bryan Reynolds before fanning the following three batters. Bautista picked up his 10th save of the campaign, tied for third-most in the league. He's allowed just three earned runs over 19 innings on the season.

Jansen (1-2) blew the save and took the loss Saturday against the Cardinals. He allowed three runs on one hit and three walks with no strikeouts over one inning.

Jansen failed to convert a save opportunity for the second straight game, giving up three runs and three walks in the top of the ninth after Chris Sale handed him a 3-1 lead. The typically reliable closer has been off his game recently, giving up six runs over his last two appearances and blowing three of his last six save chances. However, given his pedigree and track record of ninth inning success, Jansen's job appears to be safe, though the Red Sox could give other relievers some closing looks if his struggles continue.

Lopez allowed one earned run on two hits while striking out one across two-thirds of an inning in Saturday's game against the Astros.

Lopez entered the game in the seventh inning with the task of protecting a one-run lead. He allowed a pair of singles prior to being pulled but was charged with a run after Joe Kelly allowed an inherited runner to score. Lopez has now allowed at least one earned run in four of his last six appearances, during which he's also tallied one save while blowing two opportunities and also taking a loss. Meanwhile, Kendall Graveman has picked up each of the White Sox's last two saves. That combination certainly suggests Lopez isn't currently an option in the mix to serve as the team's closer, and it won't get any better for him once teammate Liam Hendriks returns to the mix.

Loup (hamstring) felt good after throwing a bullpen session Saturday, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

The bullpen session was already Loup's second since he hit the injured list with a strained right hamstring on Friday, and he's scheduled to throw a third on Monday. He'll be eligible to return next Saturday.

Silseth is scheduled to start Tuesday's game against the Orioles, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Silseth pitched exclusively as a starter last season but struggled to a 6.59 ERA in seven outings. He's worked out of the bullpen since his late-April call-up this season and owns a 3.24 ERA in 8.1 frames despite a 5:5 K:BB. With Jose Suarez shut down for a month due to left shoulder inflammation, Silseth seemingly has a chance to stake a long-term claim for a rotation spot.

Rodriguez was optioned to Triple-A St. Paul on Saturday, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

Rodriguez was with the big-league club for a full week but made just a single appearance, giving up a run in two-thirds of an inning Friday against the Cubs. Cole Sands will take his place in the bullpen.

The Twins recalled Sands from Triple-A St. Paul on Saturday, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

Sands made the Twins' Opening Day roster but got into just two games before being demoted in mid-April. He returns nearly a month later with Dereck Rodriguez optioned to Triple-A.