MLB Player News

The Red Sox optioned Olds to Triple-A Worcester on Saturday.

Olds fired six shutout innings after being promoted from Triple-A on Aug. 17, but he'll end up as the roster casualty required to make room for Garrett Whitlock (elbow), who returned from the IL on Saturday. Olds owns a 5.33 ERA and 1.33 WHIP across 50.2 innings at Worcester this season, but his strong first impression with the Red Sox could keep him in consideration for another promotion down the stretch if the big club's bullpen depth is tested again.

The Red Sox reinstated Whitlock (elbow) from the injured list Saturday.

Whitlock will return to Boston's bullpen after spending close to the minimum amount of time on the injured list due to right elbow inflammation. The 30-year-old reliever never made any rehab appearances in the minors but still figures to immediately slot back in as the Red Sox's top setup man for closer Aroldis Chapman. Wyatt Olds was optioned to Triple-A in a corresponding move.

Hudson allowed two hits and struck out one in a scoreless ninth inning to earn the save in Friday's 7-4 win over Minnesota.

Hudson entered the ninth inning with a three-run lead, and while he gave up two hits to the first three batters he faced, he ultimately closed the door to earn his sixth save of the season. The southpaw has gone 3-for-4 in save chances while recording four holds with a 14:1 K:BB in 15 innings and 16 outings since the All-Star break. Grant Taylor earned the win Friday after pitching 2.2 scoreless innings in relief, setting up the save for Hudson. Taylor's usage shows that he will not be confined exclusively to the ninth inning, so there may be additional save opportunities for Hudson down the stretch.

Taylor (7-2) earned the win Friday against the Twins after pitching 2.2 scoreless innings in relief, allowing one hit and striking out three without a walk.

Taylor took over with two outs in the sixth inning and protected Chicago's 6-4 advantage through the end of the eighth, allowing just one baserunner during his 2.2 innings of work while tossing 20 of his 27 pitches for strikes. The right-hander lowered his ERA to 2.03 with this outing, and he extended an outstanding stretch that has seen him give up just one earned run across 22.2 innings, good for a pristine 0.40 ERA, in 16 outings since the All-Star break. He's also gone 4-for-7 in save opportunities in that span, but his usage earlier in the game afforded Bryan Hudson the save chance Friday.

Hoppe allowed an unearned run on one hit and struck out one over one inning to earn the save in Friday's 4-3 extra-inning win over the Athletics.

A Zack Gelof RBI single got one run back for the Athletics in the 10th inning, but he was left on base. That run was the first run Hoppe has allowed over 8.1 innings since joining the Orioles in a trade that sent Taylor Ward to Seattle at the deadline. The save was the first of Hoppe's career to go with three holds, two of which have also come since he was dealt. The right-hander has a 4.46 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 40:13 K:BB through 36.1 innings this year.

Anderson didn't factor into the decision in Friday's 2-1 loss to the Dodgers, giving up four hits and five walks over 4.2 scoreless innings. He struck out five.

The right-hander left the bump with the Tigers ahead 1-0, but Anderson didn't last long enough to qualify for the win in an inefficient performance -- although his bullpen eventually made that a moot point. Anderson did toss a season-high 89 pitches (54 strikes), and he's reached 70 pitches in four straight starts, posting a 3.37 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 18:10 K:BB over 18.2 innings. Detroit is currently running a six-man rotation following the promotion of rookie Andrew Sears, and Jack Flaherty (forearm) has begun ramping up in his recovery, so Anderson will need to keep pitching well to hang onto his spot. He lines up to make his next outing on the road next week in Minnesota.

Hader earned the save in Friday's 3-1 win over the Mets, striking out two in a perfect ninth inning.

Hader was called in to protect a two-run lead and retired the heart of the Mets' order to slam the door. The 32-year-old is a perfect 20-for-20 in converting save chances in 2026, with his last blown save coming July 12 of last season. On the year, he owns a 0.76 ERA, 0.68 WHIP and 48:11 K:BB across 35.1 innings while holding opponents scoreless in 33 of 36 contests.

Cruz earned the save in Friday's 3-0 win over the Guardians, allowing two hits and no walks while striking out two in a scoreless ninth inning.

Cruz finished off an eight-inning gem by Michael Wacha despite allowing two singles and hitting a batter. The 27-year-old secured his first career save July 22 and has gone a perfect 6-for-6 since then despite owning a 4.08 ERA over 17 games during that span. On the season, he owns five holds and six saves to go along with a 4.35 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 56:19 K:BB across 51.2 innings.

Bednar earned the save in Friday's 1-0 win over Boston after tossing a scoreless ninth inning.

Friday's series opener was a low-scoring affair, and Bednar was brought in for the ninth inning to protect the Yankees' one-run lead. He needed 12 pitches (eight strikes) to get the job done, though it was the first time since Aug. 7 that he failed to record a strikeout. Bednar's 31 saves are fifth-most in the majors this season, and he's eight saves shy from matching the career high that he set in 2023 as a member of the Pirates.

Sousa will serve as the opening pitcher during Saturday's game against the Mets, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Sousa gave up four earned runs while recording just one out during his last appearance Wednesday, but the Astros will trust him to work the first inning of Saturday's contest in what will be the left-hander's first career start. Cristian Javier is expected to work in bulk relief once Sousa comes out of the game.