MLB Player News
-
Aroldis Chapman RP | BOS
Red Sox's Aroldis Chapman: Posts 10th save
Chapman earned a save against the Yankees on Saturday, striking out one batter in a perfect inning.
Chapman was called upon in the ninth inning to protect a three-run lead against the team he spent over six seasons with earlier in his career. The veteran closer needed just 11 pitches to get the job done, firing nine strikes and retiring the side in order. Chapman is in the midst of a throwback campaign at 37 years of age, as he holds a 1.73 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 34:9 K:BB through 26 innings. The fireballer is 10-for-11 in save chances and has given up just one earned run over his past 10 outings.
-
Felix Bautista RP | BAL
Orioles' Felix Bautista: Picks up 12th save
Bautista walked one and struck out three in a scoreless and hitless inning to earn the save in Saturday's 7-4 win over the Athletics.
Bautista needed 24 pitches (15 strikes) to close out the contest, but he was able to get it done. This was his fourth straight scoreless outing, and he's earned three saves with a 7:4 K:BB in that span. Overall, the Baltimore closer has a 3.32 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 28:16 K:BB over 21.2 innings while converting 12 of 13 save chances in his first two-plus months back from Tommy John surgery.
-
Kenley Jansen RP | DET
Angels' Kenley Jansen: Gives up homer, secures save
Jansen allowed a run on one hit over one inning to earn the save in Saturday's 8-6 win over the Mariners.
Jansen gave up a solo home run to Cal Raleigh in the ninth inning, but the Mariners weren't able to make a rally of it. This was Jansen's second save in as many days, which likely means he won't be available for closing duties if a save chance surfaces Sunday. The veteran closer is up to 14 saves on the year while adding a 4.64 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 19:9 K:BB across 21.1 innings. He's already given up five homers this season, but the one he allowed Saturday is the first one that's come during a save situation.
-
Dan Altavilla RP | CHW
White Sox's Dan Altavilla: Notches second career save
Altavilla recorded a save against the Royals on Saturday, walking one batter in a hitless and scoreless inning of work.
Chicago held a 4-1 lead heading into the ninth inning, and Altavilla was given the chance to slam the door. He threw just eight of 15 pitches for strikes and issued a two-out walk but was able to get the job done without allowing any runs to cross the plate. Altavilla has been quite good since joining the big-league roster May 30, tossing five scoreless innings over five appearances, though he's issued four walks in that brief span. His save Saturday was just the second of his big-league career in 129 regular-season outings. That being said, Chicago doesn't have a dedicated closer -- seven different relievers have exactly one save this season, and none have more than one -- so Altavilla is just as likely as anyone in the bullpen to get the next save opportunity that arises.
-
Michael Tonkin RP | MIN
Twins' Michael Tonkin: Begins rehab assisgnment
Tonkin (shoulder/biceps) threw a scoreless inning Saturday with a walk and strikeout in a rehab outing with Triple-A St. Paul.
Tonkin started the season on the 15-day injured list due to a right shoulder strain. He was cleared for a rehab assignment in mid-April and made six appearances in the minors, but his throwing program was paused due to right biceps tendinitis. He's started up another rehab assignment and could be activated from the injured list later this month.
-
Keegan Akin RP | BAL
Orioles' Keegan Akin: Okay after injury concern
Akin didn't suffer an injury during Saturday's game against the Athletics, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.
Akin was spotted walking across the field at Sutter Health Park with trainers in between the fifth and sixth innings, suggesting he had suffered an injury. However, the team quickly clarified that it was just a coincidence that Akin departed at the same time as the training staff. He allowed a hit and recorded one out, earning the win Saturday versus the A's.
-
Keegan Akin RP | BAL
Orioles' Keegan Akin: Exits with trainers
Akin exited Saturday's game with three trainers, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.
Akin threw only one pitch and allowed a hit, but the Orioles threw out JJ Bleday at home to end the fifth inning. Rather than stay out for the sixth, Akin was seen walking to the visitors' clubhouse with three trainers. The nature of the issue is currently unclear.
-
Jeff Hoffman RP | TOR
Blue Jays' Jeff Hoffman: Secures 15th save
Hoffman struck out one and gave up a solo home run in the ninth inning Saturday to record his 15th save of the season in a 5-4 win over the Twins.
Kody Clemens made things interesting by turning on a 96.6-mph fastball, but Hoffman otherwise had little trouble handling the bottom of the Minnesota order. The right-hander has converted five straight save chances, but keeping the ball in the yard remains an issue -- Hoffman has served up seven homers in 28.2 innings this year, saddling him with a 5.65 ERA despite a 1.12 WHIP and 42:8 K:BB.
-
Tyler Holton RP | DET
Tigers' Tyler Holton: Stuck with loss as opener
Holton (2-3) took the loss Saturday as the Tigers fell 6-1 to the Cubs, giving up one run on one hit in 1.1 innings while striking out two.
Acting as the opener ahead of Keider Montero, Holton served up a solo shot to Seiya Suzuki in the first inning, the first of five Chicago long balls on the day. Holton has been taken deep six times in 29.2 innings this season, including twice in his last three appearances, to leave him with a 4.25 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 27:8 K:BB. The southpaw does have six holds along with his two wins, but his versatility works against him for fantasy purposes and keeps him from consistent high-leverage work.
-
Jacob Latz RP | TEX
Rangers' Jacob Latz: Starting bullpen game Sunday
Latz will serve as the Rangers' opening pitcher for Sunday's game against the Nationals, Matthew Postins of SI.com reports.
The Rangers are treating the series finale as a bullpen day, with Latz leading off the contest. He threw three innings as recently as May 27, so he could work multiple innings if he's efficient early on. Latz has turned in seven consecutive scoreless innings, maintaining an 11:2 K:BB across his last five appearances.