MLB Player News

Varland allowed a run on three hits and struck out one over one inning to earn the save in Friday's 5-3 win over the Padres.

Varland was scored upon for just the second time in his last 11.1 innings, and he also has an 18:3 K:BB during that span. However, he was able to convert the save despite the rough performance. Varland is 19-for-19 in save chances with a 1.10 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 67:13 K:BB through 49 innings this season.

Smith earned the save Friday against the Marlins after tossing a perfect ninth inning.

Smith didn't record a strikeout en route to his MLB-leading 28th save of the season, but he needed just nine pitches (seven strikes) to get the job done in the bottom of the ninth. Smith has yet to allow a hit in five appearances so far in July while posting a 4:1 K:BB across five innings.

Kittredge earned the save in Friday's 5-3 win over the Royals, when he allowed one hit and struck out one batter in a scoreless ninth inning.

Kittredge was called out of the bullpen for the ninth inning to protect the Orioles' two-run lead. He yielded a one-out double to Michael Massey, but Kittredge recovered by getting the next two batters out, capped off by a four-pitch strikeout of Josh Rojas. Kittredge has been tapped for save chances in each of Baltimore's last two games, and he could be ahead of Tyler Wells to be the team's preferred closer in the absence of Ryan Helsley (elbow).

The Blue Jays reinstated Fisher (personal) from the bereavement list ahead of Friday's game against the Padres.

Fisher was away from the team while attending to a personal matter, but he'll be available out of the bullpen for Friday's series opener. The 25-year-old right-hander has a 3.33 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, eight holds, one save and a 46:21 K:BB across 46 innings this season.

The Angels optioned Saucedo to Triple-A Salt Lake following Thursday's game against the Rangers.

The move corresponds with the Angels reinstating Grayson Rodriguez (back) from the 15-day injured list, and the right-hander will start in Friday's game against the Twins. Saucedo has appeared in six major-league games out of the Angels' bullpen this season, though he was tagged with the blown save in his last outing against the Rangers on Tuesday, when he allowed one run on two hits while striking out two across one inning. Saucedo will head back down to Triple-A, where he has a 6.75 ERA, 1.79 WHIP and 32:24 K:BB across 30.2 innings this season.

Vest has been diagnosed with a stress fracture in his right elbow, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Vest will not require surgery, but he remains without a clear timetable for return after he was initially placed on the 15-day injured list due to right elbow inflammation July 1. It's been an ugly 2026 season for the right-hander, as he's posted a 6.08 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 27:10 K:BB across 26.2 innings. His 3.41 FIP would suggest he's been extremely unlucky.

The Twins acquired Nance from the Blue Jays in exchange for Ryan Sprock on Friday, Alden Gonzalez of ESPN.com reports.

The Blue Jays will also acquire international bonus pool money as part of the trade. The 35-year-old Nance will help bolster Minnesota's bullpen after he produced a 3.82 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 34:13 K:BB across 33 innings for Toronto during the first half of the season. He was a big part of the Blue Jays' relief mix down the stretch last season, recording a 1.99 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 32:7 K:BB over 31.2 frames during the 2025 regular season.

The Royals optioned Cuas to Triple-A Omaha on Friday.

Cuas was recalled at the beginning of the month and appeared in five games out of the bullpen for Kansas City, allowing two runs on eight hits and two walks with nine strikeouts across 6.1 innings. With Cuas headed back to Omaha, the Royals recalled Eli Morgan in a corresponding move.

The Royals recalled Morgan from Triple-A Omaha on Friday.

Morgan has pitched in 14 games out of the bullpen for Kansas City this season, registering a 5.19 ERA, 1.79 WHIP and 15:8 K:BB across 17.1 innings. He'll swap places with Jose Cuas, who was optioned to Omaha in a corresponding move.

Wilson (back) has been sent to the rookie-level Florida Complex League to begin a rehab assignment.

Wilson has been sidelined all season while working his way back from lumbar disc inflammation. He will need some time to knock off the rust, but joining the Rays' bullpen before the end of July is possible if all goes well.