MLB Player News

Erceg tossed one perfect inning, striking out two to earn the save during Sunday's 7-6 win over the Orioles.

Erceg was called upon to close the door for his first career save after the A's commandeered the lead in the top of the ninth. Oakland's regular closer, Mason Miller, has been a revelation in end-game situations but was rested for a second game in a row, affording the rare save opportunity for Erceg.

Leasure earned a save after he pitched two-thirds of an inning, retiring both batters he faced in Sunday's 4-2 win over the Rays.

Leasure entered the game with one out in the top of the ninth and a runner on second base, setting down both Austin Shenton and Curtis Mead on six total pitches to finish the contest. The save was his first of his major-league career, and he has now produced a 1.59 ERA and 1.24 WHIP with seven strikeouts over 11.1 innings in 12 appearances this season. With Michael Kopech operating as Chicago's primary closer, Leasure can be considered an ascending option as a set-up man.

Yates earned a save after he pitched a scoreless ninth inning, allowing one hit and a walk while striking out a batter in Sunday's 4-3 win over the Reds.

Yates was called upon to protect the team's 4-3 lead in the top of the ninth inning, working around a pair of baserunners to secure his fifth save of the season. The right-hander has now gone 5-for-5 in save opportunities this season while he has pitched 12 scoreless frames over his first 11 appearances in 2024. On top of the spotless ERA, Yates also owns a sparkling 0.50 WHIP with a 10.5 K/9, and he appears to be locked in as the Rangers' closer moving forward.

Foley allowed one hit and one walk over one scoreless frame to earn the save Sunday against the Royals. He struck out two.

Foley kept things interesting by allowing the first two batters he faced to reach but induced a groundout followed by two strikeouts to join four other relievers with his league-leading ninth save in as many opportunities. The Tigers' closer lowered his ERA to 1.38 with a 1.23 WHIP and 13 strikeouts across 13 innings.

Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said Kimbrel was removed from Sunday's game against the A's due upper-back tightness, though the skipper isn't sure if the injury will be an ongoing issue, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Kimbrel suffered his second straight blown save Sunday as he allowed a walk and a two-run homer to the only two batters he faced before he exited with the injury. The 35-year-old will continue to be evaluated over the next couple of days, and it remains to be seen if a trip to the injured list will be necessary.

Kimbrel was removed from Sunday's game against the A's due to an apparent injury, Jacob Calvin Meyer of The Baltimore Sun reports.

The veteran right-hander allowed a walk and a two-run homer to the only batters he faced before exiting the contest with an athletic trainer. It's the second straight blown save for Kimbrel after converting seven straight saves, and the specifics of his injury remain unclear. Yennier Cano is the likely favorite to fill in at closer should Kimbrel be forced to miss any time.

The Angels designated Herget for assignment Sunday.

Herget was optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake in early March and has now lost his place on the Angels' 40-man roster. The 30-year-old allowed five earned runs with a 4:6 K:BB over 9.1 innings with Salt Lake, and he could remain with the affiliate if he passes through waivers unclaimed.

The Angels placed Cisnero on the 15-day injured list Sunday due to right shoulder inflammation.

The right-hander presumably suffered the injury during his appearance against the Twins on Friday, when he allowed three runs over two-thirds of an inning. Cisnero will be sidelined for at least the next couple weeks but is without an official timeline for his return.

The Royals are planning to call up Bowlan from Triple-A Omaha on Monday to start the club's series opener in Toronto, Jaylon T. Thompson of The Kansas City Star reports.

Bowlan will be entering the big-league rotation as a replacement for Alec Marsh (elbow), who was placed on the 15-day injured list Thursday. The 27-year-old Bowlan previously made a spot start among his two appearances with Kansas City in 2023, but Monday will mark his 2024 MLB debut. Over 21 innings at Omaha this season, Bowlan has submitted a 2.57 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 21:5 K:BB.

The Angels selected Kristofak's contract from Triple-A Salt Lake on Sunday.

Kristofak will join the Angels for his first taste of the big leagues after he posted a 3.38 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 10:5 K:BB over 18.2 innings at Salt Lake to begin the campaign. Jose Cisnero (shoulder) was placed on the injured list, and Jimmy Herget was designated for assignment to create a spot on the 26-man and 40-man rosters, respectively.