MLB Player News

Estevez struck out two in a perfect ninth inning to earn the save in a 4-3 win over the Giants on Saturday.

Called upon in the ninth inning for the second night in a row, Estevez needed just 12 pitches to secure his 12th save of the season. Estevez has not allowed a baserunner in five June appearances and has now converted six consecutive save opportunities dating back to May 20. On the season, Estevez is 12-for-15 in save chances with a 3.68 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 22:3 K:BB in 22 innings.

Francis (3-2) picked up the win Saturday, allowing four hits over four scoreless relief innings in a 5-0 victory over the Guardians. He struck out two without walking a batter.

The right-hander was the fourth Toronto pitcher into the game, but he handled the bulk-relief role with aplomb, firing 44 of 68 pitches for strikes. Francis has tossed eight scoreless innings over his last two appearances, but with Yariel Rodriguez (back) close to coming off the 15-day injured list, Francis likely won't be in line for a full-time appointment to the rotation. Since a tough beginning to the season as a starter, Francis has posted a 3.06 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 12:4 K:BB through 17.2 innings over his last six outings sandwiched around an IL stint of his own due to forearm tendinitis.

Lange was removed from an appearance at Triple-A Toledo on Friday due to an upper-body injury, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Lange made the Tigers' Opening Day roster and owned a 4.34 ERA in 18.2 innings before being sent to Toledo. He signaled to the dugout immediately after throwing a pitch Saturday and was grabbing at his side. Lange underwent an MRI on Saturday, and while the Tigers have yet to reveal the results of the test, early indications are that Lange sustained a severe injury.

Effross (back) has been throwing to live hitters for several weeks and is getting close to kicking off a minor-league rehab assignment, per MLB.com.

Effross underwent Tommy John surgery in October of 2022 and then had back surgery last December. Yankees manager Aaron Boone recently stated that the righty reliever is responding well to his throwing sessions, and it appears that he could begin a rehab stint soon, though Boone didn't indicate an exact date. When Effross is ready to return to the big club, he'll strengthen a bullpen unit that currently ranks third in the majors in team ERA.

Cisnero (shoulder) restarted a throwing program Monday, MLB.com reports.

Cisnero has been out of action since April 27, and he landed on the 10-day injured list due to shoulder discomfort the following day. The right-handed reliever began a throwing program May 17 but was subsequently shut down after experiencing lower-back tightness. Cisnero was eventually transferred to the 60-day injured list, so he's not eligible to return until late June, though there's a good chance he'll remain out longer than that.

Quijada (elbow) threw to hitters in a live bullpen session Tuesday and tossed a live batting practice session Friday, MLB.com reports.

Since taking a pre-planned break from throwing for a week between late May and early June, Quijada has tossed a 25-pitch standard bullpen session along with the pair of sessions against live hitters. He's now nearly 13 months removed from the Tommy John surgery he underwent last season and appears to be doing well in his recovery. If Quijada continues to progress without any setbacks, he could rejoin the Angels bullpen before the All-Star break.

Veneziano was optioned to Triple-A Omaha on Saturday.

Veneziano was called up Thursday but will exit the Royals' active roster without appearing in a game. The left-hander's roster spot will be handed to Austin Nola, who'll provide catching depth for Kansas City in the wake of Salvador Perez's (knee) injury.

Martin (personal) will begin his rehab assignment with Triple-A Worcester on Sunday, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

After initially being expected to start his rehab assignment Saturday, Martin will actually get going with Worcester on Sunday. The right-hander has been working his way back from a stretch of heightened anxiety, missing the last month of action.

Martin cleared waivers and was assigned outright to Triple-A Norfolk on Saturday, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Martin was designated for assignment by Baltimore, and after going unclaimed on waivers, he'll remain at Triple-A. The right-hander has struggled to a 7.45 ERA and 2.61 WHIP over 9.2 innings in eight appearances with Norfolk this season.

The Angels selected Marte's contract from Triple-A Salt Lake on Saturday.

Marte will join the major-league roster for the first time this season, replacing Adam Cimber (shoulder) in the bullpen after Cimber was placed on the 15-day injured list Saturday. Marte has appeared in 19 games with Salt Lake this year, compiling a 2.89 ERA and 1.10 WHIP with 19 strikeouts over 18.2 innings. Ehire Adrianza was released in a corresponding move to open a spot for Marte on the 40-man roster.