MLB Player News

Garcia (back) didn't get used in Wednesday's win over the Phillies but could be available Friday against the Twins, MLB.com reports. "He's feeling better," Blue Jays manager John Schneider said after Wednesday's game. "Hopefully he'll be ready to roll on Friday."

The right-hander hasn't pitched since April 28 due to back soreness, but the Jays didn't elect to place him on the IL. Garcia has been the team's most effective reliever this season, posting a 0.68 ERA, 0.53 WHIP and 16:3 K:BB with a win, two saves and four holds in 13 appearances.

Newcomb (knee) is slated to throw a simulated game Friday at the Athletics' minor-league complex in Arizona, MLB.com reports.

The veteran left-hander has yet to pitch this season due to knee irritation, but he's been in a throwing progression since the latter portion of April and appears set for the next step of his rehab program. If the sim game goes well Friday, Newcomb could soon progress to what will likely be a fairly lengthy rehab assignment, due to how long he's been sidelined.

Miller fired two perfect innings during which he recorded four strikeouts in the first game of a doubleheader against the Rangers on Wednesday.

Miller had last taken the hill May 1, so manager Mark Kotsay opted to give his closer some much-needed work with the Athletics up by five runs. The extended layoff didn't seem to faze Miller in the least, as he located 24 of 32 pitches for strikes in a relatively efficient showing. The hard-throwing right-hander lowered his ERA and WHIP to 1.10 and 0.67, respectively, and with the Athletics much more competitive than expected thus far, Miller's prospects for save opportunities over the long term are brighter than when the season began, despite the recent stretch of inactivity.

Yates gave up a run on two hits and a walk while striking out one in the ninth inning during the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader against the A's, recording his seventh save of the season in a 12-11 win.

It didn't seem like the Rangers would need their closer when they took a 12-7 lead into the final frame, but after Owen White gave up three straight singles to load the bases without getting an out, Yates was pressed into duty. The right-hander wound up allowing all three inherited runners to score, plus one of his own, before finally escaping the jam. It was the first run Yates had given up all season, and he sports a 0.56 ERA, 0.69 WHIP and 17:6 K:BB through 16 innings without blowing a save.

Duran earned the save in a win over the Mariners on Wednesday, pitching a perfect ninth inning while striking out one.

Duran entered the game with a 6-3 lead in the top of the ninth and needed nine pitches to record the first out. The right-handed reliever then managed to work his way back from a 3-0 count to retire Jorge Polanco on strikes for the final out of the game. It marked Duran's third save of the season, and he's now pitched a perfect inning in back-to-back appearances. He's also yet to walk a batter or allow a run across five innings.

Kopech registered a save against the Rays on Wednesday, allowing one hit in one scoreless inning.

Kopech had a relatively easy time closing things out with a three-run lead Wednesday -- though he gave up a one-out infield single, the right-hander got the next batter to ground into a game-ending double play. It was the third save of the season for Kopech, though his most recent save prior to Wednesday came all the way back on April 9. Four different pitchers have notched a save for the White Sox this season, but Kopech appears to be the team's primary closer, as he's the only one among the four with multiple save conversions.

Kimbrel was pulled in the ninth frame of Wednesday's game against the Nationals and was charged with two runs on two walks and a hit over two-thirds of an inning, though he was credited with a hold.

Kimbrel was called upon to protect a two-run, ninth-inning lead and initially appeared set to do so with little trouble, as he retired the first two batters he faced. However, Eddie Rosario then tagged the veteran closer for a solo home run, and Kimbrel followed with two straight walks before he was given the hook. Keegan Akin allowed one of the inherited runners to score, thus sending the game into extra frames. Though Kimbrel was credited with a hold, he was pulled in a save situation in the ninth inning for his second straight outing, so his hold on the closer role for Baltimore could be getting tenuous. Over his past five contests, Kimbrel has blown two saves in addition to being pulled from a save situation on two occasions, and he's allowed six earned runs while posting a 4:7 K:BB across 2.1 innings during that stretch.

Webb earned an extra-innings save against the Nationals on Wednesday, allowing an unearned run on one hit while striking out one batter over one inning.

Usual Baltimore closer Craig Kimbrel was unsteady again Wednesday, as he was pulled with two outs in the ninth inning after giving up a solo homer and a walk. The game ultimately went into extra frames, and Webb was called upon to shut Washington down after the Orioles took a two-run lead in the top of the 12th. Luis Garcia opened the inning for Washington by doubling home the automatic runner, but Webb was able to bounce back by retiring the next three batters to earn a save. Kimbrel's hold on the closer role could be starting to slip given that he's given up six earned runs over his past five outings covering 2.1 frames, but if he does end up getting demoted at some point, Yennier Cano would likely be the favorite to take over the closer role, so Webb doesn't figure to see more than an occasional unpredictable save chance.

Lange (0-2) allowed an unearned run on one hit to take the loss in Wednesday's 5-4, 10-inning contest against the Guardians.

After recording the final out of the ninth inning, Lange had the unenviable task of pitching the bottom of the 10th in a tie game with a runner starting on second base. The righty retired the first batter but then allowed a walk-off hit to Brayan Rocchio. There shouldn't be too much read into the loss, and Lange has pitched well all season, as he's sitting with a stellar 0.64 ERA across 14 innings. Lange should continue to see high-leverage work for the Tigers moving forward, and he could slide back into the closer role at some point if he keeps up the strong play.

McArthur picked up the save Wednesday against the Brewers after a perfect two-thirds of an inning.

The ball was handed to Tyler Duffey for the ninth, but after Duffey walked two batters and gave up a double to Brice Turang, McArthur was forced to step in and close the door. The save snapped McArthur out of a two-game slump in which he allowed five runs (four earned) and was charged with two blown saves and two losses. McArthur now has eight saves on the season, which is tied for the fourth most in the AL.