MLB Player News

Smith allowed three runs on four hits and struck out one over two-thirds of an inning in Sunday's 6-2 loss to Milwaukee.

The Rangers expended several relievers in Friday's loss, when Andrew Heaney lasted 3.2 innings, then needed the bullpen again Sunday with Max Scherzer chased after 3.2 innings. In between, Dane Dunning went just five innings Saturday. All that bullpen usage added up to manager Bruce Bochy using his closer, Smith, in the eighth inning of 3-1 game. Unfortunately for the Rangers, who were swept by the Brew Crew, he could not survive a couple of infield hits and a throwing error. Smith has been reliable for the Rangers, but he's had a rough stretch of late. The 34-year-old reliever has given up runs in five of the last nine outings, posting a 9.39 ERA during that stretch. It hasn't hurt the Rangers much, as Smith converted five saves in six chances.

Duran picked up the save Sunday against the Pirates. He allowed one hit and zero walks while striking out two over a scoreless inning.

Only a Bryan Reynolds infield single prevented a clean frame for Duran, who has now allowed at least one hit his last 13 outings. Duran nonetheless has 23 saves in 27 opportunities and holds a 2.77 ERA and 1.15 WHIP to go along with 68 strikeouts in 48.2 innings.

Weissert was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Sunday.

Weissert allowed a run on two hits and no walks while striking out two in two relief innings against the Red Sox on Friday after being called up by the Yankees that day. However, he'll head back to the minors with Carlos Rodon (hamstring) slated to return from the injured list Tuesday.

Francis picked up a save Sunday against the Reds. He allowed one run on two hits and zero walks while striking out four over three innings.

With the Blue Jays up big, Francis was called upon to pitch the final three frames, earning his first career save in the process. Though working mostly in low-leverage situations, the reliever has been effective when called upon with a 2.03 ERA and 0.83 WHIP in 26.2 innings.

Speier picked up the save Sunday against the Astros. He allowed one hit while striking out two over a scoreless inning.

The Mariners turned to Speier in the ninth after Matt Brash and Andres Munoz each pitched earlier in the contest. The 28-year-old left-hander struck out Yordan Alvarez and Yainer Diaz before working around a two-out single to close out a 7-6 win. Speier hasn't allowed a run in his last 13 appearances (11.1 innings). His ERA is down to 3.16 this season with a 0.94 WHIP and 46:6 K:BB across 42.2 innings. While Munoz still figures to see the majority of save chances in Seattle, Speier has proven to be a strong high-leverage option, particularly against left-handers.

Wittgren signed a minor-league contract with the Mariners on Sunday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

Wittgren found work with Seattle after recently parting ways with the Royals, who moved him off the 40-man roster after he posted a 4.97 ERA in 27 appearances this season. He had four saves, 22 holds and a 2.99 ERA for Cleveland between the 2019 and 2020 campaigns, but he's struggled to a 5.24 ERA over the past three seasons.

Lange pitched a clean ninth to pick up the save in Sunday's 4-1 victory over the Guardians.

Entering with a three-run cushion, Lange needed just 12 pitches to finish off the Guardians for his 18th save. This was the sixth consecutive appearance for Lange in which he didn't allow a hit, but more notable is that he also didn't allow a free pass after having walked 11 batters in his previous five innings. He now holds a 3.70 ERA to go along with a 1.36 WHIP and 62 strikeouts in 48.2 innings.

The Athletics recalled Jimenez from Triple-A Las Vegas on Sunday.

Jimenez saved 11 games for Oakland a season ago, but he's struggled to return to form in 2023 after suffering a strained right shoulder in mid-April that cost him significant time. He was activated from the 60-day injured list earlier this month but made just one appearance out of the big-league bullpen before he was optioned to Las Vegas. Since reporting to Triple-A, Jimenez has looked much sharper, striking out nine over 4.1 no-hit innings across four appearances to earn the call back to Oakland. Trevor May looks to have solidified himself as Oakland's closer for the moment, but Jimenez could quickly rise up the depth chart and emerge as a key setup man.

The Athletics placed Pruitt on the 15-day injured list Sunday with a right forearm strain.

Oakland called up Dany Jimenez from Triple-A Las Vegas to provide the club with another right-handed arm out of the bullpen while Pruitt is on the shelf. Depending on the severity of the strain, Pruitt could be done for the season and may even need Tommy John surgery to address the injury. More information on the extent of Pruitt's injury should come within the next few days once he undergoes additional testing. The 33-year-old has compiled a 2.98 ERA and 1.16 WHIP while striking out 30 over 48.1 innings this season.

Stewart (elbow) has been throwing off flat ground from 90 feet as of Tuesday, MLB.com reports.

Slowly but surely, Stewart is increasing his throwing distance as he works his way back from right elbow soreness. Twins head athletic trainer Nick Paparesta said that Stewart could be cleared to begin throwing bullpen sessions by late August, which would keep hope alive for a September return from the 60-day injured list.