Helsley (4-4) blew the save and was charged with the loss against the Cubs on Thursday, allowing three runs on four hits over two-thirds of an inning.

Helsley entered the contest with a two-run lead in the bottom of the ninth and retired the first batter on a groundout before surrendering a solo homer to Cody Bellinger. He would then allow three of the next four batters to reach as the Cubs took the game in dramatic fashion. It marked Helsley's third blown save on the season while the loss was his fourth. He had not allowed an earned run in 10 straight appearances coming into Thursday's loss, though he's now failed to convert two of his last four save opportunities.

Iglesias notched a save against the Marlins on Thursday, striking out one batter in a perfect ninth inning.

Prior to Thursday, Iglesias' most recent save came on July 14. He had pitched five scoreless innings since then but hadn't gotten a save opportunity. The veteran closer didn't falter with a save in his sights Thursday, needing just 10 pitches to retire the side in order in the ninth frame. Iglesias has now converted each of his past 15 save chances and is tied for fourth in the majors with 23 saves overall on the season.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell said Thursday that Alzolay will undergo surgery on his right forearm, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.

The date of Alzolay's surgery and the type of procedure he will receive are yet to be determined, though more details will come once he receives a second opinion. The 29-year-old righty has been sidelined since May due to a flexor strain, and a return timeline likely won't be available until after the surgery.

The Cardinals optioned Loutos to Triple-A Memphis on Thursday.

It was a one-day stint in the big leagues for Loutos, who turned in a scoreless inning during Wednesday's win over the Rangers. He's clearing out to make room on the roster and in the bullpen for Shawn Armstrong, who has officially been activated after being acquired via trade from the Rays on Tuesday.

Faucher struck out one in a perfect ninth inning Wednesday during a 6-2 win over the Rays.

It wasn't a save situation, but Faucher was still the pitcher manager Skip Schumaker called upon to protect Miami's first ninth-inning lead since Tanner Scott was traded to the Padres. Andrew Nardi, who was viewed as the most likely candidate to take over closing duties, pitched the sixth inning with a two-run lead, while Anthony Bender worked the eighth after the lead was extended to four runs. Faucher has pitched well enough to be in the high-leverage mix -- over his last 15 appearances, the right-hander has posted a 1.93 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 16:6 K:BB in 14 innings.

Nardi collected his 12th hold of the season in Wednesday's win over the Rays, walking one and striking out three in a scoreless sixth inning.

The southpaw was considered the favorite to take over closing duties for the Marlins after Tanner Scott was traded to the Padres, but instead manager Skip Schumaker called on Nardi in the sixth inning Wednesday to protect a 4-2 lead. Miami wound up adding to its lead in the seventh, eliminating a potential save chance, but it still wasn't encouraging usage for any fantasy GMs hoping Nardi will pick up saves down the stretch. Anthony Bender, another potential closing option, was called on in the eighth inning after the lead was extended to 6-2 while Calvin Faucher worked the ninth, leaving the bullpen picture for the Marlins very murky.

Johnson (4-2) picked up the win Wednesday over the Brewers, allowing one hit and one walk over 1.1 scoreless innings. He struck out two.

The right-hander recorded the final out of the sixth inning in relief of Chris Sale, just in time to watch Atlanta's offense break open a 2-2 tie in the top of the seventh. Johnson has given up only one earned run over his last 13 appearances dating back to June 15, posting a 0.67 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 18:4 K:BB through 13.1 innings over that stretch while pocketing two wins and two holds.

Vodnik picked up the save against the Angels on Wednesday, pitching a perfect ninth inning while striking out one.

Vodnik needed only eight pitches to run through the middle of the Angels lineup and secure his fourth save of the season, striking out Kevin Pillar with a 99 mph fastball before getting Logan O'Hoppe to ground out for the final out. The right-hander has now converted each of his last four save opportunities and has recorded at least one strikeout in 15 consecutive appearances. Vodnik also hasn't issued a walk in five straight outings.

Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said Sewald is having issues with his delivery, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports. "There's something that's going on with his delivery," Lovullo said. "It's not allowing him to throw the ball where he wants to, have the finish on the ball and make the pitches that he's normally making."

Lovullo made those comments moments after Wednesday's win in which Sewald, tasked with closing out a two-run lead, allowed a run on three walks and a hit before being removed for Ryan Thompson, who picked up his first save of the season. Sewald has a 13.50 ERA over his last four appearances to finish out a rocky July (10.80 ERA, 10 innings, four blown saves). The manager plans to take time to review the situation and feels there are "really good candidates" in house to replace Sewald as the closer, if that's what Lovullo decides. The names under consideration are likely Thompson, Kevin Ginkel and A.J. Puk.

Thompson earned a save against Washington on Wednesday, issuing a walk and striking out a batter over a scoreless two-thirds of an inning.

Paul Sewald got a chance at a save with Arizona up three runs entering the ninth frame, but he retired only one batter while walking three and allowing a double. Thompson then came in to put out the fire and did so successfully despite allowing an inherited runner to score on a passed ball and issuing an intentional walk. After the game, Arizona manager Torey Lovullo was non-committal about Sewald remaining the team's closer, but that doesn't necessarily mean that Thompson would get the next crack at the role if a change is made. The right-hander has been very successful in a setup role this season with a 1.81 ERA, 19 holds and 32:5 K:BB, yet Kevin Ginkel and A.J. Puk -- both of whom pitched before the ninth frame Wednesday -- have more closing experience and would be more likely candidates to step in as closer, temporarily or otherwise, if Sewald is moved out of the role.