MLB Player News

Lawrence (2-3) allowed two earned runs on two hits and two walks while striking out four across two innings to take the loss Wednesday against the Giants.

Lawrence appeared to take over the closer job in Colorado after tallying consecutive saves in the team's series against Kansas City. However, he entered Wednesday's matchup in the seventh inning with the bases loaded and no outs. He got out of that jam impressively without allowing an earned run, but he then struggled in the eighth frame. Lawrence has been excellent all season, so one bad performance isn't likely to shake the team's confidence in him, but he may be headed for a high-leverage role with only a partial share of save chances.

Puk gave up a hit and struck out the side in a scoreless ninth inning during Wednesday's 6-1 win over the Royals.

The Marlins erased a save opportunity by scoring three insurance runs in the bottom of the eighth inning, but with Puk already warmed up, manager Skip Schumaker elected to stick with his closer for the top of the ninth. It was the southpaw's first appearance since coming off the injured list Tuesday, and it looks like he'll immediately bump Dylan Floro back to setup duty despite being sidelined for nearly a month. Puk sports a 2.87 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and impressive 22:3 K:BB through 15.2 innings on the season.

Minter earned a save over the Mets on Wednesday, striking out one batter in a perfect inning.

Minter worked as Atlanta's closer early in the campaign, but coming into Wednesday he hadn't picked up a save in over a month. However, Raisel Iglesias had pitched on three of the past four days, so Minter was summoned from the bullpen to protect a 7-5 lead in the ninth inning. The southpaw needed just 10 pitches to retire all three batters he faced and close out the contest. Minter hasn't given up a run over his past six outings, but he's not likely to see many more save chances with Iglesias in firm control of the team's closer role.

Rogers (2-2) allowed a hit and a walk while striking out three over a scoreless inning to earn the win Wednesday over the Rockies.

Rogers made things interesting but kept the Giants within a run in the seventh inning. He's pitched 6.1 consecutive scoreless innings, and he's given up just one run in his last 18 appearances. The southpaw got off to a rough start in 2023, but he's recovered to a 3.54 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 25:11 K:BB through 20.1 innings while adding a save and three holds in 24 appearances. He should continue to feature as part of the bridge to closer Camilo Doval.

Doval struck out one in a perfect inning to earn the save in Wednesday's 5-4 win over the Rockies.

Doval's last two appearances came in non-save situations. He was able lock down his 15th save of the campaign with just 12 pitches. He's converted all 12 of his save chances since the start of May, and the Giants' improved play in recent weeks has allowed him to get more looks. For the season, the hard-throwing righty has a 2.03 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 40:10 K:BB over 26.2 innings.

Hicks (1-3) allowed a hit and struck out one in a scoreless inning to earn the win Wednesday over the Rangers.

Since a three-run blow-up versus the Tigers on May 5, Hicks has been excellent with 12.1 scoreless innings with an 18:4 K:BB. He was able to get the win in a 1-0 contest Wednesday, keeping the game scoreless in the seventh inning before Alec Burleson put the Cardinals ahead in the eighth. Hicks is now at a 3.91 ERA, 1.54 WHIP and 40:18 K:BB through 25.1 innings overall, but his recent work has helped him reclaim some work in high-leverage spots. He's added five holds and two blown saves in 24 appearances.

Helsley struck out two in a perfect inning to earn the save in Wednesday's 1-0 win over the Rangers.

Helsley's had a couple of stumbles this season, but he's avoided prolonged slumps. This was his third clean outing in his last four. The right-hander is 7-for-11 in save chances with two holds, a 3.24 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 33:11 K:BB over 25 innings this season. Helsley continues to share the closer role with Giovanny Gallegos, who tossed a perfect eighth inning for a hold against the middle of the Rangers' lineup while Helsley was used against the bottom of the order Wednesday.

The Cubs recalled Rucker from Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Rucker will rejoin the Cubs' bullpen following the placement of Edwin Rios (undisclosed) on the 10-day injured list. Rucker was enjoying a strong start to the season with Chicago but gave up 10 earned runs in 8.1 innings over his last four appearances, leading to his demotion May 28. Now that he's back, Rucker will likely return to a multi-inning relief role.

Machado cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Rochester on Wednesday, Bobby Blanco of MASNSports.com reports.

While he no longer occupies a spot on the 40-man roster, Machado will remain in the Nationals organization. He's posted an 8.47 ERA at the major-league level this season.

Washington recalled Abbott from Triple-A Rochester on Wednesday.

Abbott has made two relief appearances for the Nationals this season, yielding one run over four innings. Though he's been a full-time member of the rotation when he's been with Rochester, Abbott looks set to serve as a multi-inning option once again during his upcoming stint in the big leagues.