MLB Player News

Varland gave up three runs on two hits and a walk while failing to record an out during Wednesday's 11-10 loss to the Giants.

The right-hander entered the game in the bottom of the ninth inning to protect a 10-6 lead after Paxton Schultz and Orlando Ribalta had combined to allow five runs in the eighth, and Varland continued the meltdown before handing the ball off to Mitchell Parker, who took the blown save when he served up a walk-off grand slam to Bryce Eldridge. It's the first time Varland has been tagged for multiple runs since May 10, but he has been scored upon in four of his last seven appearances, stumbling to a 10.80 ERA, 2.80 WHIP and 4:6 K:BB over five innings during that rough stretch. He does have a save and a hold in that time, but he only has a spot in the Nats' high-leverage crew because the team lacks better options.

Senzatela (6-0) allowed a run on two hits and struck out one over one inning, earning the win after taking a blown save versus the Cubs on Wednesday.

All three of Senzatela's blown saves have come over his last four appearances, a span in which he's allowed five runs (four earned) in 5.1 innings. The right-hander's move to the bullpen has still largely been successful, but the cracks are starting to show with his recent outings. He's at a 2.11 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 32:11 K:BB through 38.1 innings over 20 appearances, all in relief. Senzatela has a .245 BABIP, suggesting there's a fair amount of luck fueling his surface stats, though his 7.5 K/9 and 2.6 BB/9 are both improvements on his marks from last year. He still appears to be the preferred option for saves in Colorado's closer committee.

Soto secured the save Wednesday against the Dodgers, allowing two runs on two hits and no walks in the ninth inning.

Soto served up a two-run home run to Shohei Ohtani, so he needed every bit of the 9-6 lead the Pirates mounted following a late-inning comeback. The 31-year-old left-hander is serving as Pittsburgh's top closer, but he's now given up five runs over his past two outings. Through 29.1 innings, Soto still has a strong 3.38 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 34:12 K:BB while converting nine of his 12 save chances.

Palencia (1-1) didn't record any outs and allowed a run on two hits and a walk to take the loss in Wednesday's 3-2 defeat to the Rockies.

Working in a 2-2 game in the bottom of the ninth inning, Palencia walked the leadoff hitter, then allowed a pair of quick singles to take his first loss of the season. The flamethrowing righty is still searching for his first save since May 14 as the Cubs have struggled lately, but Palencia is pitching well overall with a 2.87 ERA and 16 strikeouts across 15.2 innings this year. He should remain locked in as Chicago's unquestioned closer despite the small hiccup.

Duran secured the save Wednesday against the Blue Jays, allowing no runs on two hits and no walks in the ninth inning. He struck out one.

After blowing his first save of the season Tuesday versus Toronto, Duran was shaky again Wednesday but managed to hold on for a scoreless save. The hard-throwing right-hander continues to maintain a strong grip as Philadelphia's closer, posting a 1.99 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 34:5 K:BB while converting 17 of his 18 save opportunities. Duran is tied for second in the National League in saves with Riley O'Brien.

Gusto gave up no runs on three hits and one walk while striking out four over four innings during the win against the Diamondbacks on Wednesday. He did not factor in the decision.

After working as a traditional starter at Triple-A prior to his call-up last Tuesday, Gusto delivered his longest outing in the majors this season Wednesday. The right-hander suffered his first loss of 2026 during his previous start while serving up three runs across two innings while working as more of an opener, but he pitched well versus Arizona and threw 45 of his 66 pitches for strikes as he continues to get stretched out.

The Mets recalled Pintaro from Triple-A Syracuse on Wednesday.

Pintaro made two scoreless appearances with the Mets earlier this season and holds a 3.16 ERA and 38:13 K:BB over 31.1 innings with Syracuse. The former starting pitcher is capable of covering multiple innings for the Mets, if needed.

The Giants reinstated Sanmartin (hip) from the 60-day injured list Wednesday.

A waiver pickup from the Reds back in November, Sanmartin ended up having his Giants debut delayed several months after suffering a significant right hip flexor strain back in spring training. The 30-year-old lefty was cleared to begin a minor-league rehab assignment in mid-May and compiled a 2.79 ERA, 0.72 WHIP and 10:1 K:BB across 9.2 innings over nine appearances between the rookie-level Arizona Complex League and Triple-A Sacramento to convince the Giants he was ready to join the big-league bullpen. He's likely to be deployed in middle relief initially.

The Mets optioned Gerber to Triple-A Syracuse on Wednesday.

Gerber covered two innings in Tuesday's loss to the Cardinals, yielding one run. The Mets are replacing him on the roster with Jonathan Pintaro, who will give the club a fresh bullpen arm.

The Giants optioned Beck to Triple-A Sacramento on Wednesday.

The right-hander tossed two innings and 27 pitches in relief during Tuesday's 6-3 loss to the Nationals, so he might not have been available for Wednesday's series finale. As a result of his recent usage along with the fact that he had a minor-league option remaining, Beck ended up giving his spot in the bullpen and on the active roster to Reiver Sanmartin (hip), who was reinstated from the 60-day injured list.