MLB Player News

Pagan struck out two batters in a scoreless ninth inning Friday to earn his sixth save of the season in an 8-7 win over the Rockies.

Pagan needed 15 pitches (nine strikes) to get through the ninth inning and struck out the last two batters he faced. It was the fifth time this season that he's recorded multiple strikeouts, three of which have come over his last five outings. Pagan has a 2.19 ERA, 0.41 WHIP and 11:1 K:BB across 12.1 innings this season, which should keep him in the closer role over Alexis Diaz -- at least for the time being.

Helsley earned the save in Friday's 3-2 win over the Brewers, allowing one hit in a scoreless ninth inning. He did not record a strikeout or a walk.

Helsley was brought in for the ninth inning to preserve a one-run lead. He got around an Isaac Collins leadoff single by inducing a double play, and Helsley secured the save after Caleb Durbin lined out to center field. Helsley has recorded a save in three of his last four outings and has a 2.00 ERA and 1.56 WHIP over nine innings this season.

Stanek (0-1) was charged with the loss and a blown save Friday against the Nationals, allowing two runs on two hits in one-third of an inning.

With Edwin Diaz (hip) unavailable, Stanek was called upon to protect a one-run lead in the ninth inning. However, the right-hander gave up a leadoff triple to Dylan Crews, who'd score on a Jose Tena base hit, before the Nats rallied to score the winning run with two outs. It was the first rough outing this year for Stanek, who sports a 2.79 ERA with a 1.24 WHIP and 10:5 K:BB across 9.2 innings. He'll continue to serve as a primary setup option for the Mets when Diaz is healthy.

Finnegan was charged with a blown save Friday against the Mets, allowing one hit in one-third of an inning.

Finnegan was tasked with securing a four-out save Friday, inheriting a bases-loaded jam with two outs in the eighth. He gave up a bloop hit to Mark Vientos that went past a diving Dylan Crews, resulting in a three-run triple. While it was no real fault of his own, it still goes down as the first blown save of the year for Finnegan. The veteran closer has gotten off to a strong start this season, converting nine saves while posting a 1.64 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 13:6 K:BB across his first 11 innings.

The Nationals reinstated Brzykcy (quadriceps) from the 15-day injured list Friday and optioned him to Triple-A Rochester.

The right-hander was sidelined for the first month of the campaign due to a quadriceps strain, but he won't join the big club upon the completion of his four-game rehab assignment. Brzykcy received his first taste of the majors last season with six relief appearances and gave up nine earned runs over 5.2 innings.

The Diamondbacks optioned Feyereisen to Triple-A Reno on Friday.

The right-hander was called up by Arizona last weekend and gave up two earned runs over two frames in his two appearances. Feyereisen will now return to Reno, but he'll likely receive another look with the Diamondbacks at some point this summer.

The Dodgers claimed Gomez off waivers from the Yankees on Friday.

New York designated the right-hander for assignment earlier in the week, but he'll remain on a 40-man roster after being claimed by Los Angeles. Gomez has a 2.70 ERA across 10 innings this season but hasn't exactly been reliable with a 5:9 K:BB.

The Cardinals optioned Fernandez to Triple-A Memphis on Friday.

Fernandez pitched well in his rookie season in 2024 and came into 2025 as a setup man for the Cardinals, but he's really struggled, allowing 13 runs (11 earned) with a 7:5 K:BB over 8.2 innings. Riley O'Brien is taking his spot on the roster and in the bullpen.

The Cardinals recalled O'Brien from Triple-A Memphis on Friday.

He'll absorb the roster spot vacated by Ryan Fernandez, who was optioned to Memphis. O'Brien has yielded three earned runs while striking out 14 over seven innings with Memphis this season. He'll look to help out a struggling St. Louis bullpen.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell said that Pressly's (knee) availability for Friday's game against the Phillies is yet to be determined, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Pressly had to have his right knee drained Tuesday. He played catch Thursday and will do so again Friday before the Cubs determine whether he's available to pitch in the series opener versus the Phillies. Porter Hodge is next in line to close for Chicago if Pressly cannot pitch, although an appearance Friday would be Hodge's third in four days, so it's possible the Cubs would prefer not to use him.