MLB Player News

Phillips struck out the side to earn the save in Friday's 8-5 win over the Brewers.

Phillips needed just 12 pitches (nine strikes) to set the Brewers down in order to protect a three-run lead. It's an encouraging sign, as he had allowed a run in each of his last two outings. Phillips is up to 14 saves and one hold through 26.2 innings this season, and he's maintained a strong 2.03 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 30:8 K:BB.

Sewald (0-2) allowed three runs on two hits and a walk while failing to record an out, taking a blown save and the loss versus the Padres on Friday.

After a sterling start to the year, Sewald has fallen flat to begin July. He's allowed five runs over two appearances this month, resulting in a blown save and a loss in both instances. He's now at a 3.12 ERA, 0.81 WHIP and 17:4 K:BB over 17.1 innings while converting 11 of his 13 save chances on the year. The Diamondbacks are already lagging behind in the wild-card race, and Sewald's newfound struggles won't help them make up ground. If he continues to falter, he may have to settle for being part of a closer committee with a new team if he's traded this month.

Suarez allowed three runs on four hits in one-third of an inning to take a blown save in Friday's 10-8 win over the Diamondbacks.

Suarez has typically been dominant when called upon, but he served up a grand slam to Alek Thomas, allowing three inherited runners to score, and then a two-run home run to Randal Grichuk. While the Diamondbacks briefly took an 8-7 lead, Stephen Kolek was able to finish off the inning, and the Padres rallied to win in their half of the ninth. Both of Suarez's blown saves this year have come over his last eight appearances, a span in which he's given up six runs (five earned) across 6.1 innings. He's at a 1.77 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and 33:7 K:BB through 35.2 innings overall while adding 22 saves and a hold.

Helsley (3-3) earned the win and blew a save against the Nationals on Friday, allowing one unearned run on two hits and a walk with no strikeouts over two innings.

Helsley was summoned to protect a 6-5 lead in the 10th inning but allowed the automatic runner to score. He was brought back out with another one-run lead in the eleventh and was able to secure the win in his first multi-inning effort of the season. On the year, the closer leads the league with 31 saves and owns a 2.41 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 47:17 K:BB over 41 innings.

Finnegan blew a save against the Cardinals on Friday, allowing two hits and one run in the ninth inning.

Finnegan was summoned to protect a 5-4 lead in the ninth inning but surrendered a solo home run to Willson Contreras. The closer had thrown five straight scoreless appearances but left a 2-2 fastball down the middle for his fourth blown save of the season. On the year, he has secured 23 saves with a 2.17 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 39:12 K:BB over 37.1 innings.

Beeks earned the save in Friday's 4-2 win over the Royals, pitching an inning with one strikeout and allowing two hits.

The southpaw reliever entered in the ninth and looked to be in danger after he allowed two straight singles to lead off the frame. However, Beeks recovered by retiring the next three batters to work out of the jam, securing his 13th career save. The 30-year-old has collected the last two Colorado saves and produced four straight outings without allowing an earned run over 5.1 innings. He now sports a 4.09 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 34:17 K:BB across 44 innings this season.

Doval allowed a hit and a walk in a scoreless inning Friday, striking out one and earning a save over Cleveland.

Doval put the first two batters of the inning on base but escaped the jam to close out the 4-2 win. It was his third straight save conversion, and he's now 17 for 20 in opportunities this season. Doval has not looked like his usual self, however, as his current ERA and WHIP of 4.04 and 1.54, respectively, are both career highs.

Bivens allowed a run on four hits and a walk over three frames in a no-decision Friday. He struck out two during the win over Cleveland.

Bivens entered the game in the second inning and was tagged with a solo homer by Josh Naylor in the fourth. Over his last five outings, Bivens has given up two runs in 12 innings, dropping his season ERA to 2.65 through 17 frames. He should continue working as a bulk reliever or spot starter as necessary.

Hoffman struck out one batter in a scoreless ninth inning Friday and earned a save over Atlanta.

Hoffman threw nine of 14 pitches for strikes to close out the 8-6 win. He's picked up a save in three straight appearances and has converted six straight chances dating back to May 17. Hoffman now owns a stellar 1.21 ERA with a 47:8 K:BB through 37.1 frames. Jose Alvarado took the mound in the eighth inning of what appeared to be a blowout win but gave up a three-run homer to Marcell Ozuna.

The Brewers optioned Junk to Triple-A Nashville on Friday.

The Brewers officially activated Aaron Civale on Friday after acquiring him in a trade with the Rays on Wednesday, so Junk will head back to Nashville in order to create room on the 26-man roster. The 28-year-old righty didn't appear in a game during his 48-hour stint with Milwaukee, but he could be an option to return to the majors if the Brewers need a fresh arm in their bullpen.