MLB Player News

Phillips earned a hold against the White Sox on Monday, allowing one hit in a scoreless inning of work.

It was somewhat surprising to see Phillips -- who is the Dodgers' primary closer -- used in the eighth frame, but there was plenty of sense behind the move given that the White Sox were bringing up the heart of their order. Phillips got through the inning unscathed despite allowing a one-out double to Luis Robert, and Alex Vesia earned his fourth save with a clean frame in the ninth. Phillips' usage Monday suggests that manager Dave Roberts isn't opposed to using him before the ninth inning in the highest-leverage situations, but the right-hander should still receive the vast majority of save chances for Los Angeles. He's been one of the most reliable closers in baseball this year with a perfect 12-for-12 mark in save opportunities along with a 1.66 ERA and 1.02 WHIP.

Vesia struck out one batter in a perfect ninth inning to earn the save against the White Sox on Monday.

In a somewhat surprising move, the Dodgers deployed primary closer Evan Phillips to face the heart of Chicago's order in the eighth inning. That left closing duties to Vesia, who needed just 10 pitches to slam the door on the White Sox and earn his fourth save. Monday's usage suggests that manager Dave Roberts isn't opposed to having Phillips handle the highest-leverage situations even when they come before the ninth frame, and Vesia may be the likeliest option to close in such instances. Nonetheless, Phillips is still likely to get the vast majority of save opportunities, so fantasy managers shouldn't bank on many more saves from Vesia moving forward.

Spiers (1-1) yielded three runs on seven hits and a walk over six innings Monday, striking out five and earning a win over the Pirates.

Spiers coughed up a run in the third inning and two more in the fifth. He's given up seven runs in 12 innings during his two starts this season, both of which came against Pittsburgh. He's sporting a 3.45 ERA with a 25:6 K:BB through 31.1 frames this season. Spiers is currently in line for a start in St. Louis this weekend.

Santana left Monday's game against the Reds after being hit by a line drive and has been diagnosed with a right arm contusion.

Santana was unable to continue after being struck on his pitching arm, but he appears to have avoided a significant injury. He'll be considered day-to-day moving forward.

The Brewers outrighted Hernandez to Triple-A Nashville on Monday.

Hernandez was designated for assignment Wednesday following a rough outing against the Angels, surrendering two runs on two hits while striking out one and recording one out. He'll accept an assignment to Milwaukee's top minor-league affiliate after failing to draw interest on waivers.

Almonte suffered a setback in his ramp-up from a strained right shoulder, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

Almonte and the Cubs have been forced to "press pause" on his recovery, according to manager Craig Counsell. The team is expected to seek another opinion on the right-hander's shoulder and his status moving forward appears to be up in the air for the time being.

Minter (hip) had his rehab assignment transferred to Triple-A Gwinnett on Monday, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Minter made an appearance with High-A Rome on Saturday, allowing an unearned run and a hit while striking out three batters over an inning on the mound. The left-hander will now take the last step in his recovery from the left hip inflammation that has kept him out since May 30, joining the Triple-A roster. Minter will likely make multiple appearances with Gwinnett before being activated from the 15-day injured list in the near future.

Ferrer (shoulder) struck out all four of the batters he faced during a live throwing session Monday, Bobby Blanco of MASNSports.com reports.

Ferrer was cleared to face live hitters June 14 and is presumably close to a minor-league rehab assignment following an impressive showing Monday. However, the club has yet to reveal an exact timetable for the southpaw's return from the 60-day injured list.

The Padres optioned Brito to Triple-A El Paso on Monday.

Brito will move off the 26-man active roster Monday to make room for right-hander Adam Mazur, who will start Tuesday against the Nationals. Brito had served in long relief for the Padres this season, posting a 4.35 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 26:9 K:BB over 41.1 frames.

Manager Brian Snitker announced Monday that Kerr (elbow) will require Tommy John surgery, Justin Toscano of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Kerr was moved to the 15-day injured list earlier in the day due to a UCL injury, and Snitker confirmed shortly after that the lefty will undergo surgery to repair the ligament. With the news, Kerr's 2024 campaign will officially come to an end after posting a 5.64 ERA and 1.61 WHIP with a 27:7 K:BB across 22.1 innings. He'll likely also miss a good chunk of the 2025 season depending on how he fares during his rehab.