MLB Player News

Romero (1-0) allowed a run on three hits over one inning, taking a blown save but earning the win Saturday versus the Red Sox. He did not strike out or walk a batter.

Romero gave up a game-tying RBI double to Rob Refsnyder in the eighth inning, but the Cardinals answered with a five-run rally in their half of the frame. It was just the fourth run Romero's allowed all year, and Saturday marked just the third time he's given up multiple hits in an appearance. The southpaw has been excellent in a setup role with a 1.54 ERA, 0.77 WHIP and 24:4 K:BB while adding 15 holds through 23.1 innings. Romero hasn't had a chance to challenge closer Ryan Helsley for the ninth inning yet, as the back end of the Cardinals' bullpen has been one of the team's few positives in 2024.

Wilson allowed two runs on five hits and one walk while striking out three batters over 4.2 innings in a no-decision against Houston on Saturday.

Wilson was given a 4-1 lead going into the bottom of the fifth inning, but he was pulled after giving up a one-out solo homer to Jake Meyers and a two-out single to Jose Altuve. The hook eliminated the right-hander's chance to qualify for the win, and it marked the second straight outing in which he's failed to go five frames. Still, Wilson has given up a tolerable four runs across 8.2 innings during those two contests, and he's recorded a 2.79 ERA across 38.2 innings on the season.

Finnegan (1-3) took the loss and blew a save against the Phillies on Saturday, allowing two runs (one earned) on one hit and one walk over 1.2 innings.

Finnegan was called upon to protect a one-run lead in the bottom of the ninth inning and got two outs before serving up a game-tying solo homer to Kody Clemens. The contest went into an extra frame, and after Washington failed to score in the top of the 10th, Finnegan was tagged with the loss when Bryce Harper plated the automatic runner on a sacrifice fly. The blown save was just the second for Finnegan this year, with the other coming all the way back on March 31. The right-hander has been one of the best closers in the league this season with 13 saves along with a 1.89 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 17:9 K:BB over 19 frames.

Diaz allowed four runs on four hits while recording just one out in Saturday's loss to the Marlins.

The Mets handed the ball to Diaz with a four-run advantage in the bottom of the ninth inning. He permitted a leadoff double and watched that run come around on a one-out single. Another single put two runners on and Josh Bell cashed in when he sent a ball 428 feet to center field for a three-run homer. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza pulled Diaz at that point. While this didn't officially go down as a blown save, it continued an ugly stretch for Diaz, who has allowed 10 runs over his last eight appearances covering 8.1 frames. When asked after the game about a potential change at closer, Mendoza didn't dismiss it, per Mike Puma of the New York Post. Diaz himself even said he'd be open to working in low-leverage spots for a while as he tries to get back on track. If Mendoza does opt to switch things up, Reed Garrett and Adam Ottavino look to be the top candidates to step in at closer.

Blach (1-2) took the loss Saturday in San Francisco, allowing six runs on seven hits and one walk over three innings. He struck out three.

The Giants tallied 18 hits and 14 runs in this one, with Blach and reliever Nick Mears (six runs in two-thirds of an inning) absorbing the big blows. Blach was given another start after holding the Rangers to one run over five innings his last time out, but he might be headed back to long relief after this effort. If he does get another turn, it would likely come next week at home versus the Phillies.

Phillips (hamstring) threw another bullpen session Saturday, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Saturday's mound session was Phillips' second since landing on the injured list May 5 with a strained right hamstring. He still has yet to face live hitters, but manager Dave Roberts said after Phillips' session that the right-hander is roughly a week away from rejoining Los Angeles' bullpen.

Williams (back) played catch before Saturday's game against the Astros, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Saturday marks the first time Williams has done any sort of throwing since being shut down during spring training due to multiple stress fractures in his back. The 29-year-old closer still has a long way to go before the Brewers can think about sending him out on a minor-league rehab assignment, but he is certainly trending in the right direction. He's expected to rejoin Milwaukee's bullpen near the All-Star break.

Fleming cleared waivers Saturday and was sent outright to Triple-A Indianapolis, Andrew Destin of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Fleming was DFA'd by the Pirates on Tuesday after giving up six runs (five earned) in his most recent MLB appearance, and he will officially remain within the organization as he looks to get back on track. The 28-year-old southpaw posted a 4.35 ERA and 1.77 WHIP in Triple-A last season, though he will likely have to do better than that before the Pirates start thinking about calling him back up to the majors.

Walker (back) struck out one in a perfect inning to earn a hold in Friday's 10-5 win over the Rockies.

Walker was dealing with back tightness earlier in the week, but he was able to move past it with the help of Thursday's off day. The right-hander is up to five holds on the year, and he's added a 2.35 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 31:4 K:BB over 23 innings. He continues to be one of the Giants' most versatile relievers, though that doesn't often lead to him pitching in late-inning situations.

Manager Craig Counsell said Saturday that he expects Smyly (hip) to begin a rehab assignment with High-A South Bend sometime next week, Mike McGraw of the Chicago Daily Herald reports.

Counsell did not specify how many appearances Smyly will make in the minors, though the lefty figures to require multiple outings given he's been on the shelf since April 23 with a hip impingement. The 34-year-old put up a 4.97 ERA and 1.34 WHIP across 12.2 innings before getting hurt, and he will likely return to a multi-inning relief role once he rejoins Chicago.