MLB Player News

Puk gave up a hit and struck out three in a scoreless ninth inning Friday to record his third save of the season in a 7-4 win over the Brewers.

A Diamondbacks reliever hadn't recorded a traditional save since Sept. 3, but with the team protecting a three-run lead Friday, Justin Martinez was deployed in the seventh inning to face the heart of the Brewers' order, while Ryan Thompson got the eighth and Puk handled the ninth. If Martinez is moving into a highest-leverage role rather than being held back for the ninth, it could open up a save chance or two over the final week of the season for Puk, who is on an impressive roll -- he's hasn't been tagged for a run since Aug. 2, posting a 0.53 WHIP and 34:3 K:BB over his last 20.2 innings with two saves and five holds.

Alexander didn't factor into the decision Friday against Toronto, allowing two hits and a walk over 4.1 shutout innings. He struck out six.

Alexander was sharp Friday, holding Toronto to just two singles, though he'd fail to qualify for the win as the Rays turned to the bullpen in the fifth inning after Alexander hit 65 pitches. Still, it was an encouraging performance from the left-hander, who had allowed 20 earned runs and eight homers in his previous six outings (27.1 innings). Overall, Alexander is 6-5 with a 5.35 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 84:24 K:BB over 102.2 innings this year. He's lined up to face the Tigers on the road next week in what will likely be his final start of the season.

Hader struck out two in a perfect ninth inning Friday to record his 33rd save of the season in a 9-7 win over the Angels.

The Houston closer has been dominant to close out the regular season, striking out multiple batters in eight of his last 15 appearances while posting a 1.69 ERA, 0.56 WHIP and 22:4 K:BB through 16 innings over that stretch. Hader has reached triple-digit strikeouts on the season for the fourth time in his career, and he's produced at least 33 saves in four straight campaigns.

Jax yielded an unearned run and struck out one batter in one inning Friday. He earned a save in the extra-innings win over Boston.

Jax allowed the automatic runner to score after a pair of groundouts in the 12th inning but had no trouble finishing off the 4-2 victory. It was his second save over his last three appearances after not converting one since Aug. 5. Jhoan Duran threw a scoreless eighth inning while the game was tied 1-1. Jax has racked up 10 saves while posting an impressive 91:15 K:BB and 2.10 ERA through 68.2 innings this season.

Bigge earned the save in Friday's 1-0 win over Toronto, striking out two in a perfect ninth inning.

Bigge put the finishing touches on the Rays' shutout victory, retiring the side in order to lock down his first save in the majors. The 26-year-old Bigge has allowed just two earned runs in 11.2 innings with Tampa Bay this season. Overall, he's posted a 1.80 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 19:4 K:BB across 15 innings between the Rays and Cubs this year.

Fitts allowed five hits and a walk over five shutout innings in a no-decision Friday. He struck out three during the extra-innings loss to Minnesota.

Fitts worked around a few tight spots to keep the Twins off the board and was in line for the win when he exited the game. The 24-year-old rookie has delivered 15.2 scoreless innings in his first three career MLB starts. However, that comes with a lackluster 7:5 K:BB. On the bright side, he generated eight whiffs Friday after totaling just seven in his first two starts. Fitts is currently lined up for a start in Toronto next week.

Holton (7-2) allowed two runs on two hits over an inning of work to take the loss Friday against the Orioles. He struck out one.

Holton served as the opener and quickly ran into some trouble, as he allowed a leadoff double to Gunnar Henderson. The lefty retired the next two batters but then gave up a two-run home run to slugger Anthony Santander. Holton has been mostly excellent lately, as this was the first time he allowed an earned run in his last 10 appearances and he owns a 2.30 ERA overall, so he should bounce back from this subpar effort.

Jansen (shoulder) threw a perfect ninth inning in Friday's extra-innings loss to the Twins. He did not record a strikeout.

Jansen was said to be dealing with a shoulder issue earlier in the week, but he was available in his normal spot Friday and ended up retiring the side on 11 pitches (nine strikes). While the veteran's command and velocity have both been affected by the shoulder recently, there has been nothing to suggest the team will need to shut him down early, though that's not completely out of the question with Boston's playoff chances dwindling. Jansen is a free agent this winter.

Suarez allowed two runs on a hit and a walk while striking out one over one inning Friday, taking a blown save in a 3-2 extra-inning win over the White Sox.

Suarez walked Gavin Sheets and allowed a two-run home run to Lenyn Sosa with two outs in the ninth inning. September hasn't been kind to Suarez -- he's blown three of his seven save chances this month while allowing seven runs over nine innings. For the season, he's 33-for-39 in save chances with a 2.76 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 56:15 K:BB through 62 innings. Should Suarez continue to falter, the Padres are not lacking in closing options, with Tanner Scott and Jason Adam among their most effective setup men.

Kopech allowed one run on one hit and struck out one over one inning to earn the save in Friday's 6-4 win over the Rockies.

Kopech allowed a solo home run to Michael Toglia in the ninth inning, the first long ball he's given up since July 7. The Rockies couldn't build off it though, allowing Kopech to secure his fifth save as a Dodger, all of which he's earned since Aug. 16. The right-hander is at a 3.62 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 84:33 K:BB over 64.2 innings with 14 saves between the Dodgers and the White Sox, but he's been dominant with a 1.29 ERA, 0.81 WHIP and 25:9 K:BB across 21 innings since he was dealt to Los Angeles.