MLB Player News

Helsley struck out one in a perfect ninth inning Friday to record his eighth save of the season in a 3-1 win over the Nationals.

The right-hander dispatched the visitors on 12 pitches (nine strikes) to pick up his first save since coming off the IL in mid-June. Helsley got tagged for five runs in 1.2 innings in his first two appearances after recovering from elbow inflammation, but he seems to be shaking off the rust, topping out at 100.4 mph with his fastball Friday in his second straight scoreless outing. On the season, Helsley has converted eight of nine save chances while posting a 4.40 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 20:9 K:BB in 14.1 innings.

Alvarez (1-1) took the loss Friday as the Nationals were downed 3-1 by the Orioles, giving up two runs on six hits and three walks over 4.1 innings. He struck out five.

The 27-year-old didn't pitch poorly, although he needed 88 pitches (53 strikes) to record 13 outs, but Alvarez didn't get much help as the Nats' offense was held in check by Trevor Rogers. Alvarez has yet to complete five innings in any of his 10 big-league appearances (five starts) this season, making him tough to roster in fantasy formats any time he gets a traditional start rather than working behind an opener, but over 21 innings in June he's produced a 3.00 ERA, 1.62 WHIP and 25:10 K:BB.

Senzatela blew the save Friday against Minnesota, allowing one run on three hits and no walks while striking out one during the ninth inning.

The Rockies rallied for seven runs across the eighth and ninth innings to set up the save opportunity, but Senzatela was unable to maintain the one-run advantage. After a dominant start to the campaign that saw him give up just four earned runs over his first 32 innings, the veteran right-hander has posted a 5.56 ERA while blowing all four of his save chances in his past nine outings, though he's also picked up four wins during that span. Jimmy Herget, who secured a save Wednesday versus Boston, took the loss after giving up the game-winning run in the bottom of the 10th, so Senzatela should remain in the closer mix for now.

Banda blew the save in Friday's 9-8 win over the Rockies. He allowed two runs on three hits and no walks without a strikeout over two-thirds of an inning.

Minnesota entered the ninth inning with a 7-3 lead, but Eric Orze was unable to close things out, retiring just one of the four batters he faced. Banda was then called upon for the save once the lead was cut down to one run, but he surrendered two doubles and a homer before escaping the frame. Banda has recorded two saves and nine holds through 38 appearances this season, though his 4.54 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 31:14 K:BB aren't likely to net him regular chances in the ninth inning.

Iglesias pitched a perfect inning to earn the save in Friday's 3-1 win over San Francisco.

Iglesias has run into some struggles lately, allowing four runs (two earned) over his last 5.2 innings. He took two losses in that five-game span, while Friday's outing marked the first time in eight appearances in June in which he didn't allow a hit. Iglesias is still a perfect 16-for-16 in save chances while pitching to a 1.37 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 29:6 K:BB over 26.1 innings this season. While there are some warning signs, Iglesias doesn't appear to be at risk of losing the closing job any time soon, especially while Robert Suarez (elbow inflammation) is on the injured list.

Lopez allowed one run on four hits and struck out one without walking a batter over three innings in a no-decision versus San Francisco on Friday.

Lopez threw 35 of 57 pitches for strikes. He's not fully stretched out after spending time in the bullpen for the last two months. He now has a 3.47 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 40:21 K:BB through 46.2 innings over 19 games (six starts) this season. Hurston Waldrep pitched two scoreless innings in relief during Friday's game, but he also walked four batters. The last spot in Atlanta's rotation figures to be in flux at least through the All-Star break. Lopez could ultimately stretch out more, but it wouldn't be surprising if some sort of piggyback arrangement emerges since Waldrep also isn't fully stretched out after returning from elbow surgery he underwent in February. This spot in the rotation comes up again at home versus St. Louis next week.

Treinen does not have any structural damage in his injured right elbow, per MLB.com.

Treinen landed on the injured list June 20 due to right elbow inflammation. He subsequently underwent imaging, which revealed only inflammation due to wear and tear. As such, Treinen could be back with the Dodgers' bullpen sometime in July.

Joyce (shoulder) has been throwing at the Angels' complex in Arizona, but he's limited to fastball-only bullpens, per MLB.com.

Joyce has yet to pitch for the Angels this season as he continues to work his way back from right shoulder surgery. The fireballing reliever had progressed as far as taking part in a minor-league rehab assignment, but he was pulled from that stint in mid-May after four outings because he wasn't recovering as well as hoped. It appears the organization is taking a cautious approach to Joyce's recovery, so he may not be ready to join the big-league club until after the All-Star break.

Dotel (lat) will begin a rehab assignment at Double-A Altoona on Saturday, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.

Dotel has been on the injured list with a right lat strain since June 13. It's unclear how many rehab appearances the Pirates will have him make, but he could be cleared to rejoin Pittsburgh's bullpen before the end of the month.

Booser picked up a hold Friday against Arizona, recording the final out of the sixth inning.

After beginning the season with Triple-A Durham, Booser has since carved out a key spot in the Rays' bullpen. Through 9.1 innings thus far, the 34-year-old left-hander has a 0.96 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 10:3 K:BB with two holds.