MLB Player News

The Cubs outrighted Peralta to Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday.

Over the weekend, the Cubs became the third organization to designate Peralta for assignment in 2026. The 25-year-old lefty was scooped up off waivers on the previous two occasions, but after going unclaimed this time around, he'll stick around in the Cubs organization but will no longer be part of the 40-man roster. Peralta has posted a 4.70 ERA, 1.76 WHIP and 21:16 K:BB over 15.1 innings at Iowa since the Cubs claimed him May 3.

Smith gave up two runs on three hits and a walk in two-thirds of an inning Wednesday to take his third blown save of the season in a 4-3 extra-inning win over the White Sox. He struck out one.

The normally reliable closer blew his first save since April 14, retiring the first two batters he faced in the ninth inning before serving up back-to-back solo shots to Braden Montgomery and Randal Grichuk to tie the game at 3-3 before he put two more batters aboard and got the hook. The Guardians were able to bail Smith out in the 10th, but the right-hander has now been tagged for four runs in his last two appearances, and he's issued at least one free pass in four straight. If his struggles continue, Erik Sabrowski, Hunter Gaddis and Shawn Armstrong -- who finished up Wednesday's contest -- could all find their way into the closing mix, but Smith's job security won't evaporate that quickly.

Okert (1-0) earned the win Wednesday over the Blue Jays, allowing a hit while striking out one in a scoreless inning.

Okert has now turned in 17 straight scoreless innings, posting a stellar 0.65 WHIP with 17:4 K:BB in that span. The veteran left-hander has been excellent in the back half of Houston's bullpen this season, posting a 2.35 ERA with a 0.91 WHIP while leading the team with nine holds.

Scott earned the save Wednesday against the Twins, allowing one hit while striking out two in a scoreless ninth inning of a 4-3 win.

Scott was called upon in the ninth inning to protect a one-run lead and worked around a leadoff single to notch his 11th save of the season. The left-hander has now converted a save in each of his last five appearances and has been nearly untouchable during that span, allowing just one hit while striking out eight batters without issuing a walk. Scott is carrying a 2.18 ERA, 0.70 WHIP and 40:3 K:BB across 33 innings this season.

Manaea did not factor into the decision Wednesday against the Cubs, allowing four runs (three earned) on six hits and two walks while striking out four over three innings.

Manaea wasn't helped by the defense behind him, as the Mets committed two infield errors while he was on the mound. He allowed back-to-back doubles to open the second inning to bring in the first run against him, then five straight Cubs reached base in the fourth -- one via an error -- to force his early exit. Despite the short outing, Manaea still generated 10 swinging strikes. He has now posted a 3.86 ERA and 22:5 KBB in five outings as a starter or bulk reliever, with Wednesday's showing being the most earned runs he's allowed in that role so far. The 34-year-old is set for a road outing against Toronto next time out.

Alvarado (3-3) allowed two runs on two hits over two-thirds of an inning to take the loss and a blown save Wednesday versus the Giants.

Alvarado gave up ninth-inning solo shots to Rafael Devers and Victor Bericoto. This was Alvarado's first blown save of the season, though he's also 11 days removed from his last converted save. He's allowed five runs over 5.1 innings in his last four appearances, including four homers. Overall, Alvarado has a 6.20 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 25:7 K:BB through 20.1 innings with two saves and four holds. If his struggles persist, he could pitch his way out of the high-leverage role he earned earlier in June.

Adam pitched a perfect inning to earn the save in Wednesday's 5-2 win over Atlanta.

Adam had gone three days without pitching, making him the fresh arm available after six relievers worked in Tuesday's contest. He's had a bit of a rough June, giving up six runs (including four homers) over 9.1 innings, but he was sharp Wednesday to lock down his second save this season. Adam has a 2.45 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 20:8 K:BB over 29.1 innings, and he also has 16 holds while working in a setup role. Mason Miller should be available to handle any save chances for this weekend's three-game series versus the Dodgers, which begins Friday.

Bednar secured the save Wednesday against the Tigers, allowing one hit and no walks in a scoreless ninth inning. He struck out one.

Detroit brought the possible tying run to the plate in the ninth inning, but Bednar shut down any potential rally by retiring Dillon Dingler for the game's final out. The 31-year-old right-hander had a 5.14 ERA for the season as of May 18, but a scoreless streak of 12 innings since then has brought his ERA down to 3.27. Bednar also has a 1.27 WHIP and 39:12 K:BB over 33 innings while successfully converting 16 of his 18 save opportunities.

Wells picked up a hold Wednesday against the Angels, allowing one hit and one walk in 1.1 scoreless relief innings. He struck out four.

Wells remains a strong source of holds in fantasy leagues that record them, collecting 10 on the season so far. The right-hander has been an effective multi-inning weapon out of Baltimore's bullpen in 2026, logging a 3.25 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 39:9 K:BB over 36 innings. His 27 appearances are already the most he's made in a season since his rookie campaign in 2021, though it's worth noting that he was working as a starter and/or injured for the past four seasons.

Drohan did not factor into the decision in Wednesday's 6-5 win over the Reds, allowing five hits and three walks with five strikeouts over 4.1 scoreless innings.

Drohan kept the Reds off the board but labored throughout, generating just six whiffs on 98 pitches while failing to go deep enough to earn a potential win. He still managed his first scoreless outing since transitioning to a starting role June 1, holding opponents to three earned runs or fewer in four of five games during that stretch. He'll carry a 3.12 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 52:17 K:BB across 52 innings this season into a home rematch with the Reds next week.