MLB Player News

Smith (2-1) was the losing pitcher Monday, surrendering two runs on two hits and one walk while striking out three over 1.2 innings in a 6-5 loss to the White Sox.

The three-game series between the AL Central's leaders kicked off Monday in exciting fashion. Smith entered to start the eighth inning with the Guardians trailing 4-3 and got through his first inning without issue. After Cleveland scored twice in the top half of the ninth, Smith was in position for a win while pitching in a save-like situation -- ahead by a run in the ninth inning. The White Sox rallied for a pair of runs and the walk-off win. This was Smith's first hiccup of any kind since April 14, when he blew a save.

Santillan (1-4) was the losing pitcher Monday, allowing two runs (one earned) while walking one in a 2-1 extra-inning loss to the Brewers.

Santillan, who entered a scoreless tie in the 10th inning, gave up runs for the first time in eight outings. Monday's results aside, he appears to have settled in as the Reds fill-in closer until Emilio Pagan (hamstring) returns, which could happen within a week. Pagan threw a second live batting-practice/simulated-game session Monday and is expected to begin a brief rehab assignment Thursday.

De Los Santos (0-2) took the loss Monday against the Blue Jays, allowing a run on two hits while striking out two over 1.1 innings.

De Los Santos looked good in the sixth inning, setting down the top of Toronto's lineup in order, but he'd give up a pair of hits after coming back out in the seventh and ultimately took the loss in a 4-2 defeat. It's been a tough stretch of late for De Los Santos of late -- he's given up seven runs on nine hits in his last 6.1 innings. Overall, the right-hander sports a 4.32 ERA with a 1.11 WHIP and 33:8 K:BB across 33.1 innings this year.

Chapman (0-3) blew the save and took the loss in Monday's 3-2 loss to the Rockies. He allowed three runs on four hits without recording an out.

Chapman entered with a two-run lead in the ninth inning and was greeted by a trio of singles, including a 74.2 mph blooper from TJ Rumfield and a bunt hit from Cole Carrigg. With the bases loaded and no outs, Jake McCarthy punched a fastball into left field that Jarren Duran struggled to field cleanly, allowing all three runners to score on a walk-off triple. It marked Chapman's first blown save of 2026 and his second straight outing in which he allowed a run and was charged with the loss. Despite the recent hiccups, the 38-year-old has still been excellent this season, posting a 2.08 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 29:9 K:BB with 14 saves across 21.2 innings.

O'Brien picked up the save in Monday's 3-2 victory over the Diamondbacks. He did not record a strikeout during a perfect ninth inning.

O'Brien made quick work of the Diamondbacks, retiring the side to secure the victory. The right-hander has had an uneven June, allowing runs in three of eight appearances while recording more walks (seven) than strikeouts (six) across eight innings. Overall, the 31-year-old owns a 4.05 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 33:11 K:BB while converting 19 of 23 save opportunities. Among National League relievers, only Mason Miller (21) has more saves than O'Brien this season.

Dominguez blew the save in Monday's 6-5 win over the Guardians. He allowed two runs on two hits and a walk while striking out one over one-third of an inning.

After blowing a save Sunday against the Tigers, Dominguez was quickly handed another opportunity Monday and came up short once again. Entrusted with a one-run lead in the ninth inning, the right-hander allowed a walk, a single and a double before recording an out, squandering the lead in the process. After striking out Rhys Hoskins for the first out of the frame, Dominguez was lifted, and one of his inherited runners came around to score. However, the White Sox offense answered with a walk-off win in the bottom of the inning. The 31-year-old's grip on the closer role appears tenuous, as he owns a 4.45 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 33:16 K:BB while converting 12 of 17 save opportunities across 28.1 innings this season.

Miller allowed a hit and a walk and struck out two over a scoreless inning to earn the save in Monday's 1-0 win over Atlanta.

Miller flirted with danger a bit, but he got the job done while protecting a thin lead. He's converted two saves in as many outings since returning from the bereavement list. The star closer is 21-for-21 in save chances this season while pitching to an excellent 0.84 ERA, 0.84 WHIP and 63:13 K:BB over 32 innings.

Scott recorded a save against the Twins on Monday with a scoreless inning of work.

Scott was summoned in the bottom of the ninth inning with Los Angeles clinging to a one-run lead. The lefty didn't record a strikeout for the first time over his past eight appearances, but he got the job done, retiring the side in order on just 11 pitches. Scott has picked up a save in each of his past four appearances and is 10-for-11 on save opportunities this season. Edwin Diaz (elbow) recently resumed throwing bullpen sessions and could return shortly after the All-Star break, but until then Scott is the Dodgers' clear-cut primary closer.

Kuhnel earned a save against the Reds on Monday, allowing an unearned run on one hit over a scoreless inning of work.

Kuhnel had been struggling a bit since being dealt to the Brewers on June 6, as he gave up three runs on three solo homers over his first 4.1 innings of work. Nonetheless, manager Pat Murphy turned to the right-hander in the bottom of the 10th inning Monday after Milwaukee scored two runs in the top of the frame. Kuhnel came through, allowing the automatic runner on second base to score but managing to slam the door for the save. Primary closer Trevor Megill tossed a scoreless ninth inning and earned the win, and he should get the bulk of the team's save chances moving forward, so there's no need for fantasy managers to rush to the waiver wire for Kuhnel.

Beeter earned the save Monday against the Phillies, allowing one hit while striking out one in a scoreless ninth inning.

Beeter was called upon to protect a three-run lead in the ninth and made quick work of the assignment. After allowing a leadoff single to Bryce Harper, the right-hander immediately erased the threat by inducing a double-play groundball before striking out the final batter of the game to secure his sixth save of the season. Beeter has now recorded saves in consecutive appearances and appears to have solidified his standing as Washington's primary closer. He owns a 3.47 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 26:16 K:BB across 23.1 innings on the year.