MLB Player News

Kelly earned the save Sunday against the Nationals, allowing one hit while striking out two in a scoreless ninth inning of the 4-3 win.

With Bryan Baker tossing a scoreless eighth against the heart of Washington's order Sunday, Kelly got the call to protect a one-run lead in the ninth inning of the series finale. The right-hander allowed a leadoff single to Daylen Lile, but Lile was caught stealing between strikeouts of the next two batters, helping Kelly secure his third save of the season. The veteran has been reliable lately, posting scoreless appearances in 23 of his last 25 outings. During that stretch, Kelly has recorded a sparkling 1.33 ERA while collecting 13 holds.

Alvarez did not factor into the decision Sunday against the Rays, allowing one run on four hits while striking out six over four innings.

Alvarez turned in another effective start, with the lone run against him coming in the third inning when Tampa Bay strung together consecutive doubles. The left-hander set a season high with his six punchouts. After tossing 90 pitches in his June 9 start, Alvarez has been limited to under 70 in each of his last two starts. He has yet to complete five innings in any outing, limiting his chances to qualify for wins unless he's working behind an opener. Alvarez owns a 3.34 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 37:12 K:BB across 32.1 innings and is lined up to face Baltimore on the road in his next outing.

Dotel (lat) tossed a bullpen session Saturday, MLB.com reports.

According to general manager Ben Cherington, Dotel's fastball sat around 96 mph during the session, just a couple ticks behind his season-long average (98.2). The Pirates placed Dotel on the 15-day injured list June 13 due to a right lat strain, but he looks on track to avoid an extended absence and could be ready to rejoin the Pittsburgh bullpen by late June.

Bachar earned the save Sunday against the Giants, working a scoreless ninth inning with one walk in a 2-1 victory.

With Pete Fairbanks having recorded a save each of the previous two days, Bachar was entrusted with a one-run lead in the ninth inning Sunday. He successfully closed the door after working around a leadoff walk to Rafael Devers to secure his first save of the season. While he isn't a regular fixture in the ninth inning, Bachar has been one of Miami's steadier relievers lately, allowing just two runs over his last 13 innings. He now owns a 3.02 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 46:16 K:BB across 41.2 innings on the season.

Perkins allowed four runs on four hits and two walks while striking out eight over five innings in a no-decision versus the Angels on Sunday.

Perkins has allowed 15 runs over 18 innings across four starts in June, giving up a total of five home runs. The eight strikeouts were a season high, but not enough to overcome his inability to prevent runs. He's now at a 6.26 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 57:16 K:BB through 46 innings over 21 outings (four starts) this season. Unless the Athletics dip into their pitching depth at Triple-A Las Vegas, Perkins looks set to remain in the rotation for the foreseeable future. He's tentatively lined up to make his next start on the road in a rematch with the Angels.

Bachman pitched a perfect inning to earn the save in Sunday's 9-7 win over the Athletics.

Bachman got the call for the bottom of the ninth inning after the Angels pulled ahead in the top half of the frame. The right-hander needed just 11 pitches (nine strikes) to retire the side. Kirby Yates had pitched the previous two days, and Ryan Zeferjahn tossed 24 pitches Saturday, which explains why Bachman got a rare chance to close. He's worked in a setup role this season, earning 11 holds and two blown saves over 34.2 innings. Bachman also sports a 3.63 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 35:17 K:BB. He had allowed seven runs over his previous two outings, though he had a 13-inning scoreless streak before that.

Banda struck out one in a perfect inning to earn the save in Sunday's 4-2 win over the Diamondbacks.

Yoendrys Gomez worked the eighth inning against the middle of Arizona's order. Banda then got the ninth, and he got Ketel Marte to fly out for the final out after the lineup turned over. Banda has allowed just one unearned run over seven innings in June, adding an 8:3 K:BB. He's at a 4.22 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 29:14 K:BB across 32 innings this season while adding two saves and nine holds. He should continue to be part of an unsettled high-leverage mix in Minnesota. Banda is one of 12 relievers to log a save for the Twins this season, including seven who have at least two saves.

Junis secured the save Sunday against the Padres, allowing no runs on two hits and no walks in the ninth inning. He struck out one.

Junis allowed the possible tying and go-ahead runs to get aboard, but he still held on for the save Sunday. The 33-year-old journeyman reliever has emerged as an effective high-leverage arm in 2026, though he's now given up multiple hits in three consecutive outings. Through 32 innings, Junis has a 1.97 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 23:5 K:BB while converting five of his six save opportunities. Though he worked as the Rangers' primary closer early in the campaign. Junis has mostly been used in a setup role since mid-April. Jacob Latz has earned most of the save chances over the past two months, but he was presumably unavailable Sunday after having pitched both Friday and Saturday.

Hader secured the save Sunday against the Guardians, throwing a clean ninth inning. He struck out two.

Hader made quick work of the Cleveland bats Sunday, firing eight of his nine pitches for strikes. After missing the first two months of the season with left biceps tendinitis, the hard-throwing left-hander has been dominant in his return to Houston's closer role. Hader boasts a 1.13 ERA, 0.38 WHIP and 13:1 K:BB over eight frames while converting all five of his save chances.

Teng (4-6) earned the win Sunday against Cleveland, allowing one run on four hits and one walk in six innings. He struck out four.

Teng delivered one of his finest starts of the year, tying a season high in innings in his second quality start. The 27-year-old right-hander is still settling into his transition in Houston's rotation, logging a 5.13 ERA, 1.51 WHIP and 42:20 K:BB across 40.1 innings as a starter this year. Given that he sports a 1.80 ERA, 0.85 WHIP and 20:7 K:BB over 20 frames as a reliever, Teng could revert back to the bullpen once Cristian Javier (elbow) is ready to return to action.