MLB Player News

Erceg picked up a save against the Guardians on Wednesday, striking out one batter in a perfect ninth inning.

Erceg had a rough outing Tuesday, giving up three runs over two-thirds of an inning. Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro went right back to the right-hander in a save situation one day later, and Erceg responded by retiring the side in order on 15 pitches. That bodes well for his chances of continuing as Kansas City's closer despite entering Wednesday amidst a rough stretch during which he went 0-2 with two blown saves while giving up seven runs across two innings over three appearances.

Blalock (1-2) took the loss against Atlanta on Wednesday, allowing four runs on four hits and six walks while striking out two batters over five innings.

All of the runs Blalock allowed came with two outs in the first inning, as Atlanta scored four runs in a span of four batters on a pair of doubles, a walk and a Jarred Kelenic homer. Though Blalock didn't allow any runs in the remainder of his five frames, he also walked a batter in each of those innings and finished with a career-worst six free passes. The rookie right-hander yielded a respectable six runs over 16.2 frames over his first three starts, but in his subsequent two outings he's given up 11 runs (10 earned) in nine frames.

Iglesias earned a save against the Rockies on Wednesday, allowing one walk while striking out two batters in one scoreless inning.

Iglesias had a three-run lead to work with in the ninth frame and had little trouble taking care of business, issuing a harmless two-out walk and retiring the side on 15 pitches. The veteran closer picked up his 30th save of the campaign -- the fifth time he's reached that mark in his career. Iglesias has a shot of reaching his career-high tally of 34 saves, which he posted in both 2019 and 2021.

Yates retired the only batter he faced to earn the save in Wednesday's 10-6 win over the Yankees.

The Rangers didn't look to be in need of their closer at first, but Matt Festa and Grant Anderson struggled in the ninth inning. Yates inherited runners on the corners and two outs after Anderson was struck by a batted ball and had to leave the game. Yates was able to get Giancarlo Stanton on a flyout to end the game, picking up his 26th save of the year in the process. He's converted five straight save chances and added two wins while giving up just one run over his last 6.1 innings. Overall, Yates has a 1.37 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and 75:24 K:BB through 52.2 innings this season.

Suter earned the save in Wednesday's 12-5 win over Houston, allowing one run on three hits over 3.1 innings. He struck out six.

A Jon Singleton solo homer was the extent of the damage done off Suter, as the left-hander recorded the final 10 outs to earn the save in Wednesday's blowout victory. It's the first save of the year for Suter and just the second of his nine-year MLB career. Overall, Suter sports a 3.43 ERA with a 1.11 WHIP and 47:10 K:BB across 57.2 innings in a middle-relief role this season.

Martinez (7-6) earned the win Wednesday against the Astros, allowing four runs (one earned) on six hits and three walks over 5.2 innings. He struck out seven.

Martinez didn't get much help from his defense Wednesday, as three of the runs against him were unearned, though he got more than enough support from his offense in an eventual 12-5 Reds victory. It's the first win since Aug. 5 for Martinez, who'd struggled to a 6.75 ERA in his previous four outings. Overall, his ERA sits at 3.67 on the season with a 1.15 WHIP and 93:17 K:BB across 115.1 innings. Martinez is currently lined up to face Atlanta on the road in his next start.

Anderson was removed from Wednesday's game against the Yankees after getting hit by a comebacker, Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Anderson was able to walk off the field under his own power after getting hit by a 103-mph line drive off the bat of Jazz Chisholm. The severity of the right-hander's injury is unknown, though it's possible the Rangers make him unavailable out of the bullpen for a day or two just to be safe.

Hodge pitched a clean ninth inning in Wednesday's 12-0 win over the Pirates to wrap up a combined no-hitter for the Cubs.

It wasn't a save situation for Hodge, though he still faced plenty of pressure after starter Shota Imanaga and Nate Pearson kept Pittsburgh without a hit through eight innings. Hodge didn't flinch and breezed through the frame on just nine pitches, which has been customary for the young righty all season as he's now sporting a sparkling 1.75 ERA and 0.89 WHIP. Hodge looks locked in as the Cubs' closer for the rest of 2024, and the 23-year-old appears ready to be a fantasy contributor for years to come as well.

Francis (8-4) took the loss Wednesday against the Phillies, allowing three runs on six hits over six innings. He struck out six.

While Francis ultimately took his first loss since Aug. 4, the right-hander turned in another strong effort against the Phillies. Francis allowed a solo home run to Kyle Schwarber in the first inning and a two-run shot to Kody Clemens in the second before holding Philadelphia scoreless over his final four frames. The 28-year-old Francis had allowed just four runs over his previous five starts (34 innings) while posting a stellar 0.38 WHIP in that span. Overall, his ERA sits at 3.72 on the year with a 0.99 WHIP and 81:19 K:BB across 84.2 innings this year. Francis is currently slated to face the Mets at home in his next outing.

Estevez earned the save in Wednesday's 4-2 win over Toronto. He issued one walk while striking out a pair in a scoreless ninth inning.

It's the sixth straight scoreless appearance for Estevez, who's allowed just two hits while striking out six in that span (seven innings). Estevez's ERA is down to a pristine 2.17 with a 0.79 WHIP and 48:9 K:BB across 49.2 innings between the Phillies and Angels this season. He's converted 24 of 28 save chances.