MLB Player News

Phillips wasn't used in the ninth inning with the Dodgers holding a 4-1 lead over Boston on Friday, and Daniel Hudson instead closed out the contest to earn a save.

Phillips entered Friday having squandered his last two save opportunities and holding a 7.50 ERA over his past six appearances dating back to June 30. He's been seeing more work outside the ninth inning over the past month, though those instances have largely been in high-leverage situations in which Phillips faced the opponent's top hitters. It's important to note, however, that the right-hander has struggled against lefties this season -- they've posted a .961 OPS against him, and all four of the homers Phillips has given up have come against left-handed hitters. That likely explains Phillips' absence in the ninth Friday, as all three of Boston's batters in the frame were lefties. Phillips should still be considered the top closing option for Los Angeles, but it's becoming increasingly clear that other relievers will also get save chances for the team depending on the situation.

The Phillies recalled Marte from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Saturday, Alex Coffey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Although Marte owns a 6.92 ERA and 2.23 WHIP in Triple-A, he's been much more effective in the majors with a 3.31 ERA and 1.35 WHIP through 16.1 frames. He'll now rejoin the Phillies to give their bullpen a fresh arm, taking the place of Michael Mercado.

The Reds recalled Legumina from Triple-A Louisville on Saturday.

Legumina allowed two earned runs in two innings during his lone MLB appearance April 22, though he has fared much better in Triple-A since then, posting a 2.78 ERA and 1.08 WHIP across 32.1 innings. He'll now return to the big leagues as bullpen depth to make up for the loss of Brent Suter (shoulder).

The Reds placed Suter on the 15-day injured list Saturday with a partial tear of his left teres major muscle.

Suter's shoulder forced him to make an early exit from Friday's contest after just seven pitches, and he'll now be held out through the beginning of August at least. Casey Legumina was recalled from Triple-A Louisville in a corresponding move.

Bender (4-2) was credited with the win Friday after giving up one run on one hit in two-thirds of an inning.

The right-hander took over for Edward Cabrera in the top of the fifth with the Marlins ahead 4-2 and wound up being the pitcher of record, despite serving up a double to Jose Iglesias in the sixth ahead of Jeff McNeil's second homer of the night. Bender has been one of the Marlins' most effective relievers over the last couple months, and since the beginning of June he's posted a 1.84 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 13:4 K:BB through 14.2 innings while collecting three wins and three holds in 19 appearances. Should Tanner Scott get dealt ahead of the trade deadline, Bender could find himself in the ninth-inning mix for Miami.

Gaddis allowed a hit in a scoreless inning to earn a hold in Friday's 7-0 win over the Padres.

Gaddis pitched in the eighth inning and protected a one-run lead before the Guardians' offense erupted. This was Gaddis' 20th hold of the season, and he's earned eight of them during a 17-inning scoreless streak dating back to June 7. The right-hander has been a pleasant surprise in his first full year in the bullpen, pitching to a 1.17 ERA, 0.73 WHIP and 44:7 K:BB while adding a 3-2 record in a setup role.

Pearson is away from the team Saturday due to an illness, Mike Wilner of the Toronto Star reports.

Pearson wasn't feeling well when he arrived to the ballpark Saturday, so the Jays sent him home in order to rest. He has already tested negative for COVID-19 and the flu, so he should be viewed as day-to-day going forward.

Foley pitched a clean eighth inning in Friday's 5-4 win over the Blue Jays, with Tyler Holton working the ninth for the save.

After Beau Brieske started the eighth inning by allowing a single, a home run and another single, the Tigers turned to Foley. He managed to retire Vladimir Guerrero, Justin Turner and Leo Jimenez in order to maintain Detroit's lead and ultimately earn a hold. While Foley still sits tentatively atop the team's depth chart at closer, both Holton and Shelby Miller are waiting in the wings as needed.

Scott struck out one in 1.1 perfect innings Friday to record his 15th save of the season in a 6-4 win over the Mets.

The lefty fired 14 of 18 pitches for strikes as he carved up the top of New York's order. Any save for Scott could be his last in a Marlins uniform as trade rumors swirl around the pending free agent, and he's only helped his market value with a 13-appearance scoreless streak that dates back to June 13 -- a stretch in which he's converted all seven of his save chances while giving up only four hits with a 15:5 K:BB in 13.2 innings.

Triple-A Lehigh Valley placed Tarnok on its 7-day injured list July 9 with a right lat strain, Tom Housenick of The Allentown Morning Call reports.

After claiming Tarnok off waivers from Oakland on June 1, Philadelphia optioned him to Lehigh Valley. Tarnok accrued a 4.82 ERA, 1.54 WHIP and 12:4 K:BB in 9.1 innings over five outings (four starts) with Lehigh Valley before being shut down with the injury, which will likely keep him out indefinitely.