MLB Player News

Phillips earned a hold against the White Sox on Monday, allowing one hit in a scoreless inning of work.

It was somewhat surprising to see Phillips -- who is the Dodgers' primary closer -- used in the eighth frame, but there was plenty of sense behind the move given that the White Sox were bringing up the heart of their order. Phillips got through the inning unscathed despite allowing a one-out double to Luis Robert, and Alex Vesia earned his fourth save with a clean frame in the ninth. Phillips' usage Monday suggests that manager Dave Roberts isn't opposed to using him before the ninth inning in the highest-leverage situations, but the right-hander should still receive the vast majority of save chances for Los Angeles. He's been one of the most reliable closers in baseball this year with a perfect 12-for-12 mark in save opportunities along with a 1.66 ERA and 1.02 WHIP.

Vesia struck out one batter in a perfect ninth inning to earn the save against the White Sox on Monday.

In a somewhat surprising move, the Dodgers deployed primary closer Evan Phillips to face the heart of Chicago's order in the eighth inning. That left closing duties to Vesia, who needed just 10 pitches to slam the door on the White Sox and earn his fourth save. Monday's usage suggests that manager Dave Roberts isn't opposed to having Phillips handle the highest-leverage situations even when they come before the ninth frame, and Vesia may be the likeliest option to close in such instances. Nonetheless, Phillips is still likely to get the vast majority of save opportunities, so fantasy managers shouldn't bank on many more saves from Vesia moving forward.

Munoz was charged with a blown save Monday against Tampa Bay, allowing one hit and one walk with one strikeout in one-third of an inning.

Munoz entered the game in the bottom of the eighth inning with two outs and runners on second and third. He walked Jose Caballero before allowing a two-run single to Yandy Diaz, giving the Rays a 4-3 lead. While Munoz blew the save, it is encouraging that he was called upon for the high-leverage situation over fellow closer Ryne Stanek, who pitched a scoreless seventh inning. The Mariners closer situation should still be considered a committee moving forward, with Munoz offering the most upside. Despite blowing the save, the 25-year-old has been dominant this season, compiling a 1.41 ERA, a 1.00 WHIP and a 43:11 K:BB over 32 innings, converting 13-of-15 save opportunities with six holds.

Spiers (1-1) yielded three runs on seven hits and a walk over six innings Monday, striking out five and earning a win over the Pirates.

Spiers coughed up a run in the third inning and two more in the fifth. He's given up seven runs in 12 innings during his two starts this season, both of which came against Pittsburgh. He's sporting a 3.45 ERA with a 25:6 K:BB through 31.1 frames this season. Spiers is currently in line for a start in St. Louis this weekend.

Fairbanks earned his 12th save of the season Monday against Seattle, striking out two batters in a perfect ninth inning.

Fairbanks picked up his second save in as many days, totaling three strikeouts while not allowing a single baserunner. The 30-year-old has pitched well in the month of June, going 7-for-8 in save chances with a 2.31 ERA, a 0.89 WHIP and an 11:2 K:BB in 11.2 innings.

Barlow struck out the side in the ninth inning of Monday's win against Baltimore, logging his second save of the season.

With closer Emmanuel Clase pitching the previous two days for Cleveland, Barlow was called upon in the ninth to preserve a one-run lead. The 31-year-old made the most of his opportunity, but he will see few save chances while Emmanuel Clase his healthy. Barlow owns a 3.66 ERA, a 1.31 WHIP and a 44:17 K:BB over 32 innings this season, adding 16 holds and two saves.

Jansen (3-1) allowed a hit in a scoreless inning Monday. He struck out one and earned a win over Toronto.

Jansen worked a quick ninth inning, needing only 10 pitches to keep the game tied 6-6. Boston won the game in the bottom of the frame and gave him his second win of the month. Jansen is 2-0 with eight saves and a 0.77 ERA over his last 11 appearances.

Santana left Monday's game against the Reds after being hit by a line drive and has been diagnosed with a right arm contusion.

Santana was unable to continue after being struck on his pitching arm, but he appears to have avoided a significant injury. He'll be considered day-to-day moving forward.

The Brewers outrighted Hernandez to Triple-A Nashville on Monday.

Hernandez was designated for assignment Wednesday following a rough outing against the Angels, surrendering two runs on two hits while striking out one and recording one out. He'll accept an assignment to Milwaukee's top minor-league affiliate after failing to draw interest on waivers.

Almonte suffered a setback in his ramp-up from a strained right shoulder, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

Almonte and the Cubs have been forced to "press pause" on his recovery, according to manager Craig Counsell. The team is expected to seek another opinion on the right-hander's shoulder and his status moving forward appears to be up in the air for the time being.