MLB Player News

Megill notched a save against the Reds on Saturday, allowing one run on one hit and one walk in one inning.

A trio of Milwaukee pitchers combined to shut out Cincinnati over eight innings before the ball was handed to Megill for the ninth. The right-hander didn't make things easy, issuing a walk and allowing a run-scoring double before getting his first out, but he was ultimately able to slam the door for the save. Megill has been great in his first venture as a closer this season, going 12-for-13 in save tries while posting a 2.25 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 25:6 K:BB over 20 innings. He appears to have a firm grasp on ninth-inning duties for the Brewers, at least until Devin Williams (back) is able to return from the injured list, potentially in the latter half of July.

Wilson (4-3) earned the win over Cincinnati on Saturday, pitching 5.1 scoreless innings during which he allowed three hits and two walks while striking out six batters.

Milwaukee opted to have Jared Koenig open the contest, and he notched two outs before Wilson entered with a runner on first base in the first inning. The right-hander closed that frame successfully, then kept the Reds off the scoreboard for five more innings before turning the game over to the bullpen. Wilson's excellent outing earned him his first victory since May 24. After opening the campaign in the bullpen, Wilson has been bouncing between a traditional starting role and bulk relief lately, and in either capacity he's pitched pretty well, giving up three or fewer earned runs in all but one of his 17 appearances this season.

Estevez struck out two in a perfect ninth inning to earn the save in a 4-3 win over the Giants on Saturday.

Called upon in the ninth inning for the second night in a row, Estevez needed just 12 pitches to secure his 12th save of the season. Estevez has not allowed a baserunner in five June appearances and has now converted six consecutive save opportunities dating back to May 20. On the season, Estevez is 12-for-15 in save chances with a 3.68 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 22:3 K:BB in 22 innings.

Francis (3-2) picked up the win Saturday, allowing four hits over four scoreless relief innings in a 5-0 victory over the Guardians. He struck out two without walking a batter.

The right-hander was the fourth Toronto pitcher into the game, but he handled the bulk-relief role with aplomb, firing 44 of 68 pitches for strikes. Francis has tossed eight scoreless innings over his last two appearances, but with Yariel Rodriguez (back) close to coming off the 15-day injured list, Francis likely won't be in line for a full-time appointment to the rotation. Since a tough beginning to the season as a starter, Francis has posted a 3.06 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 12:4 K:BB through 17.2 innings over his last six outings sandwiched around an IL stint of his own due to forearm tendinitis.

Lange was removed from an appearance at Triple-A Toledo on Friday due to an upper-body injury, Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Lange made the Tigers' Opening Day roster and owned a 4.34 ERA in 18.2 innings before being sent to Toledo. He signaled to the dugout immediately after throwing a pitch Saturday and was grabbing at his side. Lange underwent an MRI on Saturday, and while the Tigers have yet to reveal the results of the test, early indications are that Lange sustained a severe injury.

Pallante (2-3) took the loss Saturday, giving up two runs (one earned) on five hits over 3.1 innings as the Cardinals were downed 5-1 by the Cubs. He struck out four without walking a batter.

The right-hander didn't pitch badly, blanking Chicago through three innings, but Pallante got lifted after 59 pitches (40 strikes) with two runners on base in the fourth and had to watch Chris Roycroft let them both come around to score. Pallante has been effective in three of four outings since moving into the rotation, posting a 3.64 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 15:7 K:BB through 17.1 innings over that stretch. He lines up to make his next start at home next week against the Giants.

Effross (back) has been throwing to live hitters for several weeks and is getting close to kicking off a minor-league rehab assignment, per MLB.com.

Effross underwent Tommy John surgery in October of 2022 and then had back surgery last December. Yankees manager Aaron Boone recently stated that the righty reliever is responding well to his throwing sessions, and it appears that he could begin a rehab stint soon, though Boone didn't indicate an exact date. When Effross is ready to return to the big club, he'll strengthen a bullpen unit that currently ranks third in the majors in team ERA.

Cisnero (shoulder) restarted a throwing program Monday, MLB.com reports.

Cisnero has been out of action since April 27, and he landed on the 10-day injured list due to shoulder discomfort the following day. The right-handed reliever began a throwing program May 17 but was subsequently shut down after experiencing lower-back tightness. Cisnero was eventually transferred to the 60-day injured list, so he's not eligible to return until late June, though there's a good chance he'll remain out longer than that.

Quijada (elbow) threw to hitters in a live bullpen session Tuesday and tossed a live batting practice session Friday, MLB.com reports.

Since taking a pre-planned break from throwing for a week between late May and early June, Quijada has tossed a 25-pitch standard bullpen session along with the pair of sessions against live hitters. He's now nearly 13 months removed from the Tommy John surgery he underwent last season and appears to be doing well in his recovery. If Quijada continues to progress without any setbacks, he could rejoin the Angels bullpen before the All-Star break.

Veneziano was optioned to Triple-A Omaha on Saturday.

Veneziano was called up Thursday but will exit the Royals' active roster without appearing in a game. The left-hander's roster spot will be handed to Austin Nola, who'll provide catching depth for Kansas City in the wake of Salvador Perez's (knee) injury.