MLB Player News

Duran earned the save in a win over the Mariners on Wednesday, pitching a perfect ninth inning while striking out one.

Duran entered the game with a 6-3 lead in the top of the ninth and needed nine pitches to record the first out. The right-handed reliever then managed to work his way back from a 3-0 count to retire Jorge Polanco on strikes for the final out of the game. It marked Duran's third save of the season, and he's now pitched a perfect inning in back-to-back appearances. He's also yet to walk a batter or allow a run across five innings.

Sewald wasn't available to pitch Wednesday, when Joe Mantiply picked up the save in a 4-3 win over the Reds, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Fresh off a six-week stay on the injured list due to an oblique injury, Sewald returned Tuesday and threw 15 pitches in his season debut in a non-save situation. He was then bypassed for a save opportunity Wednesday, as manager Torey Lovullo stuck with Kevin Ginkel, then Mantiply after Ginkel allowed a walk and two singles. Lovullo is bringing Sewald back at a measured pace.

Kopech registered a save against the Rays on Wednesday, allowing one hit in one scoreless inning.

Kopech had a relatively easy time closing things out with a three-run lead Wednesday -- though he gave up a one-out infield single, the right-hander got the next batter to ground into a game-ending double play. It was the third save of the season for Kopech, though his most recent save prior to Wednesday came all the way back on April 9. Four different pitchers have notched a save for the White Sox this season, but Kopech appears to be the team's primary closer, as he's the only one among the four with multiple save conversions.

Kimbrel was pulled in the ninth frame of Wednesday's game against the Nationals and was charged with two runs on two walks and a hit over two-thirds of an inning, though he was credited with a hold.

Kimbrel was called upon to protect a two-run, ninth-inning lead and initially appeared set to do so with little trouble, as he retired the first two batters he faced. However, Eddie Rosario then tagged the veteran closer for a solo home run, and Kimbrel followed with two straight walks before he was given the hook. Keegan Akin allowed one of the inherited runners to score, thus sending the game into extra frames. Though Kimbrel was credited with a hold, he was pulled in a save situation in the ninth inning for his second straight outing, so his hold on the closer role for Baltimore could be getting tenuous. Over his past five contests, Kimbrel has blown two saves in addition to being pulled from a save situation on two occasions, and he's allowed six earned runs while posting a 4:7 K:BB across 2.1 innings during that stretch.

Webb earned an extra-innings save against the Nationals on Wednesday, allowing an unearned run on one hit while striking out one batter over one inning.

Usual Baltimore closer Craig Kimbrel was unsteady again Wednesday, as he was pulled with two outs in the ninth inning after giving up a solo homer and a walk. The game ultimately went into extra frames, and Webb was called upon to shut Washington down after the Orioles took a two-run lead in the top of the 12th. Luis Garcia opened the inning for Washington by doubling home the automatic runner, but Webb was able to bounce back by retiring the next three batters to earn a save. Kimbrel's hold on the closer role could be starting to slip given that he's given up six earned runs over his past five outings covering 2.1 frames, but if he does end up getting demoted at some point, Yennier Cano would likely be the favorite to take over the closer role, so Webb doesn't figure to see more than an occasional unpredictable save chance.

Hudson earned the save Wednesday against Miami, striking out one over a perfect inning.

Closer Evan Phillips (hamstring) landed on the injured list Sunday, and it didn't take long for Hudson to step in for the ninth inning. However, it was lefty Alex Vesia who tallied Los Angeles' first save Monday in the wake of the injury. Matchups could dictate which reliever manager Dave Roberts turns to while Phillips is sidelined, which should give Hudson an edge in volume since he's a right-hander.

Suarez earned the save Wednesday against the Cubs, striking out one across a perfect inning.

Suarez advanced to 12-for-12 on save chances this season, putting him in lockstep with Kyle Finnegan for the most saves in baseball. The former has allowed just seven hits on the season, and the lone run charged against him came via a home run back on March 28. Suarez hasn't allowed a hit in 5.2 innings.

Lange (0-2) allowed an unearned run on one hit to take the loss in Wednesday's 5-4, 10-inning contest against the Guardians.

After recording the final out of the ninth inning, Lange had the unenviable task of pitching the bottom of the 10th in a tie game with a runner starting on second base. The righty retired the first batter but then allowed a walk-off hit to Brayan Rocchio. There shouldn't be too much read into the loss, and Lange has pitched well all season, as he's sitting with a stellar 0.64 ERA across 14 innings. Lange should continue to see high-leverage work for the Tigers moving forward, and he could slide back into the closer role at some point if he keeps up the strong play.

McArthur picked up the save Wednesday against the Brewers after a perfect two-thirds of an inning.

The ball was handed to Tyler Duffey for the ninth, but after Duffey walked two batters and gave up a double to Brice Turang, McArthur was forced to step in and close the door. The save snapped McArthur out of a two-game slump in which he allowed five runs (four earned) and was charged with two blown saves and two losses. McArthur now has eight saves on the season, which is tied for the fourth most in the AL.

Wesneski (2-1) allowed three runs on seven hits across six innings to take the loss Wednesday against the Padres. He walked one and struck out three.

Wesneski pitched well enough, logging his second straight quality start in the process, but he got no run support in the 3-0 loss. The righty now has a strong 1.59 ERA overall, though it remains to be seen if he'll stick in the rotation moving forward. Justin Steele (hamstring) just returned from the injured list Monday, and Kyle Hendricks (back) could return in the near future, possibly as soon as May 17 following a rehab start over the weekend. For now, Wesneski is slated to start again Tuesday against Atlanta, but he may shift to a long-relief role after that.