MLB Player News

Jansen struck out two in a clean ninth inning to notch the save Monday against the Pirates.

Jansen made quick work of the Pittsburgh bats, dropping seven of his eight pitches into the strike zone Monday. The veteran right-hander is eight saves away from joining the prestigious 500-save club, so he's firmly within striking distance to accomplish that feat in 2026 if he stays healthy the rest of the way. Jansen, who last blew a save May 24 in Baltimore, has a 3.74 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 39:20 K:BB with 16 saves (20 chances) over 33.2 innings.

Cruz threw a clean ninth inning to secure the save Monday against the Athletics.

Cruz continues to establish himself as Kansas City's favorite for saves. The right-hander has successfully converted each of his last five save chances, with each coming since July 22, and he's been scored upon just five times in his last 24 outings. Cruz, who has a 4.08 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 51:18 K:BB over 46.1 innings, should serve as the Royals' closer while the club continues to wait and see if Carlos Estevez (shoulder) will return this season.

Mlodzinski (6-6) took the loss against the Tigers on Monday, allowing four runs on eight hits and one walk in three innings. He struck out three.

The Tigers pounced on Mlodzinski right away, tagging the right-hander for each of his four runs allowed in the first two innings. He's fared poorly since returning to Pittsburgh's rotation, giving up at least four runs while working three innings or fewer in three consecutive starts. Provided he keeps his rotation spot, Mlodzinski won't be a recommended fantasy streamer against the Dodgers his next time out. He has a career-worst 4.03 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 81:36 K:BB over 102.2 innings.

Barnett (1-4) took the loss against the Royals on Monday, allowing six runs on seven hits and four walks in 2.2 innings. He struck out two.

Barnett struggled mightily Monday, landing only 45 of his 83 pitches for strikes in a laborious outing. The right-hander isn't making a strong case to maintain his rotation spot once Jeffrey Springs (hip) returns from the injured list, surrendering three runs or more in four consecutive appearances while failing to log a quality start during that span. Through 40.2 innings, Barnett has a poor 7.08 ERA, 1.62 WHIP and 38:24 K:BB.

Gibson will serve as the Marlins' opening pitcher for Tuesday's game against the Phillies, Daniel Alvarez-Montes of ElExtraBase.com reports.

Gibson will take the ball for the first inning or two before turning the game over to the bullpen. Tuesday had been Tyler Phillips' turn in the rotation, so he'll most likely be called upon to pitch in bulk relief behind Gibson.

Bello (5-6) was credited with the win against Arizona on Monday, allowing one run on three hits and one walk while striking out three across 4.2 innings.

Alec Gamboa served as Boston's opener, recording the first four outs before turning the keys over to Bello in the second inning. Bello allowed two singles in that same frame but escaped without issuing a run, and he kept the Diamondbacks off the board until the fifth inning on a Geraldo Perdomo sacrifice fly. Bello finished his outing having generated six whiffs and six groundouts while tossing 50 of his 76 pitches for strikes. Across 11 bullpen outings, he sports an 0.85 ERA, 0.85 WHIP and 45:7 K:BB over 52.2 innings. The Red Sox appear content with their five-man rotation, but Bello should continue to see work in a bulk-relief role when interim manager Chad Tracy wants to give his starters some extra rest.

Duarte was credited with the save in Monday's 2-1 win over the Padres, striking out two batters in a scoreless ninth inning.

Kodai Senga got the save chance Sunday against the Nationals, so the Mets turned to Duarte to protect the team's one-run lead Monday. Twelve of Duarte's 14 pitches went for strikes, and he started and ended the inning with a punchout. Senga appears to be the Mets' preferred closer while Devin Williams (shoulder) is on the IL, but Duarte could be in the mix for occasional save chances in the interim.

Baker struck out two while allowing one hit and no walks in 1.2 scoreless innings to earn the save Monday against the Orioles.

In a pivotal American League East matchup Monday, the Rays turned to Baker to record more than three outs for the first time this season. The All-Star right-hander continues to be a lights-out closer, last blowing a save May 13 in Toronto. Through 49 innings, Baker boasts a 1.47 ERA, 0.88 WHIP and 55:16 K:BB with an MLB-high 35 saves (38 attempts).

The Royals optioned Cuas to Triple-A Omaha on Monday.

Cuas' latest stint in the majors lasted just under two weeks, with the righty reliever appearing in five games and allowing four hits and two walks over 4.2 scoreless frames. He'll give up his spot on the active roster and in the bullpen to left-hander Connor Thomas, who was recalled from Triple-A.

The Royals recalled Thomas from Triple-A Omaha on Monday.

Kansas City optioned right-hander Jose Cuas to Triple-A to clear a spot in the bullpen for Thomas, who will provide the club with a left-handed option who's capable of covering multiple innings. The 28-year-old has yet to debut for the Royals but has gotten off to a brutal start to his time in the big leagues. Between stops with Milwaukee in 2025 and Atlanta in 2026, Thomas has been rocked for 27 runs -- all earned -- on 27 hits and eight walks in just 11.2 innings over four total relief appearances.