MLB Player News

Winckowski allowed an unearned run on three hits and struck out two without walking a batter to earn the save in Wednesday's 7-5 extra-inning win over the Astros.

Winckowski struggled a bit in the 10th inning, but he ultimately limited the damage to a Yainer Diaz RBI single. Kenley Jansen (hamstring) exited the game in the ninth inning after retiring one batter, while top setup men Chris Martin and Garrett Whitlock had pitched earlier in the contest. Winckowski has filled a versatile relief role this year, tallying three saves, 15 holds and four blown saves while posting a 3.06 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 63:20 K:BB over 67.2 innings. The right-hander could see more high-leverage opportunities if Jansen is out for any extended length of time.

Jansen was taken out of Wednesday's game against the Astros due to tightness in his right hamstring, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

After displaying some discomfort on the mound during the ninth inning, Jansen was taken out of the game and is now confirmed to be dealing with a hamstring issue. The severity of Jansen's injury remains unknown, but Boston could refrain from using him out of the bullpen for the next few days at the very least.

Jansen was pulled from Wednesday's game against Houston with an apparent injury, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

Jansen appeared uncomfortable on the mound after getting Jon Singleton to pop out in the ninth inning and was immediately removed by a trainer. The Red Sox will take a look at him and provide more details on what is bothering Jansen, but for now the 35-year-old closer should be considered day-to-day.

Norris signed a minor-league contract with the Guardians on Wednesday.

Three days after electing free agency upon being DFA'd by Cleveland, Norris will return to the Guardians organization as minor-league depth. The 30-year-old lefty turned in decent results during his time in the majors this season with a 3.38 ERA and 1.59 WHIP across 10.2 frames. However, Norris will need to improve upon his 5.60 ERA in Triple-A before he has any chance at being selected back onto the active roster.

Alzolay pitched around a hit and a walk to record a scoreless ninth inning and earn the save Wednesday against the Tigers. He struck out two.

Alzolay was a little shaky for the second straight appearance, though this time he kept the opponent off the board and preserved Chicago's 6-4 win. The righty now has 19 saves this season in 20 chances to go along with a 2.70 ERA. Alzolay has done more than enough to hold onto the closer job the rest of the way as the Cubs fight for a playoff spot.

Thompson (3-5) earned the win Wednesday, allowing two runs on six hits and one walk over five innings against the Pirates. He struck out five.

Thompson plunked Connor Joe in the third inning with the bases loaded to send home the Pirates' first run of the game and later surrendered a solo shot to Ke'Bryan Hayes. Outside of that the lefty was efficient in only his second start of the season and actually struck out four of the first eight batters he faced before going on to log his third win. Thompson has now allowed two earned runs over five innings in both of his first two starts, posting a 10:2 K:BB over that run.

King will serve as the Yankees' opening pitcher for Thursday's game against Washington, Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reports.

King allowed two runs in two innings during his last outing as an opener on Aug. 12 against Miami. He'll presumably stay in Thursday's contest for 2-to-3 innings before turning the game over to the bullpen, with Jhony Brito being the most likely candidate to work in bulk relief.

Walker picked up the save Wednesday against Philadelphia, pitching a third of an inning in an 8-6 victory.

Facing Trea Turner as the potential tying run in the 10th inning, Walker was able to coax a flyout to earn the first save of his major-league career. While he seems unlikely to get regular save chances going forward, Walker's been reliable of late, allowing just one earned run over his last 11 appearances (15.2 innings). The 27-year-old right-hander now sports an impressive 2.14 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 53:13 K:BB across 46.1 innings this season.

Doval blew the save Wednesday, allowing three runs on a hit and two walks without recording an out in an 8-6 win over the Phillies.

Doval walked the first two batters he faced in the ninth inning before Bryce Harper launched a three-run homer to tie the game 5-5. It's been a brutal stretch for Doval, who's now taken four straight blown saves. He's allowed five runs over his last two appearances while recording just one out in that span. Overall, Doval's ERA is up to 3.09 with a 1.14 WHIP and 75:24 K:BB across 55.1 innings. He is 33-for-40 in save chances this season.

Hernandez picked up the save in Wednesday's 4-0 win over Oakland, striking out one over 1.2 scoreless innings.

Hernandez was able to strand the bases loaded after coming on with one out in the eighth inning before closing out the A's in the ninth to earn his third save. The 26-year-old Hernandez has now converted his last two save chances after allowing three runs in his previous two appearances (1.1 innings). He now sports a 4.28 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 73:21 K:BB across 61 innings this season. Hernandez should see the majority of closing chances going forward in Kansas City, though the left-handed Austin Cox could see opportunities as well, depending on matchups.