MLB Player News

Swanson gave up a hit and struck out two in the ninth inning Wednesday to record his third save of the season in a 4-1 win over the Orioles.

Jordan Hicks worked the eighth inning against Baltimore's 2-3-4 hitters, suggesting that the recent trade acquisition is viewed as the top high-leverage option by manager John Schneider, but Swanson and Yimi Garcia -- who struck out one in a perfect seventh frame -- are also in the late-inning mix, and all three could see save chances while Jordan Romano (back) is sidelined. For his part, Swanson has been scored upon only once in his last 10 appearances, and on the season he sports a 3.44 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 57:18 K:BB through 49.2 innings with two wins and an MLB-leading 26 holds in addition to his saves.

Kimbrel blew the save in the 10th inning Wednesday during the Phillies' 9-8 loss to the Marlins, giving up two runs (one earned) on two hits.

Kimbrel was far from the only Philadelphia reliever to have trouble putting Miami away after Zack Wheeler exited with a 5-2 lead, as the Phillies' bullpen collectively coughed up seven runs in five-plus innings. Both of Kimbrel's blown saves on the season have come since the All-Star break, and over his last 10 innings he has a tepid 8:4 K:BB despite a superficially strong 2.70 ERA and 1.00 WHIP. Gregory Soto got the nod in the ninth inning Wednesday and was also charged with a blown save, and he could keep working his way into the closer mix as long as Kimbrel continues to show signs of fading.

Holton picked up the save in Wednesday's 6-3 win over the Pirates by striking out the only batter he faced.

Holton entered the game with two outs in the bottom of the ninth as the Pirates tried to mount a late comeback, down three with the bases loaded. After getting down to a full count, the lefty then managed to strike out Ke'Bryan Hayes looking on a changeup to slam the door on Pittsburgh and record his first save of the season. It was a nice bounceback effort for Holton after blowing a save in his last appearance, and he's now recorded at least one strikeout in four straight outings.

Hudson (2-0) earned the win over Minnesota on Wednesday, allowing three runs on two hits and three walks while striking out seven batters over seven innings.

Hudson has spent most of the season in a long-relief role, but he was moved into the rotation after St. Louis traded starters Jordan Montgomery and Jack Flaherty. Hudson excelled Wednesday, getting through six scoreless frames before Matt Wallner tagged him for a three-run homer in the seventh. The right-handed hurler still managed to complete that inning and finished with a quality start and a victory. Hudson was a starter all of last season, posting a 4.45 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and poor 78:61 K:BB over 139.2 frames while compiling an 8-7 record.

Harris (2-6) allowed eight runs on nine hits and three walks while striking out two over three innings to take the loss Wednesday versus the Dodgers.

Harris turned in one of his worst outings of the year, giving up a season-high three home runs in the rough start. He's lost six of his last eight appearances, and with the Athletics among the worst teams in the majors, he can't rely on much support from his offense even when he's on his game. Harris is now at a 6.98 ERA, 1.48 WHIP and 51:26 K:BB through 59.1 innings this season. He's tentatively lined up for another challenging start at home versus the Rangers next week.

Doval pitched a perfect inning to earn the save in Wednesday's 4-2 win over the Diamondbacks.

Doval was efficient, throwing eight pitches (six strikes) in the outing. He's tossed three scoreless innings over the last four days, which brings into question his availability for a potential save situation in Thursday's day game. Doval is 32-for-35 in save chances with a 2.52 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 67:19 K:BB through 50 innings as one of the top closers in the majors.

Alexander will start Thursday's game against Arizona, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Alexander has fallen into a somewhat regular role as an opener recently, as Thursday will mark his third start since July 24. The 34-year-old lefty holds a solid 3.13 ERA and 0.98 WHIP through 31.2 innings on the year but will likely only remain on the mound for an inning or two.

The Dodgers designated Miller for assignment Wednesday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Miller gave up two runs over two innings during his lone appearance with the Dodgers. He's fared much better in Triple-A this season with a 3.45 ERA and 1.40 WHIP through 28.2 frames, giving him a chance to be claimed off waivers by another club looking for bullpen depth.

The Reds recalled Duarte from Triple-A Louisville on Wednesday.

With Ben Lively (pectoral) landing on the injured list Wednesday, Duarte will come up from Triple-A one day after being demoted to clear a spot for Sam Moll. The 26-year-old righty has been unimpressive in middle relief, putting up a 4.30 ERA and 1.57 WHIP through 14.2 innings in the majors this season.

Pressly picked up the save Wednesday against the Guardians, striking out two in a scoreless inning.

Pressly now has saves in two of Houston's last three outings. He's delivered a pair of perfect innings after struggling to a 7.71 ERA in his previous seven innings. The 34-year-old right-hander is now 26-for-30 in save chances this season with a 3.10 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 53:9 K:BB across 49.1 innings.