MLB Player News

Puk picked up the save in Friday's 6-5 victory over the Tigers, allowing one run on two hits while striking out three over one inning. He didn't record a walk.

Puk allowed two hits and a run before ultimately earning his 16th save by striking out the side in the ninth. The left-hander had secured just one of his last four save chances and had given up nine runs over his last seven outings (6.1 innings), so while Friday's performance wasn't perfect, it was still a step in the right direction. Despite the bounce-back night, Puk is likely out of the closer role moving forward, as Miami made a splash ahead of the trade deadline by acquiring veteran closer David Robertson from the Mets.

Kimbrel picked up the save Friday against Pittsburgh, allowing one walk over a scoreless ninth inning. He didn't record a strikeout.

Kimbrel blew a save and suffered a loss this week, but he's bounced back with two straight scoreless outings. Thursday's performance wasn't perfect, as the right-hander walked just his second batter over his past six appearances, but Kimbrel still got the job done and is now 17-for-18 in save chances this season with a 3.27 ERA and 64:18 K:BB.

Duran (2-5) took the blown save and the loss Friday against Kansas City. He allowed two walks and a walk-off grand slam to Bobby Witt after retiring the first batter he faced in the 10th inning.

This was one to forget for the normally reliable Duran. It marked just his second time allowing multiple earned runs through 38 appearances this season. Given how well he's pitched overall (2.66 ERA, 1.11 WHIP), it seems likely that this will end up being just a blip for Minnesota's primary closer.

Diaz earned the save in Friday's 6-5 win over the Dodgers, pitching 1.1 innings without putting a runner on base. He did not strike out or walk a batter.

Diaz was on the mound when James Outman logged a stolen base with two outs in the eighth inning, but that was the only blemish in an otherwise clean performance. This was Diaz's ninth save in July and his 31st of the season. The right-hander continues to pitch well in the closer role, posting a 2.14 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 67:20 K:BB through 46.1 innings this season.

The Red Sox optioned Jacques to Triple-A Worcester after Friday's game, Sean McAdam of The Springfield Republican reports.

Jacques was sent out to make room on the roster for Mauricio Llovera, whom the Red Sox will officially activate Saturday. The left-handed Jacques has pitched to a 4.86 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and 13:2 K:BB in 14 appearances (16.2 innings) since his contract was selected in June.

Jansen struck out two in a perfect inning to earn the save in Friday's 3-2 win over the Giants.

He threw eight of nine pitches for strikes to make tidy work of the Giants' Nos. 5-7 hitters. Jansen has allowed just two hits and two walks during his 5.2-inning scoreless streak, which spans his last seven appearances. The Boston closer is up to 23 saves in 26 chances while maintaining a 2.88 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 41:14 K:BB over 34.1 innings this season.

Walker will serve as the Giants' opening pitcher for Saturday's game against the Red Sox, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

This will be Walker's second turn as an opener this week and seventh this season. He's pitched to an impressive 2.70 ERA so far this season, but Walker will likely go no more than three innings before turning things over to Anthony DeSclafani.

Sewald walked one and struck out one in a scoreless and hitless inning to earn the save in Friday's 5-2 win over the Diamondbacks.

Sewald had allowed a run in back-to-back outings entering Friday, something that's only happened twice to him this season. The right-hander responded with a steady appearance to pick up his 21st save in 24 chances. He's maintained a 2.93 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 60:14 K:BB through 43 innings this season.

Pressly (3-3) took the loss in Friday's 4-3 loss to the Rays. He allowed one run on two hits without a walk or a strikeout over one inning.

Astros manager Dusty Baker turned to his closer in the ninth inning with the game tied 3-3, and Pressly proceeded to put the go-ahead run in scoring position right away on a Jose Siri double. Pressly couldn't strand him and was ultimately stuck with the loss. He's in a bit of a rough patch right now, but provided there is no injury behind his recent struggles, Pressly should remain the top endgamer in Houston.

Fairbanks picked up the save in Friday's 4-3 victory over the Astros. He allowed one walk while striking out one over a scoreless inning.

Fairbanks threw only 10 of his 19 pitches for strikes but got the job done regardless, securing his 13th save in 14 chances. The Rays have famously spread the saves around in recent years, but Fairbanks has emerged as the clear-cut closer this season when healthy. Jason Adam's last save came back on June 14, the day before Fairbanks returned from a stint on the injured list.