MLB Player News

Munoz picked up the save in Sunday's 3-1 victory over the Red Sox. He allowed a hit and no walks while striking out two over a scoreless inning.

Munoz had little trouble finishing off the Red Sox, working past a one-out single from Mickey Gasper by striking out Willson Contreras and Jarren Duran to secure his 13th save of the season. It has been an uneven campaign for the well-regarded closer, as he owns a 5.27 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 41:13 K:BB with five blown saves across 27.1 innings (30 appearances). Munoz has gotten the job done of late, though, converting a save in each of his three most recent outings with no runs allowed.

Backhus (elbow) is expected to be activated from the 15-day injured list Monday, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Backhus will make his return to the major-league roster after missing nearly two months of action while nursing left elbow inflammation. The southpaw made five appearances with Triple-A Lehigh Valley during his minor-league rehab assignment, tossing 4.2 innings of one-run ball while striking out seven batters. Backhus will provide Philadelphia with another left-handed option out of the bullpen to go with Jose Alvarado and Tim Mayza.

The Phillies optioned Lazar to Triple-A Lehigh Valley following Sunday's 6-2 win over the Mets, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Lazar will return to the Triple-A level after he surrendered two runs on three hits while striking out four batters over four innings in three appearances with the Phillies following his call-up Tuesday. Philadelphia is expected to activate left-hander Kyle Backhus (elbow) from the 15-day injured list Monday to take Lazar's spot in the bullpen.

The Phillies designated Wilson for assignment following Sunday's 6-2 win over the Mets, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

After being called up from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Thursday, Wilson made one appearance during his brief stay with Philadelphia, tossing two scoreless innings out of the bullpen. If Wilson ends up going unclaimed off waivers, he'll have the option of sticking around in the Philadelphia organization and reporting back to Triple-A or electing free agency.

Kelly earned the save Sunday against the Nationals, allowing one hit while striking out two in a scoreless ninth inning of the 4-3 win.

With Bryan Baker tossing a scoreless eighth against the heart of Washington's order Sunday, Kelly got the call to protect a one-run lead in the ninth inning of the series finale. The right-hander allowed a leadoff single to Daylen Lile, but Lile was caught stealing between strikeouts of the next two batters, helping Kelly secure his third save of the season. The veteran has been reliable lately, posting scoreless appearances in 23 of his last 25 outings. During that stretch, Kelly has recorded a sparkling 1.33 ERA while collecting 13 holds.

Alvarez did not factor into the decision Sunday against the Rays, allowing one run on four hits while striking out six over four innings.

Alvarez turned in another effective start, with the lone run against him coming in the third inning when Tampa Bay strung together consecutive doubles. The left-hander set a season high with his six punchouts. After tossing 90 pitches in his June 9 start, Alvarez has been limited to under 70 in each of his last two starts. He has yet to complete five innings in any outing, limiting his chances to qualify for wins unless he's working behind an opener. Alvarez owns a 3.34 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 37:12 K:BB across 32.1 innings and is lined up to face Baltimore on the road in his next outing.

Dotel (lat) tossed a bullpen session Saturday, MLB.com reports.

According to general manager Ben Cherington, Dotel's fastball sat around 96 mph during the session, just a couple ticks behind his season-long average (98.2). The Pirates placed Dotel on the 15-day injured list June 13 due to a right lat strain, but he looks on track to avoid an extended absence and could be ready to rejoin the Pittsburgh bullpen by late June.

Bachar earned the save Sunday against the Giants, working a scoreless ninth inning with one walk in a 2-1 victory.

With Pete Fairbanks having recorded a save each of the previous two days, Bachar was entrusted with a one-run lead in the ninth inning Sunday. He successfully closed the door after working around a leadoff walk to Rafael Devers to secure his first save of the season. While he isn't a regular fixture in the ninth inning, Bachar has been one of Miami's steadier relievers lately, allowing just two runs over his last 13 innings. He now owns a 3.02 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 46:16 K:BB across 41.2 innings on the season.

Perkins allowed four runs on four hits and two walks while striking out eight over five innings in a no-decision versus the Angels on Sunday.

Perkins has allowed 15 runs over 18 innings across four starts in June, giving up a total of five home runs. The eight strikeouts were a season high, but not enough to overcome his inability to prevent runs. He's now at a 6.26 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 57:16 K:BB through 46 innings over 21 outings (four starts) this season. Unless the Athletics dip into their pitching depth at Triple-A Las Vegas, Perkins looks set to remain in the rotation for the foreseeable future. He's tentatively lined up to make his next start on the road in a rematch with the Angels.

Bachman pitched a perfect inning to earn the save in Sunday's 9-7 win over the Athletics.

Bachman got the call for the bottom of the ninth inning after the Angels pulled ahead in the top half of the frame. The right-hander needed just 11 pitches (nine strikes) to retire the side. Kirby Yates had pitched the previous two days, and Ryan Zeferjahn tossed 24 pitches Saturday, which explains why Bachman got a rare chance to close. He's worked in a setup role this season, earning 11 holds and two blown saves over 34.2 innings. Bachman also sports a 3.63 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 35:17 K:BB. He had allowed seven runs over his previous two outings, though he had a 13-inning scoreless streak before that.