MLB Player News

Puk gave up a hit and struck out the side in a scoreless ninth inning during Wednesday's 6-1 win over the Royals.

The Marlins erased a save opportunity by scoring three insurance runs in the bottom of the eighth inning, but with Puk already warmed up, manager Skip Schumaker elected to stick with his closer for the top of the ninth. It was the southpaw's first appearance since coming off the injured list Tuesday, and it looks like he'll immediately bump Dylan Floro back to setup duty despite being sidelined for nearly a month. Puk sports a 2.87 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and impressive 22:3 K:BB through 15.2 innings on the season.

Minter earned a save over the Mets on Wednesday, striking out one batter in a perfect inning.

Minter worked as Atlanta's closer early in the campaign, but coming into Wednesday he hadn't picked up a save in over a month. However, Raisel Iglesias had pitched on three of the past four days, so Minter was summoned from the bullpen to protect a 7-5 lead in the ninth inning. The southpaw needed just 10 pitches to retire all three batters he faced and close out the contest. Minter hasn't given up a run over his past six outings, but he's not likely to see many more save chances with Iglesias in firm control of the team's closer role.

Barria allowed two runs on three hits and a walk while striking out three over five innings in a no-decision versus the Cubs on Wednesday.

Barria struggled in the fifth inning, when he allowed both runs and all three hits, but he escaped trouble with a double play. Across his three starts, Barria's allowed three runs, nine hits and four walks with 15 strikeouts in 15 innings. The right-hander has been effective regardless of role with a 1.85 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 37:12 K:BB through 39 innings through 14 appearances this season. He worked up to 76 pitches (50 strikes) Wednesday, so he's getting closer to a full workload. Barria's projected for a difficult road start in Texas next week.

Rogers (2-2) allowed a hit and a walk while striking out three over a scoreless inning to earn the win Wednesday over the Rockies.

Rogers made things interesting but kept the Giants within a run in the seventh inning. He's pitched 6.1 consecutive scoreless innings, and he's given up just one run in his last 18 appearances. The southpaw got off to a rough start in 2023, but he's recovered to a 3.54 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 25:11 K:BB through 20.1 innings while adding a save and three holds in 24 appearances. He should continue to feature as part of the bridge to closer Camilo Doval.

Doval struck out one in a perfect inning to earn the save in Wednesday's 5-4 win over the Rockies.

Doval's last two appearances came in non-save situations. He was able lock down his 15th save of the campaign with just 12 pitches. He's converted all 12 of his save chances since the start of May, and the Giants' improved play in recent weeks has allowed him to get more looks. For the season, the hard-throwing righty has a 2.03 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 40:10 K:BB over 26.2 innings.

Hicks (1-3) allowed a hit and struck out one in a scoreless inning to earn the win Wednesday over the Rangers.

Since a three-run blow-up versus the Tigers on May 5, Hicks has been excellent with 12.1 scoreless innings with an 18:4 K:BB. He was able to get the win in a 1-0 contest Wednesday, keeping the game scoreless in the seventh inning before Alec Burleson put the Cardinals ahead in the eighth. Hicks is now at a 3.91 ERA, 1.54 WHIP and 40:18 K:BB through 25.1 innings overall, but his recent work has helped him reclaim some work in high-leverage spots. He's added five holds and two blown saves in 24 appearances.

Helsley struck out two in a perfect inning to earn the save in Wednesday's 1-0 win over the Rangers.

Helsley's had a couple of stumbles this season, but he's avoided prolonged slumps. This was his third clean outing in his last four. The right-hander is 7-for-11 in save chances with two holds, a 3.24 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 33:11 K:BB over 25 innings this season. Helsley continues to share the closer role with Giovanny Gallegos, who tossed a perfect eighth inning for a hold against the middle of the Rangers' lineup while Helsley was used against the bottom of the order Wednesday.

The Cubs recalled Rucker from Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Rucker will rejoin the Cubs' bullpen following the placement of Edwin Rios (undisclosed) on the 10-day injured list. Rucker was enjoying a strong start to the season with Chicago but gave up 10 earned runs in 8.1 innings over his last four appearances, leading to his demotion May 28. Now that he's back, Rucker will likely return to a multi-inning relief role.

Fairbanks (hip) will begin a rehab assignment with the Rays' Florida Complex League affiliate Friday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

If he comes out of that appearance well, it's possible Fairbanks will be activated from the injured list when first eligible next Monday. The closer went on the IL at the beginning of last week with left hip inflammation. He's been limited to 13 outings this season because of forearm and hip injuries.

Banks is expected to be recalled to serve as the 27th man for the White Sox in Thursday's doubleheader versus the Yankees, James Fegan of The Athletic reports.

Banks holds a 3.38 ERA in four appearances with the White Sox this season and a 3.13 ERA and 30:3 K:BB across 23 relief innings with Triple-A Charlotte. He'll offer the club a bullpen arm capable of going multiple frames.