MLB Player News

Hader picked up a save against the Tigers on Tuesday, allowing one hit and striking out one batter in one scoreless inning.

Hader unsurprisingly got the call for the top of the ninth inning with Houston up by two runs. The left-hander allowed a leadoff single to bring the tying run to the plate, but he retired the next three batters he faced to close things out. Hader is now a perfect 3-for-3 in save opportunities this season, and he's yet to give up a run while compiling an 8:1 K:BB over six innings spanning six appearances.

Munoz allowed a hit and struck out one without walking a batter in a scoreless inning to earn the save in Tuesday's 3-1 win over the Orioles.

Munoz recently battled back tightness following a poor outing Sunday versus the Nationals. He was cleared to pitch earlier Tuesday and converted his 11th save of the season with 17 pitches (13 strikes). The right-hander has had a poor season with a 5.68 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 38:11 K:BB through 25.1 innings, which also includes five blown saves. However, his inconsistent performance hasn't cost him the closer job yet, and that's unlikely to change immediately since Matt Brash (lat) landed on the injured list last week. If Munoz hits another rough patch, Jose Ferrer, Gabe Speier or Eduard Bazardo would likely be candidates to challenge for save chances.

Hill earned a save against the Cubs on Tuesday by tossing a perfect ninth inning.

With Colorado up by three runs heading into the bottom of the ninth inning, manager Warren Schaeffer turned to Hill to close things out. The right-hander did so without any drama, setting the side down in order on 12 pitches. It was the first save of Hill's career in his 67th outing, all of which have been out of the bullpen. Hill does have a career-high 11 holds on the campaign, so he's been given more high-leverage duties this year. The back of Colorado's bullpen is highly unsettled, and no pitcher on the squad has more than four saves this season, so it's certainly possible that Hill will get more save chances moving forward given his effectiveness Tuesday.

Criswell was diagnosed with a Grade 1-plus pectoral strain Tuesday, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

Criswell initially landed on the injured list last Tuesday with a shoulder strain, but further testing determined the issue to be in his pec. He's scheduled to undergo another MRI in 3-to-4 weeks, at which point he may be cleared to begin a throwing program. If all goes according to plan, the Mariners expect to activate the 29-year-old reliever sometime around the Aug. 3 trade deadline.

Hiraldo (shoulder) will throw live batting practice Friday, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Hiraldo has slowly been working his way back from right shoulder inflammation, which has sidelined him since early April. The right-hander resumed throwing off a mound in early June, and Friday's session will be a significant step forward if he's able to complete the session unscathed. Hiraldo will likely require multiple outings during a minor-league rehab assignment in order to get back up to speed, but he could return to the major-league roster before the end of the month.

Munoz (back) will be available to pitch in Tuesday's game against Baltimore, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Munoz made an early exit from Sunday's contest due to back tightness, but he's been given a clean bill of health ahead of Tuesday's contest. The 27-year-old has recorded a team-high 10 saves on the season but hasn't been particularly reliable while doing so, logging a 5.92 ERA and 1.44 WHIP across 24.1 innings.

General manager Justin Hollander said Tuesday that Brash was diagnosed with a Grade 1 strain in his right lat, Shannon Drayer of SeattleSports.com reports.

Brash has suffered multiple right lat strains this season, though Hollander noted that his latest injury is in a different spot than the one that kept him out for three weeks in May. He also said that the 28-year-old righty is facing a longer stint on the IL this time around and is likely to return sometime around late July or early August. Until then, Jose Ferrer, Gabe Speier and Eduard Bazardo figure to work more often in high-leverage situations.

Royals manager Matt Quatraro said Tuesday that Ragans remains shut down from throwing while continuing to experience elbow symptoms, and the left-hander will be evaluated by another doctor later this week, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Ragans had a throwing session halted Friday since his arm wasn't feeling great, and it appears there still isn't a clear explanation for what he's currently dealing with. The 28-year-old landed on the injured list in early May due to pitcher's elbow. Ragans' status should be updated within the next few days as he continues to be evaluated.

The Phillies recalled Lazar from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Tuesday.

Lazar has given up four earned runs over five innings at Lehigh Valley since the beginning of June, but he'll end up back in the majors following Brad Keller's (forearm) move to the injured list. The 27-year-old righty has yet to appear in a big-league game this season, though he owns a 4.75 ERA in 55 career innings and will likely be limited to middle relief as long as he's with the Phillies.

The Phillies placed Keller on the 15-day injured list Tuesday, retroactive to Sunday, with right forearm tendinitis.

Keller appears to have picked up his forearm injury following his last outing Saturday in Milwaukee, during which he gave up three earned runs in one inning out of the bullpen. He'll now spend at least the next couple of weeks on the shelf, and Max Lazar will come up from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to fill the vacancy in Philadelphia's bullpen.