MLB Player News

Johnson gave up a hit and struck out two in a scoreless ninth inning Saturday to record his fifth save of the season in a 5-2 win over the Mets.

Daniel Bard is being eased back into action after returning to the bullpen Wednesday, allowing Johnson to continue serving as the Rockies' closer for the time being. The 31-year-old righty has an 8.10 ERA at home but a 1.35 mark on the road after Saturday's appearance, and he's a perfect 5-for-5 on save chances with a 20:8 K:BB through 13.1 innings. Even if Bard does take back ninth-inning duties in the near future, Johnson should remain in a high-leverage role for Colorado.

Phillips walked one and struck out three to earn the save in Saturday's 2-1 win over the Padres.

Phillips went six days between appearances, but he didn't have much rust. The right-hander extended his scoreless streak to seven innings, and he has two saves and two holds in that span. He's part of the Dodgers' high-leverage mix, and it's important to note that Brusdar Graterol was deployed in the eighth inning, allowing a run while facing the top of the Padres' order. Phillips owns a 2.45 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 15:3 K:BB over 11 innings this season while picking up four saves and two holds.

Alzolay pitched a perfect ninth inning Saturday to record his first save of the season in a 4-2 win over the Marlins.

Brad Boxberger served up a walkoff homer Thursday while Mark Leiter and Michael Fulmer worked the late innings in Friday's victory, so roles at the back of the Cubs' bullpen could be in flux as manager David Ross tries to figure out how best to deploy his top arms. Alzolay has earned his spot in that group with a 2.87 ERA, 0.89 WHIP and 18:3 K:BB through 15.2 innings, and he has a win and four holds through 13 appearances in addition to Saturday's save.

Puk (3-1) blew his first save of the season and took the loss Saturday as the Marlins were downed 4-2 by the Cubs, giving up three runs (two earned) on three hits over one-third of an inning. He struck out one.

The southpaw was victimized by bad luck and bad defense, as Yuli Gurriel committed an error to open the inning before Trey Mancini got credit for a double on a routine fly that Peyton Burdick lost in the sun. Puk has now been tagged for multiple runs in two straight appearances after reeling off a 10-inning scoreless streak, bumping his ERA on the season up to 3.46. However, his 15:3 K:BB through 13 IP remains strong, and he seems to be in little danger of losing his grip on the closer's role for Miami.

Jackson picked up the save Saturday against the Royals. He gave up one hit and one walk while striking out two over one scoreless inning.

Jackson grabbed his first save of the season, taking advantage of Trevor May's (personal) presence on the 15-day injured list and Jeurys Familia recently being designated for assignment. May's rehab assignment was recently paused, making it unclear when he might rejoin the A's. Jackson appears to be Oakland's preferred option at closer for now, but he'll likely remain an unsavory fantasy option considering Saturday's win was just the team's eighth of the year.

Doval picked up the save in Saturday's 4-1 win over Milwaukee. He failed to record a strikeout over a perfect two-thirds of an inning.

Doval picked up his fourth consecutive save, marking his fourth straight appearance without allowing a hit after blowing a save on April 30. After tallying 27 saves last season, Doval is providing plenty of fantasy value through 15 appearances, as he's tied for seventh in MLB with seven saves to go along with a 11.7 K/9.

Diaz picked up the save Saturday against the White Sox. He had no strikeouts over one perfect inning.

Diaz capped off an excellent night from the Cincinnati bullpen, tossing a perfect ninth frame to finish off 5.1 scoreless innings of relief. The 26-year-old has been excellent this season, having allowed a run in only one of his 13 appearances while giving up just four hits over 11 innings and striking out 21 batters. Though Diaz has been a reliable closing option, the Reds have the fourth fewest wins in the National League, meaning save opportunities may come at a premium for Diaz in 2023.

Fleming will serve as a bulk reliever behind opening pitcher Javy Guerra in Sunday's contest versus the Yankees, Ryan Bass of Bally Sports Sun reports.

Fleming will be making his return to the mound following a foot contusion he suffered in his last outing Tuesday against the Pirates, which forced him to exit the contest. The left-hander threw a bullpen session Friday and is expected to be able to handle the bulk of the innings out of the bullpen for Tampa Bay on Sunday. Fleming has appeared in six games this season, including one start, producing a 3.18 ERA and 1.32 WHIP with 14 strikeouts over 22.2 innings.

Guerra will operate as the Rays' opening pitcher for Sunday's matchup with the Yankees, Ryan Bass of Bally Sports Sun reports.

After being acquired via trade from the Brewers on April 29, Guerra served as the team's opener Tuesday versus the Pirates, walking two batters while pitching two-thirds scoreless to begin the contest. He'll now look to make it two straight scoreless outings since returning to Tampa Bay prior to handing the ball off to Josh Fleming as the Rays go for the series win Sunday. Guerra owns an 8.00 ERA and 2.33 WHIP with five strikeouts over nine innings in nine appearances this season with the Brewers and Rays, though his numbers are inflated by the five runs he allowed to the Pirates over 1.2 innings on April 23.

Helsley was unavailable to pitch Saturday due to knee soreness, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Helsley was noticeably absent from the mound in Saturday's 6-5 extra-inning loss to the Tigers. According to manager Oli Marmol, the right-hander is dealing with knee pain, which is not considered to be serious. The team is hopeful that Helsley will be able to go in Sunday's series finale with Detroit.