MLB Player News

Brasier allowed three runs on one hit and two walks while striking out one over two-thirds of an inning in Saturday's 8-7 extra-inning win over Cleveland.

Brasier was the most egregious part of a bullpen meltdown and has allowed multiple runs in five of 14 appearances. He survived an offseason bullpen purge, largely because he was a strike thrower, but the right-hander has walked eight in 14 innings and sports an 8.36 ERA. With news that Kenley Jansen (back) is unavailable Sunday, Brasier, who saved a game earlier in April when Jansen was unavailable, could be in line for another opportunity to close.

Jansen will not be available to pitch Sunday due to back tightness, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

Jansen pitched through a back issue that cropped up prior to Saturday's game and was visited by training staff during the ninth inning. "He'll be down tomorrow," Boston manager Alex Cora said. "Hopefully, he'll be back on Monday." If a save situation arises Sunday, Cora could use a returning Chris Martin (shoulder), who's expected to come off the IL before the game, while lefty Richard Bleier and righty John Schreiber are also available. Ryan Brasier, who picked up a save earlier this season, is also an option, but the right-hander threw 21 pitches Saturday and has allowed eight runs over his last 4.2 innings.

Lange recorded his third save of the season in the first game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Orioles, giving up two hits and striking out two in a scoreless ninth inning.

The right-hander made things interesting, as he needed 23 pitches (15 strikes) to protect a 7-4 lead, but Lange eventually struck out Ryan Mountcastle to end the matinee. Lange hasn't been tagged with a run in eight straight appearances, posting a 13:2 K:BB through 8.1 innings over that stretch, and while Jason Foley has also been effective in a high-leverage role for Detroit, Lange appears to be tightening his hold on the closer job.

Bautista recorded his seventh save of the season in the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Tigers, striking out one in a perfect ninth inning.

After seeing his control waver Thursday when he walked three batters and needed 31 pitches to secure his sixth save, Bautista's seventh was a relative breeze as he needed only 10 pitches to carve up Detroit's 6-7-8 hitters. The right-hander is showing he was no one-year wonder after breaking out in 2022, and through 13.2 innings this season he sports a 1.32 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and dominant 43.1 percent strikeout rate.

Graterol picked up a save in Saturday's 1-0 victory over St. Louis. He allowed one hit over one scoreless inning and did not walk a batter.

Graterol has not allowed a run over his last seven appearances. The right-hander appears to be sharing closer duties with Evan Phillips this year. The former Twin has been a dependable option this season, posting a 1.00 WHIP with no blown saves.

Diaz picked up a save against the Athletics on Saturday, striking out all three batters he faced in a perfect ninth inning.

The Reds trailed by a run entering the ninth, but they plated a pair to get the ball in Diaz's hands with a one-run lead. The fireballing closer took over from there, needing 14 pitches to retire the side in order, all on punchouts. Diaz is a perfect 4-for-4 in save opportunities this season, posting a 3.00 ERA, 0.56 WHIP and 19:2 K:BB over nine innings.

Rogers (0-1) gave up two runs on three hits and struck out one over two-thirds of an inning, taking the loss Saturday versus the Padres.

The game was played at altitude in Mexico City, making this a pitcher's worst nightmare. Rogers was the unlucky one who gave up a two-run home run to Manny Machado in the seventh inning, which put the Padres ahead for good. Rogers had allowed just one run over 14.1 innings prior to Saturday, and he has a still-solid 1.80 ERA and 0.80 WHIP with a 13:3 K:BB through 12 appearances this season. He's also picked up a save and three holds as a high-leverage option in the Giants' bullpen.

Williams picked up the save in Saturday's 7-5 win over the Angels. He only faced two batters, allowing one hit before forcing a lineout to end the game.

Williams continues to pitch well for Milwaukee, as he has yet to allow a run across 9.1 innings this year. The right-hander's five saves are tied for fourth in the league, and he also sports a 2-0 record with a 0.86 WHIP and 14:3 K:BB.

Bednar earned a save against the Nationals in the first game of a doubleheader Saturday, striking out two batters in a perfect inning.

Bednar inherited a 6-3 lead in the ninth inning and closed out the contest with ease, striking out two of the three batters he faced and retiring the side on 13 pitches. The 28-year-old picked up his ninth save of the campaign, putting him in a four-way tie for first in the league. Bednar has been as impressive as any reliever in MLB this season, complementing the saves total with a 17:1 K:BB while allowing just one earned run over 13 innings.

Duran (0-1) took the loss Saturday against Kansas City after allowing a run on no hits and three walks during the ninth inning. He had one strikeout.

Duran was unavailable Friday while attending to some immigration matters, but he was back with the club for Saturday's contest and entered for the ninth inning with the game tied 2-2. The right-hander struggled with his command but wasn't hit hard as a sacrifice bunt and wild pitch factored into the run allowed. He's converted five of six save chances and has a 2.61 ERA and 14:6 K:BB in 10.1 innings this year.