MLB Player News

Stanek (2-1) was charged with the loss and a blown save Friday against the Twins after allowing three runs on three hits (all home runs) across 1.1 innings. He struck out one.

Stanek had given up just two home runs over 29 outings and 26 innings this season prior to Friday, but he was taken deep by Kody Clemens, Royce Lewis and Brooks Lee. Clemens was the first batter he faced with two outs and two men on base in the seventh inning, and the Minnesota utility man launched his 10th homer of the season to tie the game. Stanek never regained his composure, allowing solo shots to Lewis and Lee in the eighth frame. Despite this subpar outing, Stanek should continue to be a late-inning option for the Cardinals. He owns a 5.60 ERA but has 11 holds, although he's also gone 1-for-3 in save chances, so ninth-inning duties probably aren't on the horizon for him.

Pearson (1-0) earned the win Friday against the Royals with two scoreless innings. He allowed one hit and struck out one.

Pearson did a good job finding the strike zone with 13 strikes on 15 pitches, and he made quick work of the seven batters he faced despite allowing a single to Salvador Perez in the sixth inning. Pearson hasn't allowed any runs in six of his seven outings this season and figures to continue as a middle reliever for Houston. He owns a 3.12 ERA across 8.2 innings and seven outings so far.

Avila (1-3) was tagged with the loss Friday against the Astros after allowing eight runs on five hits, including two home runs, and three walks over two-thirds of an inning.

Avila gave up two home runs to star slugger Yordan Alvarez while being responsible for eight of the nine runs the Astros scored in the first inning. This was a step in the wrong direction for Avila, who was coming off back-to-back starts in which he'd allowed just one run over five frames. Avila, who carries a 7.02 ERA over his last five starts, is slated to make his next start on the road against the Nationals.

Hader recorded his second save of the season while pitching a perfect inning in Friday's 10-8 win over the Royals. He didn't record a strikeout.

Hader has gone 2-for-2 in save chances this season, and he looks as dominant as ever despite not making his season debut until June 3 following a left shoulder strain that kept him sidelined for the first two-plus months of the campaign. Hader owns a 7:1 K:BB in five appearances in 2026 and has yet to allow a run or a hit.

Morris earned his second save of the season in Friday's 9-8 win over the Cardinals by pitching a perfect ninth inning. He didn't record a strikeout.

Yoendrys Gomez has recorded three of the Twins' prior four saves, but it was Morris who pitched the ninth inning Friday and got the job done on just nine pitches (six strikes). It was Morris' second save of the season, and he also snapped a run of three straight outings allowing at least one run.

Pagan (hamstring) is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Saturday, MLB.com reports.

This is expected to be a check-in for Pagan to see how much healing has taken place. The Reds really need their closer back, as the bullpen lost another game Friday. Pending the results of the MRI, Pagan could begin a rehab assignment next week.

Varland picked up the save Friday against the Yankees, striking out two over a perfect ninth inning.

The right-hander saw a streak of 18 straight outings without giving up an earned run come to an end during his previous appearance Tuesday, but he bounced back Friday by throwing 12 of 16 pitches for strikes and securing his 12 save of the year. Varland retains a firm grip on Toronto's closer role with a 0.49 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 48:10 K:BB over 36.2 innings.

Williams picked up the save Friday against Atlanta. He allowed two hits and no walks while striking out two and was not charged with a run over 1.1 innings.

The veteran closer was called upon with two outs and runners on second and third in the eighth inning and allowed an inherited runner to score on an infield single, but he then induced a flyout and returned for the ninth to finish off his second save in as many days. Williams has given up just one run with a 12:4 K:BB across his past six appearances and has been scored upon just twice in his past 17 outings dating back to April 26. His 5.01 ERA and 1.50 WHIP remain inflated, but Williams has still secured 10 of 11 save chances and has a 14.3 K/9 across 23.1 innings this year.

Agnos (0-2) allowed four runs (three earned) on five hits, two walks and a hit batsman while striking out two over 2.2 innings of relief, taking the loss Friday versus the Athletics.

Agnos returned to the bullpen after making a start versus the Brewers last Saturday. The 25-year-old was responsible for the Athletics' two-run frames in the sixth and eighth innings. With a 7.80 ERA, 1.66 WHIP and 30:18 K:BB through 42.2 innings over 18 appearances (two starts), Agnos probably won't get many more chances to start. Sean Sullivan was called up Friday to make his big-league debut and tossed three scoreless innings before leaving the game due to an illness, but the last spot in the Rockies' rotation will likely go to Sullivan until Tanner Gordon (hip) is ready to return.

Harris struck out two over 1.1 perfect innings to earn the save in Friday's 6-4 win over the Rockies.

Harris took a blown save Monday versus the Brewers but bounced back to earn a hold Wednesday. He was able to get a save Friday with a sharp performance, his first clean outing since June 3. On the year, Harris has a 2.67 ERA, 1.49 WHIP and 39:23 K:BB while adding six saves and 10 holds. His high-leverage role isn't in doubt, but the Athletics have used three different pitchers to get saves just this week. Harris' six saves lead the team, two ahead of Mark Leiter, who hasn't earned one since May 21.