MLB Player News

Fairbanks gave up a hit and struck out two over 1.1 scoreless innings Tuesday to record his seventh save of the season in the first game of a doubleheader against the Blue Jays.

After Shawn Armstrong gave up a couple runs in the eighth inning to make the score 4-2 and ruin Tampa Bay's combined shutout bid, Fairbanks got the call to squash the rally and notch the save. All seven of the right-hander's saves have come since the All-Star break, and he sports an eye-popping 0.95 ERA, 0.63 WHIP and 28:2 K:BB through 19 innings in the second half while also chipping in five holds.

Underwood walked one in a scoreless ninth inning during the second game of Tuesday's doubleheader to record his first save of the season in a 1-0 win over the Reds.

The 28-year-old righty came into the season with zero career saves over 114 appearances in the majors, but Underwood got the call in Tuesday's nightcap as the Pirates continue to mix and match in high-leverage spots. With David Bednar (back) closing in on his return, however, Underwood likely won't get another save chance. His 4.41 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 43:22 K:BB through 49 innings on the year don't make a strong case for one, either.

Melancon allowed one hit and two walks while striking out one over a scoreless ninth inning in Tuesday's 4-0 loss to the Dodgers.

Melancon retired the first two batters before loading the bases on a single and two walks but escaped the jam. It was the eighth consecutive outing that the former closer entered in a non-save situation. Melancon has a 5.56 ERA with three saves, eight strikeouts and eight walks over 11.1 innings (13 appearances) since manager Torey Lovullo moved to a closer-by-committee in early August. Ian Kennedy had solidified the role for a spell, but he's had issues of late (32.40 ERA last three outings), which prompted the manager to describe his closer situation as "fluid."

Junis (4-6) took the loss during Tuesday's 5-1 defeat to Atlanta, allowing four runs on seven hits and one walk with five strikeouts in five innings.

Junis was spotted a lead in the first inning but Atlanta got to him soon thereafter, plating four runs on six baserunners combined in the second and third innings. The 29-year-old fired 60 of 92 pitches for strikes with nine of the swinging variety while allowing more than three runs for the second time in four turns. During the stretch, Junis has pitched to a 6.41 ERA while recording 16 strikeouts in 19.2 innings -- amassing an 0-3 record. He carries a 4.15 ERA into his next start, currently projected for early next week in Colorado.

Hader saved Tuesday's 2-0 win against the Mariners, allowing one hit while striking out three in a scoreless ninth inning.

It took 24 pitches, but Hader was able to protect a two-run lead while recording three strikeouts in an outing for the first time with San Diego. All four batters the 28-year-old faced reached two-ball counts, though he was still able to make it three straight outings without issuing a free pass. Hader has surrendered one run over his last five appearances while converting all three save chances.

Morris allowed one run on two hits and five walks while striking out four over 3.2 innings in a no-decision versus the Angels on Tuesday.

Morris stretched out to 75 pitches (41 strikes) in this outing, though his command is still lacking. He gave up the Angels' lone run of the game, a Matt Thaiss solo shot in the third inning. Through 9.2 innings, Morris has shown some promise with a 2.79 ERA, but his 9:8 K:BB suggests he's gotten fairly lucky through his first three major-league starts. The right-hander should only face a small workload restriction in his next outing, which is projected for this weekend versus the Twins, but he'll need to get more efficient at finding the strike zone.

Taylor was optioned to Triple-A Sugar Land on Tuesday.

Taylor had been sidelined since June 3, and he will continue to get back in game shape in the minors. Manager Dusty Baker told reporters that Taylor is in consideration for a spot on Houston's postseason roster, and he'll be helped by the fact that he's a southpaw in a bullpen otherwise lacking lefty options. Prior to hitting the injured list, Taylor struggled to a 3.94 ERA, 1.56 WHIP and 9:10 K:BB across 16 innings in the majors.

Garcia cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk on Tuesday, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Garcia will remain in the Orioles' organization after he was designated for assignment Sunday. The right-hander has a 4.50 ERA and 1.38 WHIP through eight innings at the major-league level this year. Since he's not on the 40-man roster anymore, it seems unlikely he'll make his way back to the majors in 2022.

Hendriks pitched a perfect inning to earn the save in Tuesday's 4-2 win over the Rockies.

Hendriks threw just four of nine pitches for strikes, but he got Charlie Blackmon and Brendan Rodgers on groundouts before Randal Grichuk lined out to end the game. Hendriks has thrown three straight scoreless innings to bounce back from a span in which he allowed five runs (four earned) over five innings in late August and early September. The 33-year-old closer is now 33-for-37 in save chances while sporting a 3.18 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 73:13 K:BB through 51 innings this year.

Peralta picked up the save Tuesday against Boston. He allowed no earned runs on one hit and no walks while striking out one over two-thirds of an inning.

Peralta entered the game up 7-4 with one out and two runners on in the 10th inning. He allowed a single and a sacrifice fly to score both inherited runners but struck out Rafael Devers to end the game and record his fourth save of the season and first since Aug. 23. Peralta has been effective for the Yankees, as he owns a 2.41 ERA and 1.00 WHIP through 56 innings this season.