MLB Player News

Ferguson earned a hold against San Francisco on Saturday, allowing one hit and one walk while striking out one batter in one scoreless inning.

Ferguson has yet to allow a run over 11.1 innings this season, but he found himself in danger Saturday as a result of allowing a walk and a single with two outs. However, the lefty reliever got Joey Bart to line out to center field, keeping the scoreless streak intact. The hold was his fifth of the campaign and his second since returning from the injured list July 6.

Alvarado (3-2) took the loss in Saturday's game against the Cubs, allowing five runs (three earned) on two hits while striking out one and walking none over one-third of an inning.

Alvarado was called in to pitch in the 10th inning of a tied game, and he took the loss after allowing four runs to cross the plate on a fielder's choice, a single and a fielding error. His ERA ballooned from 4.39 to 5.33 in the contest, though he has a 3.86 ERA in July.

Robertson (3-0) earned the win Saturday against the Phillies, allowing no runs on no hits while striking out one and walking none across one inning.

Robertson, Chicago's primary closer, was called in for the ninth inning during a tied game. He sent down Philadelphia's 4-5-6 hitters and was granted the win after the Cubs took the lead in the 10th. It was Robertson's third win of the year. He has 13 saves and five blown saves, but he continues to be the clear closer with Rowan Wick having four saves and no other Cubs reliever having more than one.

Barnes (shoulder) allowed two hits and one walk while striking out two over two-thirds of an inning for Triple-A Worcester on Friday.

Barnes was feeling good Saturday following the appearance, according to Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican. "At least stuff-wise, it was good," Boston manager Alex Cora said about Barnes, adding the righty's fastball was at 94-95 mph. "Physically, he was good. So that's a good sign." This was Barnes' fourth rehab outing after making three appearances for the club's rookie-level affiliate in the Florida Complex League.

Abreu picked up the save in Saturday's 3-1 victory over the Mariners, striking out one batter in a perfect inning.

Abreu earned his first save of the season in Saturday's contest. Ryne Stanek and Hector Neris had each pitched in the previous two games with Ryan Pressly on the paternity list, opening the door for Abreu to pick up a save. Pressly is likely to resume his closer duties upon his return, meaning Abreu should return to a mid-to-late-inning relief role.

Romano picked up the save Saturday against the Red Sox, striking out one batter over 1.1 perfect innings.

Romano was called in to pick up a multi-inning save Saturday. It was the second time he has done that this year. The righty reliever needed 18 pitches to get the four outs, giving him his 21st save this season and fourth this month. Romano has a firm grasp on the closer role in Toronto with just three blown saves and a 2.55 ERA this season.

Rogers earned a save against the Mets on Saturday, allowing one run on two hits and one walk while striking out one batter over one inning.

It was hardly a clean outing for Rogers -- he was the only Padres pitcher to surrender a run in the game, and he allowed New York to put the tying run on third base -- but the left-hander nonetheless emerged with his second save in as many days. He's successfully converted each of his past five save opportunities despite giving up three runs over five innings during that span. Rogers leads the majors with 28 saves on the season.

Bednar earned a save against the Marlins on Saturday, allowing one walk and striking out two batters in one scoreless inning.

A sixth-inning run gave Pittsburgh a 1-0 lead heading into the ninth frame, and Bednar was summoned to preserve the shutout. He issued a one-out walk but managed to keep Miami off the scoreboard. Bednar yielded five runs (four earned) and blew a save in his final 3.2 innings prior to the All-Star break, but his grip on the closer role in Pittsburgh appears to be secure. He's racked up 17 saves on the campaign, sixth-most in the National League.

Hearn registered a no-decision during Saturday's 3-1 loss to Oakland, allowing three hits and one walk with three strikeouts in 3.1 scoreless innings.

Hearn entered in the second inning following opener Matt Bush and navigated three successful frames before departing in the fifth with two on and one out. Reliever Dennis Santana escaped the jam with a double play to give Hearn his second scoreless outing in his last three appearances. Since being shifted to the bulk role, the 27-year-old has surrendered four runs (two earned) and 13 baserunners with 11 strikeouts in 11.1 innings across three appearances.

Stephan (4-3) earned the win in Game 1 of Saturday's doubleheader versus the White Sox. He allowed four hits and struck out two without allowing a run in 1.1 innings.

Stephan was a little shaky, but he got the Guardians out of trouble in the seventh inning and gave up only one hit in the eighth before the offense took over in the ninth. In his last five appearances, he's allowed six hits and struck out nine over 6.2 scoreless innings. The right-hander has a steady 2.70 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 41:9 K:BB with two saves, five holds and a blown save in 36.2 innings overall.