MLB Player News

Holmes struck out two in a perfect ninth inning Friday to record his sixth save of the season in a 2-0 win over the Rays.

The right-hander continues to dominate, as Holmes reeled off his 22nd straight scoreless appearance. With Aroldis Chapman (Achilles) lacking a timetable for his return, Holmes will continue to fill the closer's role for the Yankees, a job he should have no trouble thriving in given his 0.36 ERA, 0.69 WHIP and 26:2 K:BB through 24.2 innings.

Diaz gave up a hit and struck out three in a scoreless ninth inning Friday to record his 11th save of the season in an 8-6 win over the Phillies.

The closer has been erratic over the last week or so, blowing two of his last four save chances, but Diaz was in top form Friday. He'll take a 2.75 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and career-best 45.7 percent strikeout rate through 19.2 innings into his next appearance.

Strahm (2-2) took the loss after blowing a save during Friday's 12-8 defeat against Baltimore. He gave up four runs (three earned) on five hits with one strikeout and zero walks in one-third of an inning.

Strahm entered with two outs during the eighth inning and was charged with blown save after giving up an unearned run on a double, a single and an error. The lefty returned for the ninth and was pulled after allowing three singles to open the frame, all of which came around to score. Strahm entered with a 1.88 ERA for the season and hadn't allowed a run since April 25, but the poor performance ballooned his ERA up to 3.68.

Cano was optioned to Triple-A St. Paul after Friday's game against the Royals, Phil Miller of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Cano allowed two runs on two hits with a strikeout and a walk over two-thirds of an inning during Friday's victory, and he'll now head back to St. Paul. The 28-year-old surrendered 11 earned runs across 7.1 innings for the Twins after being promoted May 11.

Silseth yielded two runs on six hits and two walks over 4.1 innings in Friday's loss to the Blue Jays. He failed to record a strikeout and did not factor in the decision.

For the second straight start, Silseth was bounced during the fifth inning. He gave up a run in each of the second and fifth frames during Friday's loss. The 22-year-old rookie has walked exactly two batters in each of his three MLB starts and he now owns a 10:6 K:BB through 14.2 innings. Silseth is expected to take the mound in Philadelphia next week.

Romano struck out the side and earned a save over the Angels on Friday.

Romano was his usual dominant self Friday, fanning all three batters he faced on just 12 pitches. He's now converted 15 of 17 save chances on the year with a 24:5 K:BB through 18.2 innings. The 29-year-old has given up one unearned run over his last five appearances while lowering his season ERA to 2.41.

Santana struck out one batter in a perfect inning and notched a save over Oakland on Friday.

Santana was given his first save opportunity of the year Friday and finished off the 8-5 with no issue, tossing 10 of 11 pitches for strikes. Primary closer Joe Barlow had thrown 24 pitches over the last two games, which could be the reason Santana was handed this save chance. He lowered his season ERA to 1.93 with one save and six holds through 14 innings. Santana has gone five straight appearances without allowing an earned run.

Hudson allowed five hits and four walks over 4.2 shutout innings in Friday's win over the Brewers. He struck out three and did not factor in the decision.

Hudson wasn't very sharp but he navigated through his fourth scoreless outing of the season. He threw 97 pitches (56 strikes) and failed to complete five innings for the third time in his last four starts. The 27-year-old righty lowered his season ERA to 3.22 with a lackluster 25:23 K:BB through 44.2 innings. Hudson is expected to face the Padres at home next week.

Helsley retired both batters he faced in Friday's win over Milwaukee. He struck out one and recorded a save.

After Kody Whitley coughed up a two-run shot to Keston Hiura, Helsley entered the game to finish off the 4-2 win. He's now thrown 16.1 frames this season without giving up an earned run. Over his last eight appearances, Helsley has registered a strong 15:3 K:BB while converting three of his four save chances.

Bickford was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Friday, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

The right-hander has a 3.45 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 13:3 K:BB over 15.2 innings for the Dodgers this season, but he'll head to Triple-A with Friday's starter, Ryan Pepiot, being promoted to the big-league club. Bickford also pitched well for Los Angeles last year with a 2.81 ERA, so it's only a matter of time before he's back in the majors.