MLB Player News

Finnegan struck out one in a perfect eighth inning Wednesday to record his fifth hold of the season in an extra-inning win over the Marlins.

While the right-hander did his job in a setup role, closer Tanner Rainey didn't, coughing up a run that sent the game to extras. Rainey has been tagged for runs in three straight appearances and blown two straight save chances, and if he continues to stumble, Finnegan could get another look in the ninth inning after he rung up 11 saves in 2021. The 30-year-old has had a couple shaky spells himself this season, but he carries a 3.77 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and career bests in strikeout rate (28.1 percent) and walk rate (8.8 percent) through 14.1 innings.

Lopez (4-1) allowed two runs on two hits and no walks while striking out one across two innings to take the loss Wednesday against the Royals.

Lopez entered the game in the sixth inning with the score tied 2-2. He immediately ran into trouble, surrendering a single, a triple and a sacrifice fly to account for the two tallies against him, though he returned for a clean frame in the seventh. Lopez had turned in six straight appearances without an earned run -- spanning 6.1 innings -- prior to Wednesday's loss, also picking up two wins and a hold in that span. For the season, Lopez has a 4.02 ERA with a 1.09 WHIP across 15.2 frames.

Yarbrough is set to serve as a bulk reliever behind opener Jalen Beeks in Friday's game against the Orioles in Baltimore, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Even though Yarbrough has pitched well in his last two starts -- he allowed one run on six hits and four walks in 8.2 innings between the outings -- the 30-year-old has yet to record his first win of the season. Yarbrough would already have been well positioned to factor into the decision if he operated as a traditional starter against the 14-24 Orioles, but the Rays' choice to deploy him behind an opener should only increase his odds of capturing his first win. Beeks is expected to work no more than 2-to-3 innings before giving way to Yarbrough, who could end up pitching the rest of the game if he's able to retire hitters efficiently.

Beeks will serve as the Rays' opening pitcher for Friday's game against the Orioles, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Since he hasn't covered more than two innings in any of his nine relief appearances this season and will be taking the mound on three days' rest, Beeks will likely be pulled from the game before the lineup turns over. Ryan Yarbrough is scheduled to enter the game behind Beeks and serve as a bulk reliever, which could put him in better position than normal to factor into the decision.

Martinez scattered two hits and struck out six over four scoreless innings of relief in Wednesday's 3-0 loss to the Phillies.

The 31-year-old lost his spot in the rotation after Blake Snell returned from a groin injury, but Martinez turned in his best performance of the season in his first relief stint. MacKenzie Gore is also in a similar situation, but if Martinez continues to excel as a long man it might actually hurt his chances of regaining a starting role should one open up, if the Padres decide they don't want to mess with a good thing. On the season, he sports a 3.89 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 36:15 K:BB through 34.2 innings.

Arano worked a perfect 10th inning Wednesday to record his first save of the season in a 5-4 win over the Marlins.

The right-hander didn't walk or strike out anyone and needed only nine pitches (six strikes) to get through the heart of Miami's order. Arano is having a solid comeback this season after not pitching in the majors since 2019, posting a 4.32 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 22:4 K:BB through 16.2 innings with two holds, and he could begin to see more consistent high-leverage work in a Nationals bullpen that remains unsettled.

Rainey (1-1) was charged with his second blown save of the season but picked up the win in Wednesday's 5-4 extra-inning victory over the Marlins, giving up a run on a hit and two walks in one inning of relief. He struck out one.

With the Nationals ahead 4-3 heading into the bottom of the ninth inning, Rainey got the call but quickly loaded the bases with one out before a Jazz Chisholm sacrifice fly tied the game. Rainey has now blown his last two save opportunities and given up runs in three straight appearances after maintaining a 0.00 ERA through his first eight games. On the season, the right-hander now sports a 3.38 ERA, 1.41 WHIP and 13:4 K:BB through 10.2 innings, and if he continues to struggle, it could open the door for someone like Kyle Finnegan to get a look in the closer role.

Hicks pitched four innings against the Mets on Wednesday, allowing two runs on three hits and three walks while striking out five. He did not factor in the decision.

Hicks struggled mightily with his control throughout the outing, as only 39 of his 82 pitches crossed the plate. He issued a season-high three walks and hit two batters, but he escaped substantial damage as the Mets left five runners on base during his four innings. Hicks has completed five innings only once this season and has issued multiple free passes in each of his past six appearances. Those numbers don't bode well for his fantasy outlook despite the fact that he has struck out over a batter per inning. Hicks' next start is tentatively slated to come at home against Toronto next week.

Iglesias (1-2) took the loss during Wednesday's 6-5 defeat at the hands of the Rangers, allowing two runs (one earned) on one hit with one strikeout in one-third of an inning.

Iglesias entered a 4-4 tie with the bases loaded and two out in the bottom of the ninth and induced a Jonah Heim strikeout to neutralize the threat. Los Angeles scored one in the top of the 10th and Iglesias stayed to finish things up, but he served up a Nathaniel Lowe walk-off homer on the very first pitch. After converting all eight save opportunities prior to Saturday, the 32-year-old has surrendered walk-off long balls in consecutive appearances that have upped his ERA from 2.13 to 4.61.

Barlow was unavailable for Wednesday's save opportunity against the Angels due to a "hot spot" on his right index finger, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

The right-hander has apparently battled the blister issue all season, but it flared up more than usual Wednesday and prevented him from being available. Barlow could remain unavailable for another day or two before reclaiming the closer's role. Dennis Santana secured the save against the Halos, but Matt Bush (who blew the save in Wednesday's win) and Brock Burke could also be in the mix if another save opportunity arises in the next couple days.