MLB Player News

Iglesias earned a save in the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Marlins, striking out one batter in a perfect inning.

Iglesias was asked to protect a two-run lead in the ninth inning of the nightcap. He needed just 11 pitches to do so, with the vast majority of those coming on a nine-pitch battle with Otto Lopez that ended in a game-finishing strikeout. Iglesias has looked like his old self of late, converting five consecutive save opportunities across his past seven outings and racking up a 7:0 K:BB while tossing seven scoreless innings during that span.

Waldrep (2-0) earned the win over Miami in the first game of Saturday's doubleheader, allowing one run on four hits and one walk while striking out six batters over six innings.

Waldrep was called up for the contest for what could just be a spot start. The rookie right-hander at least gave Atlanta something to think about in terms of leaving him in the rotation, as he not only earned the victory, he also notched his first career quality start while racking up 12 whiffs and six punchouts over six frames. Through two major-league outings, Waldrep has surrendered just two runs over 11.2 innings while posting a 10:3 K:BB. Atlanta's pitching staff has been hit hard by injuries this season, and among current starters, none were part of the Opening Day rotation. With some shifting, that could leave room for Waldrep to be given a chance to remain a big-league starter, though it's worth noting that Chris Sale (ribs) is beginning a minor-league rehab stint next week and could be activated off the IL not long thereafter.

Ashcraft did not factor into the decision in Saturday's 2-1 loss to the Reds, allowing one run on three hits and one walk with five strikeouts over 3.1 innings.

Ashcraft opened with three scoreless frames before allowing a run and recording just one out in the fourth. The 25-year-old generated eight whiffs on 56 pitches in what was his longest outing of the season. He owns a 3.19 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 33:13 K:BB across 36.2 innings and tentatively lines up for a tough road matchup with the Cubs next weekend.

The White Sox released Varland (undisclosed) on Saturday.

The White Sox designated Varland for assignment Thursday, and he'll now hit the open market after clearing waivers. A 28-year-old righty who has spent parts of the last three seasons at the Triple-A level, Varland hasn't pitched since June 28 due to an undisclosed injury. He has a 4.82 ERA and 1.74 WHIP in 46.2 career innings in the majors.

Megill earned the save in Saturday's 7-4 win over the Mets, allowing one walk and striking out two in a scoreless ninth inning.

Megill was called upon to protect a three-run lead in the ninth inning and struck out the last two batters he faced to secure his second save in as many days. The 31-year-old has now converted 10 straight save chances dating back to July 4, allowing just one earned run over 12 appearances during that stretch. For the year, he's tied for third in the majors with 28 saves to go along with a 2.20 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 49:15 K:BB across 41 innings.

Strahm picked up a hold in Saturday's 3-2 win over Texas, allowing one run on one hit and no walks in the eighth inning. He struck out one.

After spending a brief time in a committee at closer with Orion Kerkering amid Jordan Romano's struggles, Strahm has fallen back down the pecking order in Philadelphia's bullpen since Jhoan Duran was added to the mix. With Jose Alvarado also set to be reinstated from his 80-game suspension later in August, Strahm will likely soon have even more competition for high-leverage work. Strahm hasn't seen a save opportunity since July 13 in San Diego, though he does sport a 2.13 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and 17:6 K:BB over his last 13 outings (12.2 innings).

Perkins (1-2) earned the win against the Orioles on Saturday, allowing one run on three hits and one walk with five strikeouts over six innings.

Perkins allowed a three-run homer in the first inning but rebounded with five scoreless frames to earn his first career win. The 25-year-old also logged his first major-league quality start, bouncing back after surrendering four runs over three innings in his rotation debut Sunday. He'll carry a 4.08 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 28:11 K:BB across 28.2 innings into a home matchup with the Angels next weekend.

Estevez collected the save in Saturday's 2-0 win over the Twins, striking out two batters in a perfect ninth inning.

Estevez was able to protect the Royals' two-run lead in the ninth and finished by striking out Austin Martin. It was Estevez's first save since July 29 against Atlanta, and his 29 saves on the year (in 35 chances) are second most in the majors behind Robert Suarez (32). Estevez has a 2.54 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 42:17 K:BB across 39.2 innings this season.

Smith recorded the save in Saturday's 3-1 win over the White Sox, striking out two batters in a perfect ninth inning.

Smith was brought out for the ninth to protect the Guardians' two-run lead. He made his save look effortless, tossing just 10 pitches (eight strikes) before finishing things out by getting Lenyn Sosa to strike out swinging. Smith has logged two saves over his last three outings and has a 2.75 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 73:18 K:BB across 52.1 innings this season.

Cantillo (3-2) earned the win against the White Sox on Saturday, allowing one run on four hits and two walks while striking out three across 5.2 innings.

His three punchouts were his lowest since joining the Guardians rotation, but it was a strong outing from Cantillo, with his lone blemish coming in the second inning on a Michael Taylor solo homer. It was the second game in a row in which Cantillo pitched into the sixth inning, and in his seven games as a starter he has a 4.36 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 39:18 K:BB across 33 innings. He's slated to make his next start against Atlanta at home next weekend.