MLB Player News

Graveman allowed one hit, hit a batter, and struck out two over a scoreless eighth inning in Tuesday's 3-0 win over the Dodgers.

Houston, which was without closer Ryan Pressly (paternity), held a 3-0 lead entering the bottom of the eighth with the heart of the Dodgers lineup due up. Instead of holding Graveman for the ninth for a potential save, manager Dusty Baker brought him in to face the teeth of Los Angeles' lineup. He danced around a single and a hit batsman to preserve the lead before ceding the ninth inning to Ryne Stanek.

Patino (2-3) took the loss Tuesday as the Rays fell 4-2 to the Mariners, allowing three runs on five hits and two walks over five innings. He struck out three.

The rookie didn't pitch poorly, but a pair of solo shots in the third inning by Abraham Toro and Jarred Kelenic proved to be the difference in the game. Patino tossed 65 of 100 pitches for strikes, and that workload bodes well for his fantasy value down the stretch if he can become a little more efficient. On the season, the 21-year-old has a 4.42 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 39:12 K:BB through 36.2 innings.

Stanek struck out one over a scoreless ninth inning to pick up his second save in a 3-0 win over the Dodgers on Tuesday.

With Ryan Pressly on the paternity list, the Astros did not have their closer available and were forced to improvise. This seemed like an ideal spot for the recently acquired Kendall Graveman, but manager Dusty Baker had the former Mariners closer pitch the eighth inning against the heart of the Los Angeles order.

Floro gave up one run on two hits in the ninth inning Tuesday to record his fourth save of the season in a 5-4 win over the Mets. He didn't walk or strike out a batter.

The outing wasn't as clean as Monday's, perhaps not surprising considering he's pitched three days in a row, but Floro still got the job done as the Marlins' apparent new closer. The 30-year-old sports a 2.64 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 40:18 K:BB through 44.1 innings on the season.

Kranick allowed three earned runs on five hits and three walks while striking out four across four innings Tuesday against the Brewers. He did not factor into the decision.

Kranick labored throughout the start, as he allowed multiple baserunners in two innings and managed only one clean frame. He struggled to throw strikes consistently, with only 48 of his 82 pitches finding the zone, and he was fortunate the bases were empty when he served up a home run to Willy Adames. Since throwing five perfect innings in his major-league debut, Kranick has allowed 17 earned runs across 15 innings in four subsequent appearances.

Colome threw a scoreless ninth inning to earn his third save in Tuesday's win over the Reds. He gave up a hit and walk with a strikeout.

He received the first save opportunity since Hansel Robles was traded Friday. With Taylor Rogers possibly missing the rest of the season with a thumb injury, Colome may become Minnesota's closer by default. The right-hander began the season as Minnesota's closer, but he was moved to low-leverage roles after he struggled with an 8.31 ERA and three blown saves in April. He's improved lately, however, posting a 3.72 ERA, 8.4 K/9 and 2.8 BB/9 in July. However, the closer role for the Twins could be in flux, as they may want to give Jorge Alcala and other younger players opportunities as they look toward 2022.

Hentges allowed a hit and struck out one in a scoreless inning during Tuesday's 7-2 loss to Toronto.

Hentges was recalled from Triple-A Columbus on July 22, but Tuesday was his first appearance since rejoining the major-league roster. The 25-year-old has worked as both a starter and a reliever this year, and he's been a long-relief option since his call-up. He owns an 8.04 ERA, 2.02 WHIP and 45:25 K:BB across 43.2 innings in 16 appearances (eight starts).

Fulmer worked around a hit to pitch a clean inning and record a hold in Tuesday's win over the Red Sox. He struck out three.

Fulmer got the seventh inning in this one and after allowing a leadoff single, the righty settled in and struck out the side, allowing him to pick up his fifth hold of the season in the 4-2 win. Since returning from the injured list last week, Fulmer has pitched four scoreless innings with eight strikeouts, though he's yet to see a save opportunity. Gregory Soto shut things down Tuesday for his 12th save of the season. Both pitchers should remain in the mix for saves depending on matchups.

Cisnero pitched a clean eighth inning in Tuesday's win over the Red Sox to record his 15th hold of the season.

The 15 holds easily pace the team, as Cisnero has established himself as a reliable setup man, though it appears Michael Fulmer and Gregory Soto have the inside track on save opportunities at the moment. Fulmer pitched the seventh in this one, while Soto ended the game to earn his 12th save of the season. Cisnero should remain in the mix, but his fantasy appeal is limited by the other two relievers for the time being.

Wells (1-2) was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk after being charged with the loss Tuesday against the Yankees, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports. He allowed six runs on seven hits with two strikeouts and zero walks over 2.1 innings.

Wells gave up a run on two hits across the first two frames, but things fell apart in the third as New York tallied five runs on five hits, an error and a hit batsman. The Orioles have two scheduled off days within the next week, and the young lefty will make his way back to the minors with a 7.64 ERA across 17.2 innings this season.