MLB Player News

Bender (1-0) struck out three but gave up a solo shot to Zach McKinstry in the ninth inning Wednesday, blowing the save but recording the win in a 9-6 victory.

With Yimi Garcia having pitched the day before and three times in the prior four days, Bender got the nod in a save situation and couldn't get the job done, but a walkoff blast by Jesus Aguilar handed the right-hander his first big-league win. The rookie has forced himself into a high-leverage role with a 0.99 ERA, 0.73 WHIP and 37:7 K:BB through his first 27.1 innings in the majors, and should Garcia be out of the picture for any significant length of time, Bender may well take over the ninth inning for the Marlins ahead of Dylan Floro or Anthony Bass.

White didn't factor into the decision in Wednesday's 9-6 loss to the Marlins, giving up three runs (two earned) on three hits and a walk over four relief innings. He struck out five.

Working as the bulk reliever behind opener Jake Reed, White threw 42 of 65 pitches for strikes and exited the game in line for his first win of the year with the Dodgers clinging to a 5-4 lead, though it wouldn't hold. The 26-year-old has a 3.93 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 19:9 K:BB through 18.1 big-league innings this season, and he could see more consistent work in the second half as the team tries to keep its rotation afloat.

Cousins (1-0) picked up the win in a 5-0 victory over the Mets during the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader, striking out one in a perfect inning of relief.

The rookie worked the fifth inning as the first man out of the bullpen in relief of Brett Anderson, and with the Brewers already holding a 2-0 lead, Cousins was rewarded with his first MLB win. The 26-year-old has yet to allow a hit, much less a run, through his first six big-league appearances with a sharp 12:3 K:BB in 7.1 innings.

Richards struck out one in a perfect inning of relief during Wednesday's 10-2 win over the Orioles.

The right-hander made short work of the O's in the sixth inning as the first man out of the bullpen after Hyun Jin Ryu. Richards is having a solid season in relief despite being traded twice, posting a 3.58 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 42:12 K:BB through 32.2 innings, and he could see more high-leverage work in Toronto than he did in Tampa Bay or Milwaukee.

Green earned the save against Seattle on Wednesday, pitching a perfect ninth inning during which he struck out two batters.

Usual closer Aroldis Chapman has been a disaster of late, giving up nine earned runs and issuing eight walks along with six hits over his past 2.1 innings. As such, the Yankees turned to Green to close the door Wednesday while clinging to a one-run lead. The veteran righty came through, striking out two of the three batters he faced in a 1-2-3 frame. It's difficult to imagine New York going away from Chapman permanently, though the Yankees could give him some time to get his arsenal back in order. Green figures to be a logical temporary closer in that scenario, as he has impressed this season with a 2.23 ERA, 0.72 WHIP and 48:8 K:BB across 44.1 innings.

Nelson allowed one run on three walks while striking out one over two-thirds of an inning against Seattle on Wednesday. He did not factor in the decision.

When Domingo German was scratched from his scheduled start due to an emergency root canal, Nelson was selected to open the game for the Yankees. His outing did not go well, as the right-hander threw only 18 of 32 pitches for strikes and put three men on base via walk. He also hit one batter and threw a wild pitch that allowed a run to cross the plate. The rough outing continued what has been a difficult season for Nelson, who has issued 12 walks over 12.2 frames while posting a 9.95 ERA and 2.05 WHIP. His 14.9 K/9 is impressive but doesn't make up for the shakiness of his other numbers.

Soto worked around a hit and a walk to pitch two scoreless innings and record the save Wednesday against the Rangers. He struck out three.

The lefty recorded his first save since June 15, though he's still been pitching well, as he now has a 2.78 ERA and 43 strikeouts through 35.2 innings. And despite the lull in saves, Soto does still lead the team with seven saves this season. Michael Fulmer (neck) is second with six saves, but he's currently on the 10-day injured list. That means Soto should continue to see save opportunities, along with righty Jose Cisnero, who had the team's two most recent saves before Soto's on Wednesday.

Manaea (6-6) allowed four runs (three earned) on four hits and no walks while striking out six across 6.2 innings to take the loss Wednesday against Houston.

Manaea was undone by two home runs, with a three-run shot by Jose Altuve being the big blow. However, he was fairly solid otherwise and was able to work deep into the game to offset the damage. Though he's now taken a loss in each of of his last four outings, Manaea has maintained a 3.91 ERA with 30 strikeouts across 23 innings in that span. Overall, he has a 3.19 ERA with a 108:25 K:BB across 104.1 frames on the campaign.

Pressly did not allow a baserunner and struck out one in a scoreless ninth inning to earn the save Wednesday against the Athletics.

Pressly was called upon for second consecutive game, this time to protect a one-run lead to earn his 16th save of the season. Since his only blown save chance on May 29, Pressley has turned in 14 straight appearances without allowing an earned run. In addition to his status as a locked-in closer, Pressly has delivered a 1.46 ERA and 47 strikeouts across 37 innings on the campaign.

The Mariners activated Swanson (groin) from the 10-day injured list Wednesday, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

The righty made two rehab appearances with Triple-A Tacoma, allowing a solo home run and striking out one in two innings. Before a right groin strain sent Swanson to the IL on May 29, he posted a 0.69 ERA with 14 strikeouts and six walks in 13 innings. He made nine appearances, two of which were starts.