MLB Player News

Melancon allowed one hit and struck out one across one inning to earn the save in Wednesday's 2-1 win over the Brewers.

Melancon was called upon to protect a one-run lead in the 10th inning. With a runner starting on second, he surrendered a leadoff single. However, he went on to retire the next three batters he faced to record his league-leading 17th save of the campaign. Though he doesn't possess the typical velocity and strikeout upside of an elite closer, Melancon has maintained an exceptional 0.81 ERA and has yet to blow a save opportunity this season.

Pressly wasn't available for Wednesday's game against the Dodgers due to neck stiffness, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Manager Dusty Baker said the right-hander was unavailable since he was unable to "even turn his head," resulting in Bryan Abreu picking up the save Wednesday. Pressly will have Thursday's scheduled off day to aid in his recovery before Friday's series opener against the Padres.

Soto worked around a walk to pitch a scoreless ninth inning and earn the save in Wednesday's win over the Indians. He struck out one.

The save was only the fifth of the season for Soto, which isn't too surprising given Detroit's 19-30 record. Michael Fulmer, who pitched the eighth inning and earned the win in this one, has also emerged as a solid bullpen option and has recorded four saves to date. Soto should continue to see most of the save chances for the Tigers, but don't expect that volume to be particularly high.

Kimbrel worked around a hit during a scoreless ninth inning to record a save in Wednesday's win over the Pirates. He struck out two.

Kimbrel picked up his second save in as many nights, and he now has 11 this season in 13 chances. The veteran reliever has been dominant with a 0.86 ERA, 0.86 WHIP and 35 strikeouts in 21 innings this season. He may have come into the year as a question mark given his struggles the last two seasons, but Kimbrel has entrenched himself as the Chicago closer and should have pretty good job security from here on out.

Hoffman exited Wednesday's start against the Nationals with right shoulder soreness, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

The 28-year-old struggled with his command Wednesday and issued five walks before being lifted with the injury after 1.1 innings. Hoffman's availability for his next turn through the rotation is in question due to the injury.

Robles recorded the save Wednesday against the Orioles after allowing one run on two hits with zero strikeouts and zero walks during the ninth inning.

The right-hander surrendered a leadoff double to Trey Mancini, and he came around to score on Maikel Franco's two-out double. Robles has three saves in five chances and also has eight holds, so he's clearly established himself as a high-leverage piece for manager Rocco Baldelli. Taylor Rogers picked up the save Tuesday and should continue to operate as the primary closer, but Robles is now in the mix for ninth-inning opportunities.

Lopez (1-6) took the loss Wednesday at Minnesota after allowing three runs on four hits with four walks and three strikeouts across six innings.

The 28-year-old kept the Twins off the board through five frames, but he gave up a single and a walk before surrendering a two-out, three-run homer to Miguel Sano during the sixth inning. It's the third straight loss for Lopez, whose lone win of the season came April 16 at Texas. The right-hander has a 5.80 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 45:20 K:BB over 45 innings this season.

Hoffman was removed from Wednesday's start against the Nationals with an apparent injury, Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

The 28-year-old threw only 20 of 46 pitches for strikes while walking five batters over 1.1 innings before exiting with the athletic trainer. It's unclear if the unspecified injury will affect Hoffman's next turn through the rotation.

Rays manager Kevin Cash said Patino (finger) threw a light side session Wednesday, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

Tampa Bay will re-evaluate Patino on Thursday, and if the finger laceration on his throwing hand is no longer proving bothersome, he should return from the injured list for this weekend's two-game series versus the Phillies. The 21-year-old had been working as a starter prior to landing on the IL, but Tampa Bay could choose to reintegrate him in a bullpen role.

Garcia will rejoin the Yankees starting rotation this weekend against the Tigers, Lindsey Adler of The Athletic reports.

The 22-year-old has been at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre for the past month after making his lone big-league start of the season, but he'll rejoin New York this weekend in Detroit with Corey Kluber (shoulder) facing an extended absence. Garcia struggled in four starts at Triple-A with a 5.17 ERA, 1.64 WHIP and 21:12 K:BB over 15.2 innings, but he'll now have a chance to solidify a rotation spot in the majors for the foreseeable future.