MLB Player News

Garcia earned a save against the Athletics on Wednesday, allowing one hit and striking out two batters over a scoreless inning of work.

Texas held a one-run lead heading into the ninth frame and turned to Garcia to close things out. He allowed a leadoff single but then retired the next three batters in order (including the final two by strikeout) to notch the save. Garcia has two saves among his three outings so far in the second half and appears to be strengthening his hold on the Rangers' closer role. Over his past 16 outings dating back to June 8, the left-hander has posted a 1.80 ERA with a 20:7 K:BB across 15 frames while converting five of six save opportunities.

Altavilla allowed one hit and two walks over a scoreless inning Wednesday to record a save over the Rays.

The White Sox carried a two-run lead into the bottom of the ninth frame and called upon Altavilla to slam the door. He didn't do so easily, allowing the winning run to come to the plate following a pair of walks after Jake Mangum singled to open the inning but was tagged out after turning toward second base. Altavilla was ultimately able to get the job done, however, by getting Chandler Simpson to line out to center field to end the contest. Altavilla's save was his second of the season but his first since June 7. Grant Taylor is probably the most likely Chicago reliever to get save opportunities moving forward, though he was used in the sixth frame Wednesday and hasn't notched a save since July 4, so it's far from a settled bullpen situation.

Chapman was charged with a blown save in Wednesday's 9-8 extra-innings win over Philadelphia, allowing one run on one hit and no walks in 1.1 innings. He struck out one.

Chapman served up a home run for the first time since his May 7 outing versus Texas, and it was also his first blown save since May 27 in Milwaukee. The All-Star left-hander should have plenty of leeway as it pertains to receiving future save chances, as Wednesday marked the first time that he conceded an earned run since May 14. On the campaign as a whole, Chapman sports a 1.34 ERA, 0.77 WHIP and 60:10 K:BB while converting 17 of his 19 save opportunities across 40.1 innings.

Clase picked up the save in Wednesday's 3-2 win over the Orioles, firing a clean ninth inning. He struck out two.

Clase nailed down his 23rd save of the season, and it was his seventh straight scoreless outing. The star right-hander has done an excellent job of returning to form this year after posting a 7.84 ERA through April 20. Over his last 35.2 innings, Clase sports a 1.26 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and 38:7 K:BB while converting 19 of his 21 save opportunities.

Lee tossed two scoreless innings of relief with three strikeouts in Wednesday's 6-1 loss to the Pirates.

Lee allowed six runs across two appearances earlier this month, but he's bounced back with three straight scoreless outings. The rookie righty has been good overall with a 3.31 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 34 strikeouts in 35.1 innings this year. Lee generally sees low-leverage work, which limits his fantasy upside, though the 26-year-old is making a case for a larger role in future seasons based on his promising debut campaign.

Kriske tossed two scoreless innings of relief in Wednesday's 8-4 loss to the Royals. He allowed a hit and two walks while striking out one.

Kriske has now logged three scoreless appearances to begin his tenure with the Cubs, spanning five innings. The 31-year-old righty has bounced between the minors and majors during his career, and he's probably nothing more than organizational depth at this point. However, Kriske has pitched well, so it's possible he sticks around in Chicago and sees more meaningful relief work down the road.

Diaz struck out two in 1.1 scoreless innings Wednesday to record his 21st save of the season in a 6-3 win over the Angels.

He did hit two batters with pitches, one in the eighth inning and one in the ninth, but Diaz immediately struck out the next hitter each time. The Mets closer hasn't given up a run since June 2, tossing 15 consecutive scoreless innings with a 22:3 K:BB while converting eight of nine save chances during that span.

The Astros optioned Hernandez to Triple-A Sugar Land after Wednesday's 4-3 win over the Diamondbacks, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Hernandez was recalled by the Astros on Tuesday to fill out the 26-man roster after Lance McCullers (finger) was placed on the 15-day injured list. However, Hernandez will head back to Triple-A, and that roster spot will be filled by Jason Alexander, who is expected to start against the Athletics on Thursday. Hernandez has spent most of the season in Triple-A, where he has a 1.70 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, three saves and a 48:17 K:BB across 37 innings.

Kelly (oblique) will begin a rehab assignment with High-A Greenville on Thursday, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Kelly tweaked his right oblique during a relief appearance against the Blue Jays in late June, which prompted his placement on the 15-day injured list. The veteran right-hander has recovered enough to embark on a rehab assignment, and he'll need multiple appearances before returning to the Red Sox's bullpen. Kelly posted a 5.56 ERA, 1.46 WHIP and 25:9 K:BB across 22.2 innings prior to his injury.

The Nationals activated Ribalta (biceps) from the 15-day injured list Wednesday and optioned him to Triple-A Rochester.

Ribalta has recovered from the right biceps strain that's kept him out since mid-April, but the Nationals have elected to keep him at Rochester, where he had been on a rehab assignment. The righty reliever should get another opportunity with the big club later on this season.