MLB Player News

Duran gave up a hit in a scoreless ninth inning Wednesday to record his 13th save of the season in a 2-1 win over the Marlins. He didn't walk or strike out a batter.

The Minnesota closer converted his third straight save chance on just nine pitches (seven strikes). Duran hasn't quite been his usual dominant self over the last month or so, posting a 3.27 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 10:3 K:BB through 11 innings since the beginning of June, but he still has yet to serve up a homer in 2025 and remains entrenched in the ninth-inning role for the Twins.

Smith hasn't made an appearance for the Guardians since their June 22 win over the Athletics due to back spasms, MLB.com reports.

Smith threw prior to Wednesday's 5-4 loss to the Cubs and is considered day-to-day. The right-handed reliever has collected two wins, three saves and 15 holds over his 36 appearances this season while logging a 2.36 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 53:13 K:BB over 34.1 innings.

Ashcraft (groin) threw about 20 pitches in a live batting practice session Wednesday, Molly Burkhardt of MLB.com reports.

Ashcraft is closing in on a return following a couple of bullpen sessions over the weekend and then Wednesday's batting practice. The next step could be a brief rehab stint, or the Reds could opt to activate him, as the right-hander has completed the 15-day minimum on the IL.

Doval (4-2) blew a save but picked up the win Wednesday against Arizona, allowing two runs on two hits with three strikeouts over two innings.

Doval surrendered a game-tying two-run home run to Ketel Marte in the bottom of the ninth, but he returned for the 10th inning -- inheriting a one-run lead -- and retired the side to wind up with a win. Doval is in the midst of a rough patch, having allowed multiple runs in three of his last four appearances. The stretch has inflated his ERA from 1.59 to 3.03.

Miller (3-3) took the loss Wednesday against San Francisco, allowing an unearned run on one hit over one inning.

After Ketel Marte's two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth tied the ballgame, Miller took the mound for the top of the 10th and allowed an infield single to Heliot Ramos that advanced the automatic runner to third. Patrick Bailey plated the automatic runner with a sacrifice fly before Miller induced a double play. Arizona couldn't scrape a run across in the bottom half, resulting in a tough-luck loss for Miller. In his last six outings, the right-hander has allowed two runs (one earned) with nine strikeouts and no walks across 6.1 innings. He has a 2.04 ERA this season and should continue operating as Arizona's primary closer.

Taylor (0-1) took the loss Wednesday against the Dodgers, allowing three runs on one hit and two walks over 1.1 innings. He struck out two

Taylor entered in the eighth frame with a two-run lead and retired the side, but he returned for the ninth inning and fell apart. He allowed a single and back-to-back walks to load the bases with no outs, and then was pulled after Shohei Ohtani hit an RBI fielder's choice. Steven Wilson replaced Taylor but couldn't prevent two of the runners Taylor put on from scoring, resulting in the Dodgers' comeback win. Taylor has allowed six runs in 11.1 innings and has blown one of his three save chances, but the White Sox seem content to trot the highly touted 23-year-old out there in high-leverage situations during a lost season, at least for now.

Wilson blew the save Wednesday against the Dodgers, allowing no runs on one hit and one walk over one-third of an inning.

Wilson was forced into the action with runners on second and third with one out in a one-run game in the bottom of the ninth. He allowed a sacrifice fly to Mookie Betts. walked Will Smith, and he then allowed Freddie Freeman's walk-off single. While the runs were all charged to Grant Taylor, Wilson winds up with the blown save -- his third of the campaign. Wilson has allowed a hit in eight of his last nine appearances, but he's allowed just one run and has an 11:4 K:BB over that stretch.

The Mets are expected to select Garcia's contract from Triple-A Syracuse on Thursday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Garcia has spent the entire season at Syracuse and owns a 4.13 ERA with a 1.57 WHIP through 28.1 innings. More recently, the 31-year-old righty has given up just two runs in 9.1 minor-league frames while striking out 12 batters and walking two in his past five outings. His improved performance will buy him a look with the major-league club, though his career 7.32 ERA in the big leagues will likely limit him to a low-leverage role.

Munoz picked up the save Wednesday against Kansas City, striking out one during a perfect ninth inning.

With the Mariners ahead by just one run, Munoz shut the door on the Royals emphatically, retiring Freddy Fermin, Kyle Isbel and Jonathan India in order. It was a much-needed rebound outing for the 26-year-old, who had allowed an unearned run in each of his last two appearances. Munoz has converted 19 of his 24 save opportunities this season and owns a 1.13 ERA over 32 innings.

Palencia picked up the save in Wednesday's 5-4 win over Cleveland, allowing one unearned run on no hits and one walk with no strikeouts in the ninth inning.

The save was the 10th of the campaign for Palencia, who has stepped up as Chicago's clear favorite for saves. The right-hander has converted each of his last 10 save opportunities, turning in an outstanding 1.17 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 19:4 K:BB over his past 15.1 innings. The Cubs could look to upgrade their bullpen ahead of the trade deadline later this month, but it appears the team's closing job is Palencia's to lose for the time being.