MLB Player News

Smith (elbow) has been playing catch from 120 feet up to three times per week and threw 10 pitches from halfway up the mound earlier this week, Joe Pantorno of AMNY.com reports.

Coming back from his second Tommy John surgery, Smith hopes to throw from the top of the bump in 2-to-3 weeks. The goal for the reliever is to begin a rehab assignment later this summer and return to the Mets before the end of the season, although he might not make it back until 2026. The Mets re-signed Smith in February to a one-year deal with a club option for next season.

Miller gave up a run on two hits and two walks in the ninth inning Wednesday to record his third save of the season in an 8-7 win over the Giants. He struck out one.

The veteran righty loaded the bases before walking LaMonte Wade with two outs to bring home a run, but Miller was able to coax a shallow fly to center field out of Christian Koss to end the game. Miller's converted three of his four save chances in six May appearances while adding a win and a hold as Arizona tries to piece together a high-leverage crew in the wake of injuries to Justin Martinez (shoulder) and A.J. Puk (elbow). However, Miller's 4.50 ERA, 1.83 WHIP and 6:3 K:BB through six innings on the month don't provide a lot of confidence that he'll remain a reliable closing option.

Sands recorded his first save of the season in the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Orioles, pitching a perfect ninth inning in an 8-6 win. He didn't walk or strike out a batter.

Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax both worked the opening game of the twin bill, leaving Sands to handle the save chance in the nightcap. The 27-year-old righty has been effective in a high-leverage role this season, collecting two wins and five holds over 18 appearances in addition to Wednesday's save while delivering a 2.70 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 12:6 K:BB through 16.2 innings.

Duran recorded his eighth save of the season in the first game of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Orioles, giving up a hit and striking out one in a scoreless ninth inning.

The Twins closer continues to dominate. Duran has yet to blow a save in 2025, and he's delivered 10 straight scoreless appearances, posting a 0.90 WHIP and 14:3 K:BB over 10 innings during that stretch. After some early-season usage which suggested manager Rocco Baldelli might be viewing him as more of a high-leverage fireman, Duran has maintained firm control of ninth-inning duties for Minnesota.

Santana allowed one hit with no walks and no strikeouts across a scoreless ninth inning Wednesday against the Mets.

He didn't get a save because the Pirates held a four-run lead, but he entered the game following David Bednar. Santana has now pitched in the ninth inning in four consecutive appearances, picking up a save and a win in that span. Given that, Santana appears to be the top choice for saves in Pittsburgh for the time being.

Bednar threw a scoreless eighth inning without allowing a baserunner and striking out two Wednesday against the Mets.

Bednar was tasked with protecting a four-run lead in the eighth inning, and he needed only 12 pitches to do so. Bednar has allowed only three earned runs across 11.2 innings with an 18:1 K:BB since being recalled April 19. However, he's pitched in the eighth inning and behind Dennis Santana regularly since Santana returned from bereavement leave May 4.

Finnegan picked up the save in Wednesday's 5-4 win over Atlanta, allowing one hit with one strikeout over a scoreless ninth inning.

Washington came back from a 4-1 deficit in the seventh inning, thrusting Finnegan into a save opportunity. The 33-year-old collected his 13th save of the campaign, retiring three straight batters after allowing a leadoff single to convert his fourth straight save. Through 15.2 innings, Finnegan owns a 1.40 ERA and a 16:7 K:BB.

Tinoco picked up the save in Wednesday's 3-1 win over the Cubs, throwing a perfect ninth inning with one strikeout.

Tinoco blew a save Tuesday night, but he retook the mound Wednesday for the ninth frame with the Marlins leading 3-1 and fired a perfect inning. He retired Carson Kelly, Pete Crow-Armstrong and Nico Hoerner in order. In 14 appearances, Tinoco has a 4.61 ERA and a 9:6 K:BB over 13.2 innings while leading the Marlins with four saves, though Calvin Faucher is also in the mix at closer.

Garcia earned the save in Wednesday's 3-1 win over the Rays, striking out one batter without allowing a hit or walk in a scoreless ninth inning.

After Jeff Hoffman got roughed up for five runs in Tuesday's 11-9 loss, Garcia was brought in for the ninth inning Wednesday to protect the Blue Jays' two-run lead. Garcia started out strongly by striking out Jose Caballero and needed just seven pitches (six strikes) to capture his third save of the season. Garcia's 3.71 ERA through 17 innings is inflated by the seven runs he gave up across two outings May 3 and 6; he's otherwise yielded no earned runs in his other 16 appearances.

The Phillies returned Robert to Triple-A Lehigh Valley after Wednesday's doubleheader against St. Louis.

The 30-year-old righty pitched just one-third of an inning during the second game of Wednesday's twin bill, striking out Nolan Arenado in five pitches. Robert will now go back to serving as organizational depth in Triple-A, where he owns a 1.54 ERA through 11.2 frames.