MLB Player News

Nunez earned a save against the Rockies on Saturday, striking out three batters over two perfect frames.

Nunez entered in the eighth inning in a tight situation with New York up one run and runners on first and second base with no outs. He induced a double play and a foul out to impressively escape the jam, then watched the Mets score three times in the bottom of the frame. The right-hander returned for the ninth and struck out all three batters he faced to cap his first big-league save. Nunez isn't likely to see many more save opportunities with Edwin Diaz established as New York's closer, but the rookie has nonetheless worked his way up to high-leverage work with an impressive campaign during which he's recorded a 2.35 ERA, 0.82 WHIP and 39:5 K:BB through 30.2 frames. In addition to Saturday's save, he's registered seven holds and two wins through 21 outings.

Scott allowed three runs on seven hits and one walk while striking out five batters over 4.1 innings in a no-decision against Colorado on Saturday.

Scott gave up a third-inning solo homer but was up 4-1 heading into the fifth. However, the rookie ran into trouble in that frame, surrendering a one-out, two-run home run to Charlie Blackmon followed by a double and a walk. That was enough to earn him the hook, eliminating his chance of emerging with a victory. Scott still doesn't have a win to his ledger through eight big-league outings, though he's been able to hold his head above water with three quality starts and a 4.36 ERA along with a 1.11 WHIP through 43.1 innings.

Cruz went 0-for-4 with two RBI on Saturday against the White Sox.

Cruz went hitless but drove in a pair of runs on a fielder's choice and a sacrifice fly. Across his last 29 games, Cruz has 23 RBI --- over half of his total for the season. In that same span, he's also maintained a .260 average with seven home runs and three stolen bases.

The Dodgers transferred Yamamoto (shoulder) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Saturday, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Yamamoto won't be eligible for activation until Aug. 15, but considering he just started playing catch from 60 feet this week, he likely wouldn't have been ready to return before mid-August anyway. The transaction clears room on the 40-man roster for right-hander Brent Honeywell, who was claimed off waivers from Pittsburgh on Saturday. Yamamoto has been shelved since June 16 and will likely require multiple minor-league rehab starts before being reinstated from the IL.

Rogers (1-3) allowed a run on two hits and struck out one in one-third of an inning, taking the loss Saturday versus the Twins.

Rogers served up a go-ahead solo home run to Carlos Santana in the sixth inning, and the Giants couldn't bounce back from it. This was Rogers' first loss in two months, and prior to Saturday he had given up just two runs (one earned) over his prior 22 innings. He's now at a 2.15 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 41:13 K:BB through 37.2 innings while adding four holds in a middle-relief role this year.

Birdsong allowed two runs (one earned) on two hits and three walks while striking out three over five innings in a no-decision versus the Twins on Friday.

Birdsong continues to put in passable performances without standing out. The rookie right-hander has also walked multiple batters in all four of his big-league appearances, and his three strikeouts were a season low. He's pitched to a reasonable 3.72 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 18:10 K:BB over 19.1 innings so far. It's unclear if Birdsong will stay in the Giants' rotation following the All-Star break, though that decision likely won't come to a head until Alex Cobb (hip/shoulder) and/or Robbie Ray (elbow) are ready for their season debuts.

Castellanos went 2-for-5 with a home run and four RBI in Saturday's 11-5 win over the Athletics.

Castellanos got the Phillies on the board with a two-run home run in the second inning and then added a two-run double in the eighth. The outfielder was on a 2-for-17 skid over his past five contests and hadn't driven in a run since his last homer July 4. On the year, he's batting .235 with 13 home runs, 47 RBI and 44 runs scored over 398 plate appearances.

Harper went 2-for-3 with a home run, three RBI and two runs scored in Saturday's 11-5 win over the Athletics.

Harper's solo home run in the seventh inning marked a personal milestone, as he has now homered against all 30 major-league organizations. He also walked twice and added a two-run double in his best effort since returning from the injured list July 9. With one game to go before the break, the National League's starting first baseman in the upcoming All-Star Game is batting .303 with 21 home runs, 61 RBI, 55 runs and four steals across 354 plate appearances.

Burger went 4-for-5 with a home run, four RBI and two runs scored in Saturday's 10-6 loss to the Reds.

Burger and Josh Bell went back-to-back against lefty Andrew Abbott in the third inning. It was Burger's 10th home run this season, and he would go on to add three singles in his next three plate appearances. The 28-year-old Burger is batting just .225 with a .633 OPS this season, but his power and locked-in playing time keep him relevant.

Bell went 2-for-4 with a walk, a double, a home run and one additional RBI in Saturday's 10-6 loss to the Reds.

The homer was Bell's first since June 21 and his ninth this season. He's had a disappointing first half with a .230/.292/.360 slash line through 93 games. Bell's strikeout rate isn't far off from his career norm, but the power metrics have cratered and he's not walking as much. The 31-year-old impending free agent will presumably be shipped out of Miami at the trade deadline.