MLB Player News

Smith went 2-for-3 with a two-run home run and a walk in Saturday's 6-3 win over the Pirates.

Smith entered the game in an 0-for-14 dry spell at the plate in his last six games, but he launched his first homer since May 20 on Saturday. The veteran slugger has now reached base safely in 10 straight appearances as well. Smith has been effective as Atlanta's primary designated hitter in 2026, hitting .309 with 11 extra-base hits, 28 RBI, 23 runs scored and eight walks over 149 plate appearances.

Sanoja went 3-for-4 with a home run and two RBI in Saturday's 4-3 win over the Rays.

Sanoja turned in his fourth three-hit game of the season Saturday. Despite the eruption, the 23-year-old utility man doesn't seem to have a clear pathway to consistent action at any position for the Marlins. Through 146 plate appearances, Sanoja is hitting .267 with two homers, 10 doubles, 22 RBI and three stolen bases.

Zuber secured the save Saturday against the Rays, allowing no baserunners in one-third of an inning. He struck out one.

Closer Pete Fairbanks allowed a pair of runs to let the Rays right back into the game, but Zuber quickly extinguished the fire by fanning Junior Caminero for the final out. It's hard to envision Zuber, who saw his first career save chance Saturday, seeing consistent high-leverage work going forward. It was only his second major-league appearance of the year after Zuber opened the year with Triple-A Jacksonville.

Bachar didn't factor into the decision Saturday against the Rays, throwing three clean innings. He struck out three.

Bachar gave the Marlins exactly what they desired during a bullpen game, firing three flawless frames as an opener. Through 34.1 innings, the 31-year-old right-hander has an impressive 3.15 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and 38:11 K:BB with one hold. His next assignment is undetermined, and it's also unclear how Miami will be deploying Bachar going forward.

Lord secured the save Saturday against the Diamondbacks, throwing two clean innings. He struck out one.

Lord recorded his first career save Saturday, extending his scoreless streak to 8.1 innings in the process. The 26-year-old right-hander should remain a multi-inning weapon out of Washington's bullpen and continue to see high-leverage work, but he doesn't figure to see consistent save chances. Through 40.1 frames, Lord sports a 2.45 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 34:10 K:BB with five holds.

Littell (6-4) notched the win Saturday against Arizona, allowing one run on two hits and one walk in five innings. He struck out four.

After limping to a 7.85 ERA through his first six outings, Littell has managed an impressive resurgence since the start of May. Over his last 35.2 innings (seven starts), the veteran right-hander has a 2.27 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 23:9 K:BB to lower his season ERA to 4.76 and his WHIP to 1.31. Littell will be aiming for his sixth consecutive win in his next scheduled start at home versus the Mariners.

Rodriguez (5-2) took the loss Saturday against Washington, allowing four runs on six hits and one walk in 6.1 innings. He struck out five.

Rodriguez bookended his outing poorly Saturday, giving up a pair of runs in both the opening frame and the seventh inning. The 33-year-old southpaw was hit very hard, surrendering four extra-base hits (two home runs), but he did manage to throw at least six frames for the sixth time in his last seven starts. Rodriguez is still enjoying a resurgent campaign in 2026 despite Saturday's hiccup, sporting a 2.52 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 57:27 K:BB across 78.2 innings.

Iglesias secured the save Saturday against the Pirates, allowing no runs on one hit and no walks in the ninth inning. He struck out one.

That's now eight straight outings with a strikeout for Iglesias, who's been a lights-out closer for Atlanta when healthy in 2026. The veteran right-hander has rattled off 19 scoreless appearances through 20 outings on the year. Through 20.2 innings, Iglesias boasts a 0.87 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 24:4 K:BB while going a pristine 13-for-13 in save opportunities.

Ashcraft (5-3) took the loss Saturday against Atlanta, allowing six runs on nine hits and no walks in five innings. He struck out five.

Ashcraft fired 61 of his 86 pitches for strikes Saturday, but he might've been too aggressive in pounding the zone. The 26-year-old right-hander was knocked around for a season-worst nine hits and tied a season high in runs allowed, though he was still able to pitch at least five innings for the 12th time in 13 starts this year. Ashcraft will bring a strong 3.28 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 86:17 K:BB over 79.2 frames into his next scheduled outing at home against the Marlins.

Freeman was removed from Saturday's game against the Brewers in the bottom of the sixth inning after he was hit by a pitch in the helmet, Kelsey Wingert-Linch of AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain reports.

Freeman was hit in the side of the helmet with a 98 mph cutter from Jacob Misiorowski, who was visibly upset that the pitch got away from him. Freeman was able to walk off the field under his own power. Prior to leaving, he was 0-for-2 at the plate with the hit-by-pitch. Sterlin Thompson came on to pinch run for Freeman.