MLB Player News

Lowe went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in Wednesday's 1-0 win over the Diamondbacks.

Lowe's first-inning homer was all the scoring for either team in this contest, as it gave Paul Skenes all the help he needed. This was the second homer in Lowe's last five contests. The infielder has gone 5-for-17 (.294) in that span, lifting his average for the season to .252 through 31 games. He's added nine homers, 22 RBI, 20 runs scored, eight doubles and no stolen bases. Lowe has topped the 30-homer mark twice in his career, though staying healthy will be the biggest factor in him taking a run at that mark in 2026.

Soto walked one and struck out one in a scoreless and hitless inning to earn the save in Wednesday's 1-0 win over the Diamondbacks.

Soto has primarily worked as a setup man this season, but he converted the save chance Wednesday after Paul Skenes spun eight shutout innings. Dennis Santana pitched in Tuesday's contest, while Soto hadn't been utilized since Sunday. The winds may be changing in the Pirates' bullpen, as Santana hasn't gotten a save chance since blowing one April 27 versus the Cardinals. Soto is at a 1.50 ERA, 0.72 WHIP and 24:7 K:BB through 18 innings, and he's added two saves and six holds across 18 appearances. Soto hasn't worked as a primary closer since 2022 with the Tigers, when he converted 30 of 33 opportunities, but he's certainly gaining momentum with his work early this year, which has made him the most reliable reliever on the team, regardless of role.

Thorpe (elbow) has thrown seven bullpen sessions as part of his rehab process, MLB.com reports.

Thorpe was transferred to the 60-day injured list Tuesday, but that's not an indication of the progress in his recovery from Tommy John surgery, which he underwent last spring. It's unclear when he may begin a rehab assignment, but that will likely be the next step.

Skenes (5-2) allowed two hits and struck out seven without walking a batter over eight shutout innings to earn the win Wednesday against the Diamondbacks.

Skenes got all the run support he needed with Brandon Lowe's solo shot in the first inning. From there, it was all Skenes as he delivered his longest outing of the season. This was the sixth time in eight starts he's allowed one or zero runs, and it's the third instance he's limited an opponent to two or fewer baserunners. The 23-year-old has an excellent 2.36 ERA, 0.71 WHIP and 46:7 K:BB across 42 innings this season. Skenes' next start is projected to be at home versus the Rockies, which could be the first outing of a two-start week.

Soroka (4-2) allowed one run on seven hits and two walks while striking out six over 6.1 innings to take the loss versus the Pirates on Wednesday.

Soroka gave up a solo home run to Brandon Lowe in the second at-bat of the game, and that was the difference. Even with the unlucky loss, this was a fantastic bounce-back effort for the right-hander after he was tagged for eight runs over three frames in his previous start. Soroka is now at a 4.14 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 42:11 K:BB across 37 innings through seven starts this year. He's projected for a road matchup with the Rangers in his next outing.

Perkins (2-1) was charged with the loss and a blown save Wednesday against the Phillies, allowing four runs (two earned) on two hits and one walk in 1.1 innings. He struck out two.

Perkins, who has been emerging as the Athletics' primary closer as of late, entered in the seventh inning Wednesday. The right-hander tossed a clean seventh before unraveling in the eighth, recording just one more out. A throwing error by Jeff McNeil prevented two of the runs from being earned, but nonetheless Wednesday's usage shows that roles remain fluid in the bullpen. Through 14.2 innings, he has a 3.68 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 19:4 K:BB while converting three of his four save chances.

Wolfram picked up a hold Wednesday against the Marlins, allowing one run on two hits and no walks in two-thirds of an inning.

The 29-year-old left-hander has now given up five earned runs in his last nine appearances, so he appears to be well out of contention for save chances in the absence of closer Ryan Helsley's (elbow). Although Wolfram has a superb 20:1 K:BB with five holds over 13 innings, he also has a rocky 4.85 ERA and 1.54 WHIP.

DeLuca went 1-for-4 with an RBI double and a run scored in Wednesday's 3-0 win over Toronto.

DeLuca doubled off Blue Jays southpaw Patrick Corbin for his seventh two-bagger of the year. While DeLuca tends to sit versus right-handed pitching, he's been effective in his part-time role for the Rays. Over 34 at-bats against left-handers, the righty-hitting outfielder is batting .294 with two home runs, four doubles and nine RBI.

Kelly picked up a hold Wednesday against Toronto, allowing two hits and no walks in a scoreless inning of work.

Although the 28-year-old right-hander hasn't received a save opportunity since early April, he's still been a key part of Tampa Bay's bullpen despite falling out of favor in the Rays' closer picture. Kelly sports a 3.45 ERA, 0.83 WHIP and 13:4 K:BB across 15.2 innings this year while also collecting six holds.

Keller picked up the save Wednesday against the Athletics, allowing no runs on one hit and two walks in the ninth inning. He struck out one.

Closer Jhoan Duran was shaky in his return from the injured list Tuesday, allowing one run in the ninth frame, and he was presumably unavailable to work back-to-back days immediately after coming off the IL. Keller let the possible tying run get aboard Wednesday, but he was able to strand the bases loaded for a scoreless outing. The right-hander has converted all three of his save chances while posting a 4.02 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 16:6 K:BB over 15.2 innings this year, but he'll likely revert back to a setup role once Duran is fully back up to speed.