MLB Player News

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.

Springs didn't factor into the decision Wednesday against the Phillies, allowing two runs on eight hits and no walks in 5.1 innings. He struck out four.

The 33-year-old southpaw filled the zone Wednesday -- perhaps to a fault -- as he threw 55 of his 75 pitches for strikes but gave up his second-most knocks of the year. Even so, Springs managed to limit the damage and has now tossed at least five frames in every start so far this season, except for the outing prior to Wednesday, when he was lifted early due to hip soreness. He'll bring a 3.89 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 39:12 K:BB across 44 innings into his next outing, which is set to come against the Cardinals.

Wheeler didn't factor into the decision Wednesday against the Athletics, allowing three runs on five hits and one walk in 6.1 innings. He struck out four.

Despite being taken deep for the first time this year, Wheeler registered his second consecutive quality start Wednesday. The three-time All-Star pitched a season-high 6.1 frames, and it was also encouraging to see his fastball touch 96 mph on six occasions among his season-most 98 pitches. Wheeler has a 3.12 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 18:6 K:BB over his first 17.1 innings, and he'll aim to further build up his velocity his next time out in Boston.

Happ went 3-for-5 with a two-run homer, a stolen base and an additional run scored during the Cubs' 7-6 extra-inning win over the Reds on Wednesday.

Happ gave the Cubs an early 2-1 lead after crushing a two-run blast off Brady Singer in the first inning, and the former came home to score in the fourth on a double by Seiya Suzuki. Happ is up to nine home runs on the year and extended his on-base streak to 27 games, which dates back to April 5 against the Guardians. The veteran outfielder is slashing .248/.379/.511 with two steals, 17 RBI and 28 runs across 161 plate appearances this season.

Milner was charged with a blown save during the Cubs' 7-6 extra-inning win over the Reds on Wednesday after giving up a run on one hit and one walk while striking out one batter in the ninth inning.

The Cubs initially turned to Corbin Martin to protect the team's 4-2 lead in the ninth, but Milner had to be brought in after the former gave up a solo homer before loading the bases. Milner struck out the first batter he faced but ended up allowing three runs to cross the plate (two inherited), which was enough for him to be tagged with the blown save. He shouldn't see many more save opportunities this season, as Daniel Palencia is the Cubs' preferred closer after recently coming off the 15-day IL.

Rea did not factor into Wednesday's decision against the Reds. He allowed two runs (one earned) on six hits and three walks while striking out five across 5.1 innings.

After giving up an unearned run during the opening inning, Rea kept the Reds off the board over the next three frames before yielding a solo long ball to Matt McLain. Rea was still in line for the win until Cincinnati scored four runs in the ninth inning to take a 6-4 lead, though the Cubs were able to rally for the extra-inning victory. The veteran right-hander has given up two earned runs or fewer in six of eight starts this season and sits at a 4.03 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 35:12 K:BB across 38 innings. He's slated to face Atlanta on the road next week.

Steer went 1-for-5 with a solo home run during the Reds' 7-6, extra-inning loss to the Cubs on Wednesday.

Steer was having a quiet night at the plate until he smacked a solo home run off Corbin Martin in the ninth, which kick-started the Reds' four-run frame and a temporary 6-4 lead. The long ball also extended Steer's hitting streak to nine games, and in that span he has gone 11-for-31 (.355) with two home runs, six RBI and three runs scored.

Carter went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Wednesday's 6-1 win over the Yankees.

Carter went deep for the first time since April 23, which was also his last multi-RBI effort. The 23-year-old outfielder still has a long way to go before commanding more fantasy attention, though. Across 130 trips to the plate this year, Carter is slashing a paltry .178/.299/.336 with four big flies, five doubles, 11 RBI and five stolen bases.

McLain went 2-for-3 with a solo home run and an additional run scored during the Reds' 7-6 extra-inning loss to the Cubs on Wednesday.

McClain cut the Reds' deficit to 4-2 when he smacked a solo homer off Colin Rea in the fifth inning. The long ball broke McClain's six-game hitless streak (during which he went 0-for-17 with four strikeouts), and his home run Wednesday was his third of the season.

Seager went 2-for-5 with a solo home run and an additional RBI in Wednesday's 6-1 win over the Yankees.

The 32-year-old shortstop ended a 10-game dry spell without a homer Wednesday. Seager isn't hitting for much average in the early going, but he's getting on base at a healthy clip while supplying a decent amount of power. Through 153 plate appearances this season, he's slashing .214/.314/.420 with seven long balls, six doubles, 19 RBI and 19 walks.