MLB Player News

Hader picked up a save against the Tigers on Tuesday, allowing one hit and striking out one batter in one scoreless inning.

Hader unsurprisingly got the call for the top of the ninth inning with Houston up by two runs. The left-hander allowed a leadoff single to bring the tying run to the plate, but he retired the next three batters he faced to close things out. Hader is now a perfect 3-for-3 in save opportunities this season, and he's yet to give up a run while compiling an 8:1 K:BB over six innings spanning six appearances.

Munoz allowed a hit and struck out one without walking a batter in a scoreless inning to earn the save in Tuesday's 3-1 win over the Orioles.

Munoz recently battled back tightness following a poor outing Sunday versus the Nationals. He was cleared to pitch earlier Tuesday and converted his 11th save of the season with 17 pitches (13 strikes). The right-hander has had a poor season with a 5.68 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 38:11 K:BB through 25.1 innings, which also includes five blown saves. However, his inconsistent performance hasn't cost him the closer job yet, and that's unlikely to change immediately since Matt Brash (lat) landed on the injured list last week. If Munoz hits another rough patch, Jose Ferrer, Gabe Speier or Eduard Bazardo would likely be candidates to challenge for save chances.

Criswell was diagnosed with a Grade 1-plus pectoral strain Tuesday, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

Criswell initially landed on the injured list last Tuesday with a shoulder strain, but further testing determined the issue to be in his pec. He's scheduled to undergo another MRI in 3-to-4 weeks, at which point he may be cleared to begin a throwing program. If all goes according to plan, the Mariners expect to activate the 29-year-old reliever sometime around the Aug. 3 trade deadline.

Hiraldo (shoulder) will throw live batting practice Friday, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

Hiraldo has slowly been working his way back from right shoulder inflammation, which has sidelined him since early April. The right-hander resumed throwing off a mound in early June, and Friday's session will be a significant step forward if he's able to complete the session unscathed. Hiraldo will likely require multiple outings during a minor-league rehab assignment in order to get back up to speed, but he could return to the major-league roster before the end of the month.

Munoz (back) will be available to pitch in Tuesday's game against Baltimore, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

Munoz made an early exit from Sunday's contest due to back tightness, but he's been given a clean bill of health ahead of Tuesday's contest. The 27-year-old has recorded a team-high 10 saves on the season but hasn't been particularly reliable while doing so, logging a 5.92 ERA and 1.44 WHIP across 24.1 innings.

General manager Justin Hollander said Tuesday that Brash was diagnosed with a Grade 1 strain in his right lat, Shannon Drayer of SeattleSports.com reports.

Brash has suffered multiple right lat strains this season, though Hollander noted that his latest injury is in a different spot than the one that kept him out for three weeks in May. He also said that the 28-year-old righty is facing a longer stint on the IL this time around and is likely to return sometime around late July or early August. Until then, Jose Ferrer, Gabe Speier and Eduard Bazardo figure to work more often in high-leverage situations.

Royals manager Matt Quatraro said Tuesday that Ragans remains shut down from throwing while continuing to experience elbow symptoms, and the left-hander will be evaluated by another doctor later this week, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Ragans had a throwing session halted Friday since his arm wasn't feeling great, and it appears there still isn't a clear explanation for what he's currently dealing with. The 28-year-old landed on the injured list in early May due to pitcher's elbow. Ragans' status should be updated within the next few days as he continues to be evaluated.

Crochet (shoulder/lat) began throwing a plyometric ball Tuesday as the first step of his throwing program, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

The left-hander is expected to work with the plyo ball for about a week before potentially progressing to a baseball. Crochet continues to work his way back from shoulder inflammation and a lat strain and isn't expected to rejoin the Red Sox until after the All-Star break.

Baltimore optioned Nunez to Triple-A Norfolk on Tuesday.

Nunez was last in action on Sunday, when he pitched one scoreless inning against San Diego. On the campaign, the right-hander has posted a 4.98 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 38:14 K:BB through 34.1 innings. The 24-year-old will head down to Norfolk to make room for Ryan Helsley on the active roster.

The Orioles activated Helsley (elbow) from the 15-day injured list Tuesday.

Helsley wound up being sidelined for seven weeks with right elbow inflammation. He struck out five of seven batters faced over two scoreless rehab innings with Triple-A Norfolk and should slide right back into the closer role in Baltimore. Helsley posted a 2.53 ERA and 15:7 K:BB over 10.2 frames while notching seven saves before he got injured.