MLB Player News

Varland (3-2) took the loss Saturday, giving up two runs on two hits in the ninth inning as the Blue Jays fell 3-1 to the Yankees. He struck out one.

Brought in for the top of the ninth inning in a 1-1 tie, Varland couldn't get the game to extras as Cody Bellinger led off the frame with a single before Paul Goldschmidt hooked a game-winning two-run homer to left field. It was the first long ball Varland has served up all year, and one stumble isn't going to cost him his spot as Toronto's closer. On the season, the right-hander sports a 0.96 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 49:10 K:BB through 37.2 innings, and he's a perfect 12-for-12 in converting save chances.

Bednar struck out the side in a perfect ninth inning Saturday to record his 14th save of the season in a 3-1 win over the Blue Jays.

The Yankees closer got Andres Gimenez and Nathan Lukes to flail away at splitters, while he fanned George Springer on a 97.5 mph fastball. Bednar held a 5.14 ERA on May 18, but since then he's reeled off seven straight scoreless appearances, allowing just two hits in 7.2 innings with an 11:3 K:BB over that span to lower his ERA to a more palatable 3.77.

Alvarado struck out two in a perfect inning to earn the save in Saturday's 7-5 win over the Rockies.

Alvarado has earned a save in each of his last two outings, putting himself firmly in the mix in the Athletics' closing committee. He's pitched 5.1 scoreless innings since returning to the big-league roster June 5. He's at a 5.40 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 20:7 K:BB through 15 innings while adding two saves and four holds. Alvarado has momentum in an unsettled bullpen, so he's worth a look for fantasy managers chasing saves.

Jax (1-5) allowed one unearned run on five hits and struck out five without walking a batter over five innings, taking the loss Saturday versus the Angels.

The Angels were able to run up the score against the Rays' bullpen, leaving Jax with an unfortunate loss despite a strong showing. He threw 44 of 63 pitches for strikes and completed five frames for the second start in a row. For the season, Jax has a 3.68 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 41:18 K:BB over 44 innings across 20 appearances (nine starts). The right-hander is still being built up carefully after opening the campaign in the bullpen, which makes it difficult for him to pitch long enough to qualify for wins. His next outing is projected to be at home versus the Nationals.

The White Sox signed Guerra to a minor-league contract Saturday.

Guerra spent the previous two seasons in Japan but signed with Atlanta over the winter. He failed to make the team out of spring training and was roughed up for a 5.68 ERA, 1.78 WHIP and 17:20 K:BB across 25.1 innings with Triple-A Gwinnett before he was cut by Atlanta earlier this week.

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

Chapman continues to put together a spectacular campaign as Boston's closer. The 37-year-old southpaw last gave up an earned run during his April 4 outing against the Padres, riding a streak of 17 consecutive scoreless appearances. For the year, Chapman has a 0.44 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 28:9 K:BB while going a perfect 14-for-14 in save situations.

Helsley (elbow) pitched one inning with two strikeouts and no hits allowed for Triple-A Norfolk in his second rehab appearance Saturday.

Helsley turned in a 1-2-3 inning on just 14 pitches. Baltimore has missed the right-hander's presence in the back end of the bullpen since he was placed on the injured list May 1. Before being deactivated, Helsley posted a 2.53 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 15:7 K:BB with seven saves in 10.2 innings. He should settle back in as Baltimore's closer once he returns from the shelf.

Tampa Bay optioned Englert to Triple-A Durham on Saturday.

In his most recent stint with the Rays, Englert pitched in two games, allowing just one run on four hits with a 6:2 K:BB over nine innings. He threw 65 pitches while covering four frames Friday against the Angels, so he was likely going to be unavailable for a few days, and Tampa Bay decided to send him down to make room for Craig Kimbrel (wrist) to return from the injured list. Englert could be back with Tampa Bay the next time the team needs a reliever capable of covering multiple innings.

The Rays activated Kimbrel (wrist) from the 15-day injured list Saturday.

Kimbrel landed on the IL due to a right wrist strain in late May, and he ended up needing only the minimum amount of time on the shelf. The veteran reliever will now resume his low-leverage role in Tampa Bay's bullpen. He has pitched in just one game since joining the team off waivers May 26, tossing a scoreless inning against Baltimore.

Ragans (elbow) had a throwing session cut short Friday and will undergo additional testing, Jaylon T. Thompson of The Kansas City Star reports.

According to manager Matt Quatraro, Ragans "woke up yesterday [Friday], not feeling as well arm-wise." The southpaw still attempted to throw, but he had to cut the session short. As a result, Kansas City has elected to have Ragans sent in for more testing, which will take place "in the next couple of days." The 28-year-old had progressed to throwing bullpen sessions in his rehab from a left elbow impingement, but the setback may push back his timeline to rejoin Kansas City's rotation.