MLB Player News

Castro pitched two-thirds of an inning against the White Sox on Saturday, allowing one hit and striking out one batter to earn a hold.

The righty reliever came on in the eighth inning and retired two batters around a Gavin Sheets single. He was replaced by Clay Holmes and credited with a hold after Holmes secured the four-out save. Castro has held the opponent scoreless in 14 of his 16 appearances this season and has compiled two wins, five holds and a 2.77 ERA across 13 innings.

Barnes struck out one in a perfect ninth inning Saturday to record his second save of the season in a 6-5 win over the Mariners.

Manager Alex Cora has maintained faith that Barnes would turn things around, and that faith was rewarded for at least one afternoon as Barnes picked up his first save since April 22. The right-hander threw only three fastballs among his 15 pitches though, topping out at 95.8 mph, and he produced only one swinging strike -- numbers which don't hint at a return to the dominance he flashed in the first half last year. Nonetheless, no one else has stepped up and seized Boston's closer role, so if Barnes can string together a few good appearances, the job could be his once again.

Iglesias saved Saturday's 5-3 win against Oakland, striking out two in the ninth inning.

Iglesias entered in the ninth inning to protect a three-run lead and retired the side on an efficient nine pitches, including two strikeouts. The 32-year-old was able to get back on track following two poor outings, and manager Joe Maddon's decision to stick with Iglesias despite the recent rough patch solidifies his role as closer.

Pressly registered the save during a 2-1 win against the Rangers on Saturday, allowing one hit with one strikeout in the ninth inning.

Pressly got two quick outs in the ninth and recorded a strikeout to end the game after permitting a Nathaniel Lowe single. Opportunities have been difficult to come by for the 33-year-old as this was his first save and only third appearance since May 7. Pressly has lowered his ERA to 3.24 with four scoreless innings since blowing two straight save opportunities.

Romano earned save No. 14 with a perfect ninth inning against the Reds on Saturday. He struck out the side.

For the second consecutive day, Romano was perfect in nailing down the win for Toronto. He's shown no ill effects from the gastrointestinal infection he battled recently. Romano is now 14-for-16 in save chances this season.

Holmes tossed 1.1 perfect innings while striking out two on his way to a save in Saturday's 7-5 win over the White Sox.

Holmes was called upon with one on and two out in the top of the eighth inning, and he proceeded to get Andrew Vaughn to ground out to end the frame. Aaron Boone then opted to keep Holmes in to pitch the ninth, and Holmes produced a 1-2-3 inning while striking out two. It was the right-hander's second consecutive outing in which he pitched more than an inning and secured a save. He now has four saves this season. With Chad Green (elbow) being placed on the 15-day injured list Saturday, Holmes will likely pick up more high-leverage opportunities moving forward.

Giles (finger) threw a 30-pitch bullpen session Friday and will throw live batting practice soon, Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle reports.

Giles' return from Tommy John surgery has been delayed by an injury to a tendon in his right middle finger, but he's taking steps in the right direction. Reports from earlier this week seemed pessimistic, as he'd yet to resume mound work, but he's since advanced to that stage and looks to be already ready for the next step. When exactly the Mariners expect him to be ready for game action at the MLB level remains unclear, however.

Vespi was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk on Saturday.

Vespi made his major-league debut Friday against the Rays and earned the win after striking out three in two scoreless relief innings. However, he'll head back to the minors for now. As long as he continues to perform well in Norfolk, Vespi should rejoin the Orioles at some point.

Gillaspie was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk on Saturday.

Gillaspie joined the major-league club Tuesday, and he tossed 3.2 scoreless innings over two relief appearances with the Orioles. However, he'll head back to the minors after right-hander Mike Baumann was called up Saturday.

Baumann was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk on Saturday.

Baumann was sent down in late April, but he'll rejoin the active roster after posting a 3.72 ERA and 1.09 WHIP in 9.2 innings spanning four relief appearances in Norfolk. He logged a 6.14 ERA in 7.1 innings over five relief appearances in the majors early in the season, so he should pitch mainly in low-leverage situations.