MLB Player News

Chafin pitched a clean eighth inning with two strikeouts to earn a hold in Saturday's win over the Orioles.

Despite some hiccups lately, Gregory Soto saw the save opportunity Saturday, and he was able to shut the door on Baltimore. Chafin has pitched pretty well with a 2.57 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 10 strikeouts across seven innings this season, which has earned him some trust in a setup role. Soto should stick as the closer for now, though Chafin could be an option at some point, along with Michael Fulmer and Will Vest.

Chapman (0-1) was tagged with the loss Saturday against the White Sox, allowing one run on two hits and a walk over one-third of an inning.

After the Yankees got to White Sox closer Liam Hendriks for a game-tying run in the top of the ninth inning, Chapman was summoned to try to send the game to extra frames. He retired the first batter he faced but then gave up a single, walk and another single as Chicago pulled out the win. Chapman didn't allow any earned runs over his first 12 appearances of the season but has now yielded a run in back-to-back outings. His 1.37 WHIP and 6.9 BB/9 are red flags, but the veteran closer is 8-for-8 in save chances on the campaign, so his job appears safe for now.

Hernandez (0-3) took the loss against Colorado on Saturday, allowing nine runs on eight hits and three walks while striking out three batters over four innings.

Hernandez fell behind early and yielded seven runs over his first three innings. Though he pitched a perfect fourth frame, he was pulled after starting the fifth by giving up a walk and a run-scoring double. Hernandez has given up 15 runs over his past two starts to push his season ERA to 9.11. He's in danger of losing his spot in the rotation, but if he gets another chance to smooth things out, it will likely come at home against the White Sox next week.

Sandlin (3-1) allowed one hit over 1.1 scoreless innings to earn the win Saturday versus the Twins.

Sandlin got the last out of the eighth inning and also pitched the ninth before the Guardians rallied for the lead in the 10th. The right-hander has picked up all three of his wins this season in his last five outings. He's struggled with control a bit this year, posting a 6:8 K:BB with a 3.65 ERA and 1.30 WHIP across 12.1 innings, but he's also picked up four holds, so he has at least some trust to pitch in high-leverage situations.

Oller (0-3) took the loss during Game 2 of Saturday's doubleheader, allowing eight runs on six hits and three walks with three strikeouts in five innings.

Oller escaped the first inning unscathed, but it was all downhill from there. He surrendered five runs in the second, capped by a Taylor Ward grand slam, and three more in the fifth, and likely would have been removed sooner had he not been the 27th man. Oller will likely return to the minors, though he could have a role later in the season as Oakland looks to the future.

Smeltzer pitched five innings against Cleveland on Saturday, allowing one run on three hits and two walks while striking out two. He did not factor in the decision.

Smeltzer was called up from Triple-A St. Paul earlier in the day to make the start against the Guardians. The left-handed hurler held his own with five innings of one-run ball, pitching to contact but allowing only one extra-base hit. This was Smeltzer's first big-league start since 2020, as he missed most of last season with a left elbow injury. It's not yet clear if he'll get another turn in the rotation.

Clase earned a save against the Twins on Saturday, allowing an unearned run on one hit while striking out one batter in one inning.

Clase entered the contest in the 10th inning with Cleveland up by two runs. He surrendered a one-out single that allowed the designated runner to score but navigated his way to the save. Clase hasn't allowed an earned run in any of his past nine appearances, and he has racked up five saves and a win over that span.

Hendriks (1-2) was credited with the win after blowing a save Saturday against the Yankees. He allowed one run one on one hit and one walk while striking out three over 1.2 innings.

The closer was put in a tough situation in the eighth inning, entering with one out and a pair of runners on base with Chicago clinging to a one-run lead. He got out of the jam by striking out Josh Donaldson and Gleyber Torres, but the Yankees got to him for a run in the following frame to tie the score. The White Sox then walked off with a win the bottom of the ninth, handing Hendriks his first win of the campaign. Despite the favorable finish, it wasn't the best outing for Hendriks, who has blown two straight save chances while yielding three earned runs over his past two innings.

Soto pitched a scoreless ninth inning, allowing one hit while recording one strikeout Saturday against the Orioles en route to his fifth save of the season.

Manager A.J. Hinch was true to his word, as he said Soto would get the save chance if one arose Saturday. Will Vest has emerged as an intriguing stealth candidate for saves in Detroit, but Soto still has the job for now.

Zimmermann (2-2) gave up three runs (two earned) on seven hits and one walk while striking out two in six innings Saturday against the Tigers. He took the loss.

He gave up home runs to Eric Haase and Willi Castro but was able to hold on to go six innings for the second start in a row and third time this season. Zimmerman had only given up one home run in his prior six starts. The two strikeouts were easily a season low, as he has struck out at least four in every other start. He projects to face the Yankees at home next week.