MLB Player News

Stephenson threw a bullpen session Friday and "came through it fine," per interim manager Ray Montgomery, and the veteran reliever may next begin a minor-league rehab assignment, according to MLB.com.

Stephenson has had an injury-plagued campaign and has gotten into only two games so far for the Angels. His current injury is a stretched nerve in his right biceps and he's on the 60-day IL, so he isn't eligible to be activated until the final week of August. The positive news is that Stephenson has been able to deploy his full arsenal during recent bullpen sessions, and while he could be asked to toss more bullpens before he's deemed ready for game action, a minor-league rehab stint appears to be in the works in the near future.

Cruz (oblique) is scheduled to throw a live bullpen session with Double-A Somerset on Sunday, Peter Sblendorio of the New York Daily News reports.

Cruz has been on the injured list since June 30 due to a severe left oblique strain. He began throwing bullpen sessions in late July and has shown enough progress to advance to facing hitters. Since Cruz's absence has already lasted over a month, he'll likely need to go on a minor-league rehab assignment before he's ready to rejoin the Yankees. Nonetheless, a return before the end of August is feasible.

The Athletics recalled Harris from Triple-A Las Vegas on Saturday.

With Luis Severino (oblique) headed for the IL, Harris will return to the big club to provide the team with extra bullpen depth while the A's work out who will take the open rotation spot. The 28-year-old southpaw owns a 4.35 ERA through 41.1 innings in the majors this season and will likely be limited to middle-relief duties.

Brash struck out the side in a perfect ninth inning Friday to record his second save of the season in a 3-2 win over the Rays.

Andres Munoz had worked Wednesday and Thursday, so Brash got the call for the save opportunity and mowed down Tampa Bay's 2-3-4 hitters on 19 pitches (10 strikes). Brash missed the first month-plus of the season while completing his recovery from a hybrid Tommy John surgery/internal brace procedure on his elbow performed in May 2024, but since getting back on the mound he's been almost untouchable, posting a 1.20 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 34:12 K:BB over 30 innings. Munoz's numbers are also elite as the team's closer, but Brash's presence gives the M's perhaps the best high-leverage duo in the league.

Jax (1-6) allowed three earned runs on three hits while striking out one across one inning to take the loss Friday against the Mariners.

This marked Jax's fourth appearance since he was dealt to the Rays, and the second in which he's allowed at least one earned run. He entered the game in the eighth inning with a two-run lead but allowed a pair of singles before serving up a three-run home run to Cal Raleigh. Jax now has an inflated 4.93 ERA on the season, but his 76:15 K:BB in 49.1 innings is indicative of how dominant he's been for long stretches of the campaign.

Hader (6-2) allowed one unearned run on one walk and one hit across two innings to earn the win Friday against the Yankees.

Hader entered the game with the score tied at 2-2 in the ninth inning. He pitched a clean opening frame and then managed to protect a three-run lead in the 10th inning, despite giving up a run-scoring single to the second batter he faced. Hader has now gone eight appearances without allowing an earned run, picking up three saves and a win in that span.

Williams (3-5) took the loss against the Astros on Friday, allowing three runs (two earned) on two hits and no walks with one strikeout in the 10th inning.

Williams was called upon in the extra frame and immediately allowed the runner on second to score before surrendering a two-run homer. He's struggled mightily over his past four outings, giving up seven earned runs with two blown saves and two losses as the Yankees fight for a playoff spot. Although the 30-year-old is 17-for-20 in save chances this season, he carries a miserable 5.73 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 56:19 K:BB across 44 innings. According to Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News, manager Aaron Boone is trying to find softer landing spots for Williams, indicating he's likely lost his grip on the closer role for the time being.

Finnegan threw a clean ninth inning to notch the save in Friday's 6-5 win over the Angels. He struck out two.

Finnegan nailed down his 23rd save of the season, and he appears to have quickly assumed closing duties since landing with Detroit. The hard-throwing right-hander now has three saves in as many appearances for the Tigers, and he's fired five consecutive scoreless outings dating back to his time with the Nationals. Will Vest hasn't converted a save since July 20 in Texas, so his fantasy arrow seems to be pointing down overall.

Detmers (3-3) took the loss and the blown save Friday against Detroit, allowing three runs on one hit and two walks in one-third of an inning. He struck out one.

It was the fourth blown save of the season for Detmers, who has struggled quite a bit lately after going without an earned run allowed over 13 innings back in June. While the left-hander does have a strong 1.06 WHIP and 20:2 K:BB over his last 16 frames, he has a 5.63 ERA during that span since the beginning of July. Detmers' recent shortcomings could open the door for Andrew Chafin and/or Luis Garcia to handle more high-leverage work going forward.

Akin earned the save in Friday's 3-2 win over the Athletics, striking out one in a perfect ninth inning.

Akin was summoned to protect a one-run lead in the ninth and needed just 11 pitches to seal the win. Since returning from a shoulder injury, the southpaw has logged four scoreless outings in five appearances while converting both of his save chances. He owns a 3.21 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 41:22 K:BB with two saves and 12 holds across 42 innings and may be emerging as the Orioles' top option for save opportunities.