MLB Player News

Stanek struck out one over a scoreless ninth inning to pick up his first save in Wednesday's 7-5 win over the Mariners.

Closer Ryan Pressly had thrown 31 pitches over the last two days, so he was skipped for this save opportunity. Instead, manager Dusty Baker opted for Stanek, who has emerged as Houston's eighth-inning reliever. The right-hander has fired blanks in nine of 12 outings and leapfrogged several relievers to claim a high-leverage role.

Staumont recorded his third save of the season Wednesday against the Pirates. He tossed 1.1 scoreless innings while fanning two.

Staumont tossed 12 of his 18 pitches for strikes and pitched more than one inning for the fourth time this season, though this was the first time he did so while notching a save. The right-hander has allowed just one earned run in 13.1 innings across 11 appearances and has gone 3-for-3 in save opportunities so far, so he appears to be making a strong case to hold down the closer's role on a full-time basis.

Iglesias did not allow a baserunner and struck out one to earn the save Wednesday against the Rangers.

Iglesias was called upon to protect a one-run lead, and he had no issues doing so to lock in his fourth save of the campaign. He's now 4-for-6 in save opportunities this season, though there is no indication that he is in danger of losing his role. Iglesias has a 6.00 ERA across nine innings for the campaign, though that's bloated when considering his excellent 13:1 K:BB.

Nelson pitched a perfect ninth inning with one strikeout in Wednesday's 10-2 loss to the Twins.

Nelson made a solid first impression in his season debut. The 24-year-old southpaw isn't expected to see much high-leverage work while with the big club.

Hentges allowed three runs (two earned) on five hits and struck out two over three innings in Wednesday's 10-2 loss to the Twins.

Hentges worked the most innings of any Cleveland pitcher Wednesday after an ugly start from Logan Allen. The 24-year-old Hentges has a 4.76 ERA, 1.41 WHIP and six strikeouts with no walks over 5.2 innings this season. He had a 5.11 ERA and 1.65 WHIP in 26 starts with Double-A Akron in 2019, so there's a track record as a starter if manager Terry Francona wants to call on the southpaw for a rotation spot in the near future. Cal Quantrill is also in the mix for the fifth starter role.

Maton pitched a scoreless inning and allowed one hit in Wednesday's 10-2 loss to the Twins.

Cleveland was hit hard early in the game, but Nick Wittgren, Maton and Kyle Nelson combined for three scoreless innings at the end of the game. The 28-year-old Maton now has a 2.45 ERA, 0.82 WHIP and 7:2 K:BB across 7.1 innings this year. He has yet to record a hold, but more strong outings could see him take on higher-leverage assignments as the season continues.

Stephan allowed one run on two hits and a walk with two strikeouts over 1.2 innings in Wednesday's 10-2 loss to the Twins.

Logan Allen had an awful start, and Stephan was needed to help get through the second inning. He also pitched the third, allowing a solo shot to Willians Astudillo as the Twins ran away with the game. The 25-year-old Stephan has a 5.91 ERA, 1.59 WHIP and 13:5 K:BB across 10.2 innings. He's mostly worked in a multi-inning, low-leverage role this season. He's also given up four home runs -- keeping the ball in the yard will be critical for his effectiveness this season.

Armstrong pitched 1.2 scoreless innings with a walk and a strikeout in Wednesday's 7-0 loss to the Yankees.

Armstrong was the first reliever up after an ineffective 4.1 innings from starter Dean Kremer. The 30-year-old Armstrong was better in his outing. He's now strung together four scoreless innings in his last three appearances. For the year, the right-hander has a 9.00 ERA, 1.88 WHIP and 7:6 K:BB in eight innings. He'll likely continue to work in a low-leverage role after a rough start to 2021.

Barnes struck out the side in the ninth inning to earn a save in Wednesday's 1-0 win over the Mets.

Barnes needed only 12 pitches (nine strikes) to strike out Michael Conforto, J.D. Davis and Dominic Smith in order. The 30-year-old Barnes has picked up three saves in four days and now has six in 13 appearances this season. He's posted a 2.57 ERA, 0.57 WHIP and 25:3 K:BB across 14 innings as the Red Sox's closer.

Pivetta (3-0) pitched five shutout innings, allowing a hit and three walks with seven strikeouts to earn the win Wednesday versus the Mets.

Pivetta was effective once again in a game he absolutely needed to be, as Mets ace Jacob deGrom only allowed one run in the contest. The 28-year-old Pivetta has a 2.81 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 25:17 K:BB across 25.2 innings in five starts. While the free passes are a little concerning, he's done well to limit the damage from issuing so many walks. The right-hander's next start is expected to be Tuesday versus the lowly Tigers.