MLB Player News

Kimbrel struck out one in a perfect ninth inning Saturday to record his 37th save of the season in a 5-2 win over the Rays.

The closer had been scuffling in late July and early August, allowing runs in five of six appearances at one point, but he seems to be back on track now. Kimbrel's 37 saves already make up his highest total in three seasons with Boston, and a big finish to the campaign would allow him to challenge the career-high 50 he posted in 2013.

Diaz gave up a solo homer to the Dodgers' Max Muncy in the ninth inning Saturday and was charged with his fourth blown save of the season.

Diaz rebounded right away after serving up the homer, striking out Yasiel Puig and Joc Pederson to keep the game tied. The Mariners ended up winning in 10 innings. It was Diaz's first blown save since June 1. He still has a chance at becoming just the second pitcher ever to record 60 saves in a season.

Covey (4-10) allowed two runs on four hits -- including a home run -- over 5.2 innings in a loss to the Royals on Saturday. He struck out six and walked three.

This was a step forward for Covey, who came into the game with a 10.00 ERA and 2.00 WHIP in his last four starts. However, it wasn't enough to snap his streak of consecutive losses, which is now at five. After a nice run to begin the season, Covey has regressed in a major way and the blowup potential makes him tough to justify starting in any league, even with a matchup against the Tigers on tap.

Belisle (knee) threw live batting practice Saturday, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Belisle has been out since Aug. 7 with sore cartilage in his right knee. His return date is not yet clear, but he appears to be making progress in his recovery.

Adam was optioned to Triple-A Omaha on Saturday.

Adam struggled to a 6.12 ERA in 32.1 innings for the Royals, allowing nine home runs. Jake Newberry will take his place in the bullpen.

Morris cleared waivers Saturday and was outrighted to Triple-A Salt Lake.

Morris' 5.79 ERA left him as not a particularly enticing candidate for a waiver claim. He'll remain with the Angels in an organizational depth capacity.

Coleman recorded a blown save in Friday's 5-4 loss to the Twins, as he allowed one earned run on one hit over 1.2 innings of work.

The lone hit was a big one, as Coleman gave up a three-run homer to pinch hitter Joe Mauer upon entering the game with one out in the seventh inning. Coleman pitched better from there, but the damage was already done. The 32-year-old righty now has a 3.58 ERA this season, and he should continue to see high-leverage work out of a Detroit bullpen that doesn't have many reliable options at this point.

Treinen (6-2) got the win against the Astros on Friday, striking out three and walking one over a scoreless inning in Oakland's 4-3 extra-inning victory.

The lights-out righty has been one of the best save artists in the game this season, but he chipped in with his sixth win in this contest thanks to a game-ending solo blast from teammate Matt Olson. Treinen has been dominant in 2018, as he's limited opponents to just six earned runs over 62 innings, leaving him with a 0.87 ERA.

Junis allowed two runs on five hits in 5.1 innings Friday against the White Sox, striking out five and walking three while settling for a no-decision.

Junis pitched well enough to win but was let down by the Royals bullpen, which gave up seven runs in the seventh inning. Over his last four starts Junis is 1-0 with a 3.27 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP while recording 26 strikeouts in 22 innings. On the season the right-hander has a 4.76 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and a 127:40 K:BB in 132.1 innings. His next start will be a matchup with the Rays in Tampa Bay.

Hildenberger has converted all three of his save chances since the trade of Fernando Rodney, but the closer role remains an open competition, Zonecoverage.com reports. "To be honest with you, with Hildy getting off to a good start, (he's the frontrunner), but it might just not play out that way." said manager Paul Molitor.

Matt Magill started the ninth inning in Friday's game with a one-run lead, but was pulled with two outs. Taylor Rogers got the final out for the save. Hildenberger had pitched two consecutive games before Thursday, so perhaps he was simply held out to give him another day of rest, but Friday's game suggestd the Twins may use a committee or tryout approach at closer the next few weeks.