MLB Player News

Varland struck out two over two scoreless innings of relief to record his 15th save of the season in an 8-6 win over the Cubs. He didn't allow a hit or a walk.

With the Blue Jays ahead 8-5 in the eighth inning, Mason Fluharty loaded the bases with nobody out, forcing manager John Schneider to turn to his closer much earlier than he wanted. Varland did allow an inherited runner to score on a fielder's choice, but he escaped the jam with no further damage before working around his own throwing error in the ninth. Varland hadn't pitched since Wednesday, but his 28 pitches in this one represented his biggest workload since May 22, so Toronto will likely try to steer away from him in Sunday's contest. On the season, the right-hander sports a 0.86 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 57:11 K:BB through 42 innings, and he has yet to blow a save chance.

Jansen gave up a hit and a walk in a scoreless ninth inning Saturday to record his ninth save of the season in a 4-1 win over the White Sox. He failed to strike out a batter.

The veteran closer made things interesting by allowing the tying run to come to the plate with two outs, but Jansen got Drew Romo to fly out to center field to end the contest. Despite missing a couple weeks due to a pelvic issue, Jansen has been locked in since the beginning of May, getting scored upon in only one of his last 11 appearances while posting a 2.53 ERA, 0.75 WHIP and 13:6 K:BB in 10.2 innings.

Newcomb didn't factor into the decision during Saturday's loss to the Tigers, throwing three perfect innings as the opener. He struck out four.

The veteran southpaw ended up staying in the game longer than any other White Sox pitcher in what became a true bullpen day, and Newcomb needed 42 pitches (28 strikes) to retire all nine batters he faced -- his biggest workload since April 22, when he tossed 44 pitches against the Diamondbacks. There's been no indication Chicago intends to stretch Newcomb out to be a regular starter or bulk reliever, as he's been too valuable in the bullpen. Through 45.1 innings over 29 appearances (one start) this season, he's delivered a 2.58 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 44:11 K:BB with five holds and a save.

Seymour (3-1) took the loss against the Nationals on Saturday, allowing three runs on seven hits and no walks with four strikeouts over five innings.

Seymour allowed two runs in the second inning and one in the fifth while logging five frames for the first time this season. He threw 57 strikes on a season-high 81 pitches and generated nine whiffs. The 27-year-old owns a 4.98 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 45:19 K:BB across 43.1 innings this season while making three starts and 26 relief appearances. If he remains in the rotation, he'll line up for a home matchup against the Royals next week.

The Athletics recalled Hartlieb from Triple-A Las Vegas on Saturday, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

With Mark Leiter (hip) headed for the injured list, the A's will turn to Hartlieb to plug the hole in their bullpen. The 32-year-old righty has spent the entire season at Las Vegas, posting a 3.48 ERA and 1.39 WHIP across 33.2 innings in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League. He's likely set for middle-relief work as long as he's in the majors.

The Athletics placed Leiter on the 15-day injured list Saturday, retroactive to Thursday, due to a right hip impingement, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Leiter has given up just one earned run in his last 14 innings, but the A's will be without his services for at least a couple of weeks while he recovers from a hip injury. Geoff Hartlieb was recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas to replenish the team's bullpen depth.

The Yankees optioned Bird to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Saturday, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Bird pitched scoreless innings in both Friday's and Saturday's contests, lowering his ERA to 4.88 through 24 innings on the season. He'll now end up as the roster casualty necessary to create space in preparation for Elmer Rodriguez's promotion Sunday. Bird is likely to return to the Bronx at some point this season when the Yankees need a fresh arm in the bullpen.

The Blue Jays optioned Little to Triple-A Buffalo on Saturday.

Little joined the big-league roster Friday, but he'll be sent right back to the minors after giving up four earned runs in one inning during Friday's blowout loss to the Cubs. Lazaro Estrada (shoulder) was activated from the 60-day IL in a corresponding move.

The Blue Jays reinstated Estrada (shoulder) from the injured list Saturday.

Estrada has been on the shelf since April due to a right shoulder impingement. He was cleared to begin pitching in rehab games June 2 and has since allowed four earned runs in 9.2 innings across four appearances at Triple-A Buffalo. Now fully healthy, he'll presumably work as a long-relief option for the big club. Brendon Little was optioned to Buffalo in a corresponding move.

Baker struck out one in a perfect ninth inning Friday to record his 19th save of the season in a 5-2 win over the Nationals.

The right-hander is 19-for-22 in converting save chances on the year, an impressive showing for a pitcher who came into 2026 with four career saves and 11 blown saves over the prior four seasons combined while primarily working in middle relief or a setup role. Baker hasn't been charged with a run in 11 straight appearances, delivering a 0.64 WHIP and 10:3 K:BB in 11 innings over that stingy stretch to lower his ERA on the campaign to 1.84.