MLB Player News

Francis tossed 3.2 innings out of the bullpen in Friday's 7-1 loss to the Guardians, giving up two unearned runs on two hits and two walks while striking out four.

Francis has now made each of his last three appearances out of the bullpen, but he's been utilized as a bulk reliever on two of those occasions. Heading into Friday's game, the Blue Jays likely didn't plan on using Francis quite as heavily, but he was pressed into extended action after starter Yariel Rodriguez gave up five runs (four earned) while recording just four outs in his return to the rotation following a seven-week stay on the injured list. Before Rodriguez landed on the shelf in late April, he and Francis had been deployed as tandem starters, and it's possible that manager John Schneider could proceed with that arrangement when Rodriguez's next turn through the rotation comes up Wednesday in Boston. Considering Rodriguez built up to four innings and 79 pitches during his rehab assignment prior to coming off the IL, he should be expected to work deeper into Wednesday's game than he did Friday.

Santos (lat) came away from his live batting practice session Saturday feeling very encouraged after deploying his sinker/slider combination, MLB.com reports.

Santos faced rookies Ryan Bliss and Tyler Locklear before Saturday's game in Miami and flummoxed both players consistently, not allowing either to put the ball in play over the quick 10-pitch session. Santos is slated to throw another bullpen session during the Mariners' current three-game series at Tropicana Field against the Rays, with another live batting practice a possibility in the days following. Assuming he continues free of setbacks through those sessions, Santos would then be set to begin a fairly lengthy rehab assignment.

The Twins recalled Henriquez from Triple-A St. Paul on Tuesday.

Henriquez tossed two scoreless frames in his lone appearance with the Twins earlier this season and boasts a 3.52 ERA and 37:10 K:BB across 38.1 innings with St. Paul. He's likely to be deployed in the middle of games.

Voth (2-2) recorded his seventh hold but also took the loss against the Rays on Monday, allowing three earned runs on two hits and a walk over two-thirds of an inning.

Voth's messy outing actually began in very positive fashion, as he retired the first two hitters he faced to open the eighth inning with the Mariners holding a 3-1 lead. However, Voth would allow the next three hitters to reach safely via a walk, single and ground-rule double, the latter hit driving in the Rays' second run. Andres Munoz would be called in at that point and allowed both inherited runners to score, setting Voth up for the eventual loss. Voth has suffered both his defeats in his last three appearances, but he retains a solid 3.73 ERA and 0.96 WHIP to go along with two victories and eight holds.

Pop (0-2) took the loss and was charged with a blown save Monday against the Red Sox, giving up an unearned run on two hits in one-third of an inning.

His only out was a strikeout, but Pop helped create his own misfortune in the bottom of the ninth -- after Ceddanne Rafaela reached on an error, the right-hander balked him over to second base before Jarren Duran smacked a walk-off single. Pop was only working in a high-leverage spot due to all the injuries in the Blue Jays bullpen, and on the season he carries a 4.98 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 14:6 K:BB through 21.2 innings.

McArthur earned a save against the Marlins on Monday, striking out one batter in a perfect inning of work.

McArthur entered in the ninth frame with Kansas City up by three runs and made quick work of Miami, retiring the side in order on 10 pitches. That netted him his first save since June 6 and his 13th overall this season. McArthur's 18-day span between saves was of no fault of his own -- he didn't see any save opportunities during that stretch, and the only save by any KC pitcher during that period came in a game during which McArthur was used in a high-leverage spot and ended up with the victory. With that in mind, McArthur remains the top option for save chances in the Royals' bullpen.

Munoz was charged with a blown save Monday against Tampa Bay, allowing one hit and one walk with one strikeout in one-third of an inning.

Munoz entered the game in the bottom of the eighth inning with two outs and runners on second and third. He walked Jose Caballero before allowing a two-run single to Yandy Diaz, giving the Rays a 4-3 lead. While Munoz blew the save, it is encouraging that he was called upon for the high-leverage situation over fellow closer Ryne Stanek, who pitched a scoreless seventh inning. The Mariners closer situation should still be considered a committee moving forward, with Munoz offering the most upside. Despite blowing the save, the 25-year-old has been dominant this season, compiling a 1.41 ERA, a 1.00 WHIP and a 43:11 K:BB over 32 innings, converting 13-of-15 save opportunities with six holds.

Fairbanks earned his 12th save of the season Monday against Seattle, striking out two batters in a perfect ninth inning.

Fairbanks picked up his second save in as many days, totaling three strikeouts while not allowing a single baserunner. The 30-year-old has pitched well in the month of June, going 7-for-8 in save chances with a 2.31 ERA, a 0.89 WHIP and an 11:2 K:BB in 11.2 innings.

Barlow struck out the side in the ninth inning of Monday's win against Baltimore, logging his second save of the season.

With closer Emmanuel Clase pitching the previous two days for Cleveland, Barlow was called upon in the ninth to preserve a one-run lead. The 31-year-old made the most of his opportunity, but he will see few save chances while Emmanuel Clase his healthy. Barlow owns a 3.66 ERA, a 1.31 WHIP and a 44:17 K:BB over 32 innings this season, adding 16 holds and two saves.

Jansen (3-1) allowed a hit in a scoreless inning Monday. He struck out one and earned a win over Toronto.

Jansen worked a quick ninth inning, needing only 10 pitches to keep the game tied 6-6. Boston won the game in the bottom of the frame and gave him his second win of the month. Jansen is 2-0 with eight saves and a 0.77 ERA over his last 11 appearances.