MLB Player News

Kimbrel was pulled in the ninth frame of Wednesday's game against the Nationals and was charged with two runs on two walks and a hit over two-thirds of an inning, though he was credited with a hold.

Kimbrel was called upon to protect a two-run, ninth-inning lead and initially appeared set to do so with little trouble, as he retired the first two batters he faced. However, Eddie Rosario then tagged the veteran closer for a solo home run, and Kimbrel followed with two straight walks before he was given the hook. Keegan Akin allowed one of the inherited runners to score, thus sending the game into extra frames. Though Kimbrel was credited with a hold, he was pulled in a save situation in the ninth inning for his second straight outing, so his hold on the closer role for Baltimore could be getting tenuous. Over his past five contests, Kimbrel has blown two saves in addition to being pulled from a save situation on two occasions, and he's allowed six earned runs while posting a 4:7 K:BB across 2.1 innings during that stretch.

Webb earned an extra-innings save against the Nationals on Wednesday, allowing an unearned run on one hit while striking out one batter over one inning.

Usual Baltimore closer Craig Kimbrel was unsteady again Wednesday, as he was pulled with two outs in the ninth inning after giving up a solo homer and a walk. The game ultimately went into extra frames, and Webb was called upon to shut Washington down after the Orioles took a two-run lead in the top of the 12th. Luis Garcia opened the inning for Washington by doubling home the automatic runner, but Webb was able to bounce back by retiring the next three batters to earn a save. Kimbrel's hold on the closer role could be starting to slip given that he's given up six earned runs over his past five outings covering 2.1 frames, but if he does end up getting demoted at some point, Yennier Cano would likely be the favorite to take over the closer role, so Webb doesn't figure to see more than an occasional unpredictable save chance.

Lange (0-2) allowed an unearned run on one hit to take the loss in Wednesday's 5-4, 10-inning contest against the Guardians.

After recording the final out of the ninth inning, Lange had the unenviable task of pitching the bottom of the 10th in a tie game with a runner starting on second base. The righty retired the first batter but then allowed a walk-off hit to Brayan Rocchio. There shouldn't be too much read into the loss, and Lange has pitched well all season, as he's sitting with a stellar 0.64 ERA across 14 innings. Lange should continue to see high-leverage work for the Tigers moving forward, and he could slide back into the closer role at some point if he keeps up the strong play.

McArthur picked up the save Wednesday against the Brewers after a perfect two-thirds of an inning.

The ball was handed to Tyler Duffey for the ninth, but after Duffey walked two batters and gave up a double to Brice Turang, McArthur was forced to step in and close the door. The save snapped McArthur out of a two-game slump in which he allowed five runs (four earned) and was charged with two blown saves and two losses. McArthur now has eight saves on the season, which is tied for the fourth most in the AL.

Sborz was removed from Wednesday's game against the Athletics with an apparent injury, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

Sborz threw only eight pitches before having to leave Wednesday's game -- seven of which missed the strike zone. It's not immediately apparent what is bothering the 30-year-old right-hander, but the Rangers should offer more details following the game.

Stewart said a recent MRI on his right shoulder "looked good," and he's hopeful to resume throwing this weekend, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Stewart was placed on the 15-day injured list Friday with right shoulder tendinitis, and fortunately for him, the injury doesn't look to be any more significant than that. If Stewart is able to resume playing catch this weekend, he would have an outside chance at returning from the IL when first eligible May 17. Stewart recorded an 0.68 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 17:6 K:BB across 13.1 innings while gathering seven holds in 13 appearances prior to landing on the shelf.

Astros manager Joe Espada said Wednesday that Pressly is managing lower-back soreness but that it's "nothing worrisome right now," Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

The 35-year-old hasn't pitched since Friday due to the injury, and it's unclear if he'll be available for Wednesday's matchup with the Yankees. Pressly was able to play catch, so it doesn't appear as though he's in danger of needing a trip to the injured list.

The Mariners transferred Brash (elbow) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Wednesday.

The transaction frees up a spot on the 40-man roster for lefty Kirby Snead, who was called up from Triple-A Tacoma in a corresponding move. Brash's status remains unclear following a setback with his right elbow a couple weeks ago, but he now won't be eligible to return from the IL until late May.

The Mariners placed Saucedo on the 15-day injured list Wednesday with a hyperextended right knee.

Saucedo suffered the injury during Tuesday's 10-6 win over the Twins while running to cover first base. He seems to have avoided a serious injury, but it's not clear if the reliever will be ready to be activated when he's first eligible to return May 23.

Romano earned the save in Wednesday's 5-3 win over the Phillies despite allowing one run on three hits in the ninth inning.

Tasked with protecting a three-run lead in the ninth, Romano allowed a run on a Bryson Stott double. However, he managed to strand the tying runs on second and third, inducing a pair of popouts, to lock down his fifth save of the year. While Romano is a perfect 5-for-5 in save chances, things haven't come easy of late -- he's now allowed a run and multiple hits in back-to-back appearances. Overall, the 31-year-old right-hander sports a 4.70 ERA with a 1.43 WHIP and 6:2 K:BB through his first 7.2 innings this season.