MLB Player News

Leiter retired two batters in a scoreless appearance Friday to earn a hold in the 4-3 win over the Cardinals.

Leiter retired the final two batters of the eighth inning before Adbert Alzolay worked the ninth. Leiter seems to be firmly in a setup role ahead of Alzolay, as the former last recorded a save back on June 2. Since then, Leiter has six holds, while Alzolay has recorded six saves. Leiter still has some fantasy value as a setup man in deeper leagues.

Diaz pitched a perfect ninth inning Friday to record his 28th save of the season in a 9-6 win over the Diamondbacks.

He needed only 10 pitches (seven strikes) to get the job done, generating three groundball outs. The Cincinnati closer sits second in the majors in saves, two behind leader Camilo Doval's 30, and since the beginning of June, Diaz has posted a 2.01 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 24:9 K:BB through 22.1 innings while converting 15 of 16 save chances.

Hader picked up the save Friday against the Tigers, tossing a perfect ninth inning. He struck out one and didn't issue a walk.

Hader hasn't given up an earned run since May 31. During that stretch, he's gone 11-for-12 in save chances while striking out 23 over 16 appearances (14.2 innings). The left-hander had a few hiccups last year, but he has returned to form in 2023 and is still one of the elite bullpen arms in MLB.

Hernandez (calf) was activated from the 15-day injured list Friday. He allowed three runs on two hits and a walk over two-thirds of an inning during Friday's loss to the Angels.

Yohan Ramirez was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis to make room for the left-hander on the 26-man roster. Hernandez missed just over a month with a right calf strain, and he allowed home runs to Zach Neto and Taylor Ward to account for the three runs. He also recorded three strikeouts -- a wild pitch allowed Shohei Ohtani to reach base. Hernandez carries a 3.54 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 31:7 K:BB through 28 innings this season while adding three holds, so he's not likely to see a lot of high-leverage work.

Yates walked two in a scoreless ninth inning Friday against the Brewers while striking out three to earn his second save of the season.

Yates needed 32 pitches to finish off the 6-4 win. He also gave up a run in his previous two appearances but was still given the save opportunity with Raisel Iglesias having thrown 22 pitches the night before. Yates lowered his ERA to 3.38 with a 52:21 K:BB through 37.1 frames.

Nelson (elbow) began a second rehab stint with Triple-A Oklahoma City on Tuesday, Eric Stephen of SBNation.com reports.

Nelson had to agree to the rehab assignment since he had already spent 30 days pitching in the minors during an initial rehab stint. He elected to remain in the organization as he looks to work his way back onto an MLB mound for the first time since 2021. Nelson made his first appearance in 10 days Tuesday, tossing a scoreless inning during which he walked one and struck out one. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts indicated in early July that the right-hander hadn't "gotten quite there yet" in terms of being ready to return to the big club, and it's unclear how much more time Nelson will need with OKC before Los Angeles feels comfortable activating him.

Finnegan worked a scoreless ninth inning to earn a save Friday versus the Giants.

Finnegan needed only nine pitches to retire Michael Conforto, Mike Yastrzemski and Patrick Bailey in order and ice a 5-3 victory for the Nationals. It was the 13th save of the year for the right-hander, who lowered his season ERA to 3.24 in the process. Finnegan is under team control through 2025, but he could be a hot name on the trade market as the Aug. 1 deadline approaches.

Lambert (2-1) tossed five scoreless innings Friday, scattering three hits and one walk to earn the win versus the Marlins. He struck out three.

Lambert was called up from Triple-A Albuquerque on Friday and seemingly secured a spot in the Rockies' injury-ravaged rotation with a dominant effort at loanDepot Park, needing just 77 pitches (51 strikes) to navigate the five scoreless frames. Up next is another favorable matchup against the Athletics, though that game will be played at hitter-friendly Coors Field. Lambert carries an overall 5.49 ERA in 39.1 major-league innings this year.

Alzolay picked up the save Friday against St. Louis, tossing a scoreless ninth inning. He didn't record a walk or strikeout.

Alzolay entered with a one-run lead and proceeded to retire Lars Nootbaar and Paul Goldschmidt in order before Nolan Arenado reached on a fielding error. Alzolay then plunked Willson Contreras to put the go-ahead run on base but secured the save by retiring Tyler O'Neill. The right-hander has run away with the Cubs' closing job since May 6, going 7-for-8 in save chances while posting a 28:4 K:BB across 26.1 innings during that stretch.

Scott will remain in a high-leverage role for the Marlins after manager Skip Schumaker gave a vote of confidence to A.J. Puk as the team's closer Friday, Craig Mish of the Miami Herald reports.

The southpaw relievers have been trending in opposite directions lately, as Puk has given up seven runs with two losses and two blown saves over his last five appearances, while Scott has a 0.00 ERA and 13:2 K:BB through seven innings in July. Nonetheless, Schumaker will stick with Puk in the ninth inning for now, but if his struggles continue, Scott appears to be the next man up for save chances.