MLB Player News

Bednar gave up a hit in a scoreless ninth inning Saturday to record his 12th save of the season in a 4-3 win over the Cardinals. He didn't walk or strike out a batter.

The right-hander failed to fan a batter for only the second time in his last 16 appearances, but he still got the job done. Bednar has been one of baseball's top closers to begin 2023, converting 12 of 13 save chances with a 1.17 ERA, 0.74 WHIP and 29:1 K:BB through 23 innings, and with the Pirates currently in contention for a division title in a wide-open NL Central, trade chatter around the 28-year-old has died down considerably even with arbitration approaching this winter.

Iglesias allowed a hit in a scoreless inning, earning the save in Saturday's 5-2 win over Arizona.

Iglesias had no trouble protecting a three-run lead. He's been solid over the last two-plus weeks, allowing just one unearned run, two hits and four walks over his last 7.1 innings. The closer is at a 3.38 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 11:5 K:BB with six saves in seven chances through 12 appearances.

Soriano picked up the save Saturday against the Athletics. He allowed one run on four hits and two walks while striking out three over three innings.

Soriano was called upon for three innings of work after being promoted from Jacksonville on Friday, entering the game in the seventh inning with nine runs of cushion and closing out the rout to earn his first career save. After making three appearances (seven innings) in April as a middle reliever and posting a 2.57 ERA, the 24-year-old could receive an extended look with Matt Barnes (hip) on the 15-day injured list.

Lawrence picked up the save Saturday against the Royals. He allowed one run on two hits while striking out one over 1.1 innings.

Lawrence has capitalized on the struggles of Pierce Johnson, picking up saves on back-to-back nights in his first two opportunities of the campaign. However, Saturday's appearance came with some struggle, as he inherited a three-run lead in the ninth and gave up a pair of hits and a run, but he ultimately secured the save. Though Lawrence appears to be making a run at the Rockies' closing role, he doesn't possess a ton of upside if he manages to win the job considering Colorado owns the third worst win percentage in the National League.

The Dodgers placed Bickford on the 15-day injured list Saturday with lower back tightness.

Bickford had a strong start to the season but has since fallen off, allowing 16 earned runs through 12 innings across his last 10 appearances. He'll head to the IL to ensure he's at 100 percent his next time out, while Tayler Scott will come up from Triple-A Oklahoma City to fill out the bullpen.

Scott was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City by the Dodgers on Saturday.

Scott will take the place of Phil Bickford on the roster with Bickford hitting the injured list with tightness in his back. In 19 appearances with Oklahoma City, Scott has pitched well with a 1.37 ERA and 25:10 K:BB across 19.2 frames. He'll be an option in the mid-to-late innings for the Dodgers while with the club.

The Rockies reinstated Mears (oblique) from the 15-day injured list Saturday and optioned him to Triple-A Albuquerque.

Mears has been on the IL since May 15 with a left oblique strain. He's allowed two runs over six innings out of the big-league bullpen this season, but he will return to Triple-A where he holds a 6.97 ERA and 2.08 WHIP on the year.

Bruihl was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Saturday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Michael Grove (groin) is off the injured list in a corresponding move and will start for the Dodgers on Saturday against the Yankees. Bruihl has posted a 4.41 ERA in 16.1 innings of relief for Los Angeles this year.

Santillan (knee/hamstring) resumed throwing bullpen sessions Saturday, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Santillan suffered a setback in May that shut him down from throwing, but he is now back doing mound work. He's slated to throw live batting practice next week and could begin a rehab assignment shortly thereafter.

Pittsburgh optioned Bolton to Triple-A Indianapolis on Saturday.

Bolton has been lit up for 11 earned runs on 15 hits and nine walks in eight innings of relief this season at the major-league level, so it's no surprise to see him sent down.