MLB Player News

Diaz picked up the save Sunday against the Padres. He allowed one run on two hits while striking out one over one inning.

After blowing a save in his last outing, Diaz struggled to close out Sunday's contest. He entered the match with a 4-2 lead and retired the first two batters he faced but allowed a runner to score after back-to-back hits and stranded the would-be tying run at second to secure the save. Diaz now holds the fourth-most saves in MLB and owns a 2.19 ERA and 58:19 K:BB through 38 appearances (37 innings).

Morejon did not factor into the decision Sunday, allowing two hits and two walks over three scoreless innings against the Reds. He struck out one.

Morejon made his first start since 2021 in place of Yu Darvish (illness) and was stretched out to three frames after going fewer than two innings in each of his first four appearances of the season. The outing was a strong bounceback for the 24-year-old, who allowed three runs in his last appearance after having not allowed a run in his first three big-league games in 2023. If Darvish is forced to miss extended time, Morejon could receive another starting look; however, it's likely he'll remain in the pen for San Diego.

Iglesias picked up the save Sunday against the Marlins. He struck out one over a clean inning.

Iglesias tallied his second consecutive perfect inning and has now converted on 12 of his 14 save opportunities in 2023. Though Iglesias has had an up-and-down season, allowing multiple runs in four of his 25 appearances while giving up no hits 14 times, Iglesias is tied for the fifth most saves in MLB since being activated from the injured list on May 5.

Mengden signed a minor-league contract with the Nationals on Sunday, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

Mengden began the season on a minor-league deal with the Royals, and he posted a 7.36 ERA and 1.90 WHIP in 14.2 innings over six appearances (three starts) at Triple-A Omaha before being released in late June. However, the 30-year-old was able to land a new contract a few days later.

Harvey picked up the save Sunday, setting the Phillies down in order to seal a 5-4 win.

Harvey seems to have a firm grasp on the closing job in Washington, as Kyle Finnegan pitched the eighth inning Sunday. The 28-year-old Harvey has delivered seven straight scoreless appearances (6.1 innings), allowing just two hits while punching out six in that span. He's now 8-for-13 in save chances with a 3.16 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 41:12 K:BB through 37 innings this season.

Williams picked up the save in Sunday's 6-3 win over Pittsburgh, logging a strikeout in a scoreless ninth inning.

Williams has converted his last seven save chances, pitching eight consecutive scoreless innings over that span while allowing just two hits. The 28-year-old righty's ERA is down to 1.52 with a 0.98 WHIP and 39:16 K:BB across 29.2 innings. Williams should remain one of the upper-tier closing options for fantasy purposes this season.

Dominguez (oblique) threw a bullpen session Sunday, Destiny Lugardo of PhilliesNation.com reports.

Dominguez started his throwing program last weekend and has quickly progressed to mound work as he's fully recovered from the oblique strain that landed him on the shelf June 17. The right-hander isn't expected to rejoin the active roster until after the All-Star break.

Lambert was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque on Sunday.

Lambert covered three scoreless innings as Colorado's opening pitcher in Saturday's loss to the Tigers, but he's now being sent down in favor of a fresh arm. The 26-year-old has a 6.29 ERA, 1.63 WHIP and 36:15 K:BB across 34.1 innings with the Rockies this season, mostly while working as a reliever. According to Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post, the Rockies plan to give Lambert a longer look in the rotation following the All-Star break, but the right-hander will first get stretched out over the course of about three starts with Albuquerque.

VerHagen (hip) was placed on the 15-day injured list Sunday with a right hip impingement.

John Denton of MLB.com reports VerHagen has been dealing with hip pain for three weeks. The right-hander tried to pitch through it, but he's given up eight runs (six earned) over his last 9.2 innings. He'll now be shelved for a minimum of two weeks. JoJo Romero was recalled from Triple-A Memphis to take VerHagen's spot in the Cardinals' bullpen.

Romero was recalled from Triple-A Memphis on Sunday.

Romero will take the place of Drew VerHagen, who landed on the 15-day injured list with a hip impingement. Since his last stint in the majors, Romero has pitched to a 3.52 ERA, 1.57 WHIP and 22:9 K:BB over 15.1 innings as a reliever for Memphis. He'll likely take on a low-leverage relief role while on the big-league roster.