MLB Player News

Finnegan (3-3) blew the save and took the loss Friday as the Nationals fell 3-2 to Atlanta, giving up two runs (one earned) on three hits in the eighth inning.

With Washington nursing a 2-1 lead, Finnegan got the call against the heart of the Atlanta order and gave up back-to-back singles to lead off the frame, eventually watching both runners come around to score. While Hunter Harvey was likely being held back for the ninth, Finnegan still appears to be manager Dave Martinez's first choice in higher-leverage spots between the two late-inning options. That arrangement may not last much longer, however -- Finnegan has blown saves in three straight appearances, and his 4.74 ERA and 1.62 WHIP on the season are a far cry from Harvey's 3.33 and 1.00 marks.

Alzolay struck out two in a perfect inning to earn the save in Friday's 3-2 win over the Giants.

Alzolay has been in the high-leverage mix throughout the season, and he's now logged two saves and a hold over his last six appearances (6.1 innings). The right-hander continues to be effective in relief for the Cubs with a 2.10 ERA, 0.83 WHIP and 30:4 K:BB through 30 innings overall. Mark Leiter, who is also in the closer committee, pitched 1.1 innings Friday to earn his 10th hold of the campaign.

Hader allowed a hit and a walk in a scoreless inning to earn the save in Friday's 9-6 win over the Rockies.

Hader went over two weeks between save conversions, and his only other chance in that span was a blown save May 31 versus the Marlins. Friday's outing was the third in a row in which he's allowed multiple baserunners. Despite the shaky efforts of late, Hader is still one of the top closers in baseball with 14 saves in 25 appearances, though he's also blown three saves. The hard-throwing reliever has a 1.48 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 32:12 K:BB over 24.1 innings.

Gallegos struck out one batter in 1.1 perfect innings while picking up a save over Cincinnati on Friday.

Gallegos needed just 15 pitches (11 strikes) to retire all four batters he faced in the 7-4 win. It was his first save chance since his massive collapse June 2 against the Pirates. He's now converted eight of 10 opportunities on the year while registering a 3.51 ERA and a 24:5 K:BB.

Nelson (hamstring) was activated from the injured list Friday at Triple-A Lehigh Valley, Tom Housenick of The Morning Call reports.

Nelson is serving as the starting pitcher for Lehigh Valley on Friday night against the Triple-A affiliate of the Mets. He wound up missing nearly a full month of action due to a left hamstring strain -- his second left hamstring strain of 2023. The 27-year-old has posted a 1.25 ERA in 21.2 minor-league innings this season when healthy.

Rockies manager Bud Black suggested Friday that Bird could work into the saves mix, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

Black is seeking a replacement for Pierce Johnson, who officially lost his hold on the closer role after blowing another save chance Thursday against the Giants. Justin Lawrence is also said to be in the running for more ninth-inning opportunities. Bird, 27, has posted a sharp 3.05 ERA and 43:13 K:BB in 30 appearances (41.1 innings) this season.

Rockies manager Bud Black said Friday that Lawrence is a candidate to take over the closer role, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

Lawrence has struggled in his last two outings, but the door is open for him to grab a larger share of the save opportunities in Colorado with Pierce Johnson out as closer. Black also mentioned Jake Bird as a consideration for ninth-inning duties.

Rockies manager Bud Black announced Friday that Johnson has been removed from the closer role, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

Johnson officially lost the job after blowing another save in brutal fashion Thursday afternoon against the Giants. He owns a wretched 7.50 ERA in 26 appearances (24 innings) this season, although most of that damage has come at Coors Field -- his road ERA is 2.89. Black named Justin Lawrence and Jake Bird as possible candidates to replace Johnson in the ninth-inning gig.

Uceta (ankle) underwent surgery Friday to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Uceta injured his knee just as he was nearing the end of his recovery from a left ankle sprain. He's been on the shelf since late April and now his absence will be extended at least another eight weeks. The Mets could soon transfer him from the 15-day IL to the 60-day IL to free up a 40-man roster spot.

The Mets recalled Muckenhirn from Triple-A Syracuse on Friday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Muckenhirn has been very impressive this season in Syracuse, logging a 1.11 ERA and 1.04 WHIP through 24.1 innings. A low strikeout rate makes him unlikely to see many high-leverage situations, but he has the capability to pitch multiple innings out of the bullpen. Stephen Nogosek was designated for assignment Friday to make room for Muckenhirn on the active roster.