MLB Player News

Kimbrel gave up a hit and struck out one batter for his only out Friday to record his eighth save of the season in a 4-1 win over the Phillies.

The Dodgers took a four-run lead into the ninth inning, but after Phil Bickford ran into trouble that included back-to-back doubles, Kimbrel was brought in to clean up the mess. The veteran reliever had given up three runs over his last two appearances himself, so an easy save chance might have been just what he needed to get back on track. Kimbrel has yet to blow a save chance this season, but his 3.27 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 31.3 percent strikeout rate are all failing to meet last year's standards.

Smith struck out two in a scoreless ninth inning Friday to record his second save of the season in a 5-3 win over the Marlins.

Kenley Jansen last pitched Wednesday, but he'd worked on four of five days to that point, so Atlanta manager Brian Snitker elected to give his closer a little extra rest. Smith has been erratic this season -- his 3.38 ERA benefits from six unearned runs, while his 20.9 percent strikeout rate is almost 10 points worse than 2021 -- but he remains the next man up for saves when Jansen is unavailable.

Gallegos struck out five in 1.2 scoreless innings to earn the save in Friday's win over the Pirates.

The Pirates put together a late rally during Friday's matchup, but Gallegos entered the game with runners on first and third and struck out every batter he faced to record the final five outs of the game while preserving the two-run lead. The right-hander was charged with a blown save Thursday against the Mets, but it was encouraging to see him bounce back in Friday's series opener. Gallegos has now converted eight of 10 save chances over 15 appearances this season.

White will start Saturday's game against the Phillies, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

White was reinstated from the COVID-19 injured list Tuesday, and he allowed two runs (one earned) on a hit and a walk while striking out three in 1.1 innings during a relief appearance against the Diamondbacks. The right-hander will make his first start of the season during Saturday's matchup, and manager Dave Roberts is hopeful that White will be able to pitch approximately 45 pitches or three innings.

Wilson was optioned to Triple-A El Paso on Friday.

Wilson saw some high-leverage opportunities during his time with the major-league club, and he was rewarded with three wins and five holds. However, he converted just one of his three save chances and will head to the minors after Tim Hill (shoulder) was reinstated from the injured list Friday. If Wilson performs well in El Paso, it wouldn't be surprising to see him rejoin the Padres at some point.

Hill (shoulder) was reinstated from the 15-day injured list Friday.

Hill had been sidelined since early May due to shoulder inflammation, but he's been cleared to rejoin the major-league bullpen without a rehab assignment. Over his five appearances prior to his absence, the southpaw allowed seven runs while striking out one in three innings.

Dominguez gave up two hits in a scoreless inning Thursday against the Padres.

Dominguez has now held the opposition scoreless in nine of his last 10 outings and owns a 2.45 ERA and 30.5 percent strikeout rate on the year. Closer Corey Knebel hasn't been fully convincing this season, as his strikeout rate has dropped to 21.2 percent and he's blown a pair of saves, but his job still appears safe enough for now due to his 3.38 ERA. If he falters, Dominguez could be a candidate to take over the role, though he isn't necessarily ahead of Brad Hand, Jeurys Familia or Jose Alvarado, all of whom have closer experienced and have been used in high-leverage spots this season.

Kahnle underwent an MRI that revealed a strain in his forearm related to his Tommy John surgery that he underwent in 2020, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Kahnle returned to major-league game action in early May and posted a 6.75 ERA and 1.25 WHIP in four innings over four relief appearances. The right-hander will be shut down for approximately two weeks before being reevaluated, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports. However, manager Dave Roberts is optimistic that Kahnle will be back in action at some point this season.

Hader (personal) has rejoined the Brewers and is available for Friday's game against the Nationals, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Hader was unavailable earlier this week while tending to a family situation but is now back and ready for Friday's series opener. The left-hander has converted all 14 save opportunities and has a 0.53 WHIP and 21:5 K:BB over 13.1 scoreless innings.

Kelley was optioned to Triple-A Nashville on Friday.

Kelley was promoted from Nashville earlier this week and picked up the win Wednesday in his MLB debut after allowing one unearned run on one hit with a strikeout and zero walks. He's been electric at the Triple-A level this season with a 0.69 ERA and 17:4 K:BB across 13 innings.