MLB Player News

De Los Santos struck out one without allowing a baserunner in a scoreless ninth inning to earn the save Wednesday against the Nationals.

With David Bednar (back) unavailable, De Los Santos was called upon to protect a one-run lead. Though he's made only 12 big-league appearances, De Los Santos locked in his first career save in straightforward fashion. Bednar is expected to avoid a stint on the injured list, so De Los Santos isn't likely to see many additional save opportunities moving forward. Even so, he's been fairly impressive in his opening stint in the majors, maintaining a 2.92 ERA and 13:4 K:BB across 12.1 frames.

Smith struck out two in a scoreless inning to earn the save in Wednesday's 4-1 win over the Phillies.

With Kenley Jansen (irregular heartbeat) on the injured list, A.J. Minter and Smith have split the last two save opportunities, each converting with a perfect inning. Atlanta's bullpen situation is likely to evolve into a committee for now, with Smith a part of that late-inning mix. He has three saves, nine holds, three blown saves and an 0-1 record to go with a 3.30 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 31:14 K:BB through 30 innings overall.

Hader allowed a hit and a walk during a scoreless ninth inning to earn the save in Wednesday's 5-3 win at Tampa Bay. He did not strike out a batter.

The left-hander certainly wasn't at his best Wednesday as he allowed the first two batters to reach via a single and a walk, but he retired the next three hitters to lock down the win. It was only the fourth time in 26 outings this year he's failed to record a strikeout. Hader is 24-for-25 in save opportunities and has a 1.09 ERA, 0.69 WHIP and 41:7 K:BB across 24.2 innings.

Martinez picked up the save Wednesday against the Diamondbacks. He allowed two hits and one walk without a strikeout over three scoreless innings.

Martinez has earned his first two MLB saves in his last two appearances, both of the three-inning variety. While the right-hander's return stateside hasn't been overly impressive from a statistical standpoint (4.55 ERA and 1.46 WHIP entering Wednesday's contest), he can spot start for the club and mop up where necessary. The volume and team context keep him relevant in some deeper formats.

White is scheduled to start Thursday's game against the Padres in Los Angeles, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

He'll be getting a second straight turn through the rotation while Andrew Heaney (shoulder) remains on the injured list. White hasn't covered more than five innings in any of his five starts with the Dodgers this season, and manager Dave Roberts' reluctance to let the right-hander work deep into outings could hurt his chances of picking up wins even though he'll be backed by one of baseball's top lineups.

Norris (finger) was able to play catch off flat ground Wednesday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Norris has started up his throwing program after landing on the 15-day injured list just under a week ago with a left index finger strain. He doesn't look like he'll be in store for a long-term absence, though the Cubs may not have much urgency to rush him back. The lefty has been handling a low-leverage role out of the bullpen all season and has submitted a 7.24 ERA over his 24 appearances.

Hoffman (undisclosed) was reinstated from the COVID-19 injured list Wednesday.

Hoffman landed on the COVID-19 injured list Friday, but his quick return likely means that he didn't test positive for the virus. He should be available out of the bullpen Wednesday against the Cubs after right-hander Jared Solomon was sent down.

Matzek (shoulder) had his rehab assignment transferred to Triple-A Gwinnett on Wednesday.

Matzek began his rehab stint at Single-A Augusta on Monday but didn't make any appearances, and he'll progress to the Triple-A level several days later. While the southpaw seems to be closing in on a return, it's not yet clear which day he'll be able to rejoin the major-league club.

McArthur was recalled and placed on the 60-day injured list with a right elbow stress reaction Wednesday.

McArthur was working as a starter at Double-A Reading to begin the season, and he posted a 5.05 ERA and 1.61 WHIP in 57 innings over 13 starts. However, he'll be forced to miss at least two months due to his elbow injury. It's not yet clear when the right-hander is expected to return, but he should head back to the minors once he's considered healthy.

Junis (hamstring) is expected to throw two or three more bullpen sessions before he's cleared to face hitters in live batting practice, Evan Webeck of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Junis felt fine after throwing approximately 20 pitches Tuesday at about 75-to-80 percent effort in what marked his first side session since landing on the 15-day injured list June 11. He's scheduled to throw off a mound again Friday, and if that schedule holds, he'll then throw a third bullpen session Monday. Junis could thus be ready to face hitters by next weekend before potentially embarking on a minor-league rehab assignment during the second week of July. That timeline could make it difficult for Junis to make it back before the All-Star break, though his absence is less of an issue with fellow starting pitchers Anthony DeSclafani and Alex Cobb having returned from the IL earlier this month.