MLB Player News

Finnegan (2-2) took the 2-1 loss in Game 2 of Saturday's doubleheader with San Francisco, allowing two runs (one earned) on two hits and a walk while only recording one out.

Finnegan was called upon to pitch the eighth inning of a 0-0 tie and proceeded to allow two hits and a walk while only recording one out to take the loss. He had pitched a clean inning in Game 1 of the doubleheader while throwing 16 pitches, which could've contributed to the poor showing in Game 2, though Finnegan hadn't pitched since Wednesday. He now owns a 4.05 ERA pitching mostly in low-leverage situations.

Garcia pitched a perfect inning with one strikeout in a 2-1 win over Washington in Game 2 of Saturday's doubleheader.

Garcia followed opener Connor Menez in the bullpen game. The strategy worked for San Francisco, as only Caleb Baragar allowed a run (unearned) in the eighth inning of the game. Garcia has a 3.22 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 27:10 K:BB across 22.1 innings this season. He's picked up a save, a blown save and two holds, but the lefty is likely to see mainly low-leverage work.

Menez started Saturday's 2-1 win over Washington in the second game of a doubleheader, pitching two innings and allowing one hit and one walk with one strikeout. He didn't factor into the decision.

Making his first career start, Menez pitched well in his customary two-inning role; all five of his appearances have lasted two frames. The move to opener was necessitated by the doubleheader but also shows manager Gabe Kapler's growing trust in the 26-year-old lefty.

Floro worked a scoreless ninth inning Saturday to record his second save of the season in a 4-2 win over Atlanta.

With Yimi Garcia having pitched each of the last two days, Floro received the call in a save situation and got the job done. The 30-year-old has only been scored upon in three of 30 appearances this season, although he got tagged for a total of 10 runs in those other three games, and he sports a 3.33 ERA and 23:10 K:BB through 27 innings on the year with two wins and eight holds in addition to his saves.

Diaz struck out one in a perfect ninth inning Saturday to record his 12th save of the season in a 4-1 win over the Padres.

The Mets closer needed only 10 pitches (seven strikes) to get the job done. Diaz has been locked in lately, posting a 0.87 ERA, 0.68 WHIP and 15:2 K:BB over his last 10 appearances and 10.1 innings, but after pitching in each of the last two games, he'll likely be unavailable Sunday as New York looks for the series sweep.

Richards (1-0) allowed a hit and a walk while striking out four over two scoreless innings to earn the win Saturday versus Pittsburgh.

Richards has now logged five scoreless innings across four appearances in June. He got off to a rocky start after he was traded from Tampa Bay to Milwaukee. The right-hander has a 4.15 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 28:4 K:BB across 21.2 innings this season. He remains an option in the middle innings for Milwaukee.

Hader pitched a perfect inning to earn the save in Saturday's 7-4 win over Pittsburgh.

Hader locked down his 16th save of the year with just 10 pitches while retiring the No. 3 through 5 hitters in Pittsburgh's lineup. The southpaw remains a dominant closer with a 0.70 ERA, 0.74 WHIP and 43:8 K:BB across 25.2 innings. He's also collected three wins this year.

Hand picked up the save in Game 1 of Saturday's doubleheader against the Giants, striking out two in a perfect seventh inning.

It marked the southpaw's first save since June 4th and his 11th overall on the season. Hand has a 3.42 ERA and 1.27 WHIP to go along with a 25:11 K:BB in 23.2 innings this season, and should continue to be Davey Martinez's top option to close ballgames going forward.

Alexander (shoulder) threw live batting practice Saturday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Alexander was placed on the 10-day injured list in early May with left shoulder inflammation and was later transferred to the 60-day IL on June 9. Throwing to hitters Saturday marks a big step forward in his recovery as he continues to eye a return to the Dodgers' bullpen when he becomes eligible to be activated July 5.

Hudson (elbow) is attempting to return by the end of the year, Zachary Silver of MLB.com reports.

Hudson underwent Tommy John surgery in late September last year. The procedure carries a recovery timeline of at least 12 months but frequently takes around 15. The Cardinals haven't ruled out that Hudson could return this year, though it's unlikely he'd be built up for anything other than a relief role if he is indeed able to make it back by the end of the year.