MLB Player News

Hand retired the only batter he faced to record his 14th save of the season in the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Mets.

With the Nats ahead 6-2 in the seventh inning, Wander Suero put a couple runners on base while getting two outs, allowing Hand to finish things off with the tying run on deck. The veteran closer hasn't blown a save since May 12, converting 11 straight with a 2.76 ERA and 16:5 K:BB through 16.1 innings over that stretch.

Gsellman (0-1) took the loss in the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Nationals, giving up one run on three hits over two innings. He didn't strike out or walk a batter.

Working as the opener, Gsellman tossed 13 of 22 pitches for strikes and served up a solo shot to Kyle Schwarber before giving way to Sean Reid-Foley. The Mets didn't get on the board until the seventh inning in the 6-2 loss, saddling Gsellman with the decision. The right-hander has tossed at least two innings in five of his last six appearances, and he'll continue to give the team some length in the bullpen even if his 3.71 ERA and 15:7 K:BB through 26.2 innings don't make a strong case for high-leverage work.

Loup (2-0) picked up his second win during Game 1 of Saturday's doubleheader against the Nationals, allowing one hit and one walk while striking out a batter in one-third of an inning.

Loup has been steady in recent weeks, with his Saturday outing bringing his scoreless innings streak to 8.1. He was the fortunate recipient of a win Saturday despite retiring just one batter. After a shaky month of May, the left-hander's strong start to June has his ERA down to a very impressive 1.83 on the campaign.

Webb was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett on Saturday.

Webb was recalled by Atlanta on Thursday and allowed no hits and a walk in a scoreless inning Friday. He's posted a 5.29 ERA and 1.82 WHIP in 17 innings across 17 relief appearances in the majors this year.

Gsellman will start Game 2 of Saturday's doubleheader against the Nationals, Tim Britton of The Athletic reports.

Gsellman hasn't pitched since June 8, so he'll have a fresh arm to begin Saturday's nightcap. The right-hander tossed 2.1 innings in his last outing and 3.2 innings in his prior appearance, and manager Luis Rojas is hopeful that the 27-year-old will be able to have a similar workload Saturday. Gsellman has posted a 3.65 ERA and 1.18 WHIP in 24.2 innings across 14 relief appearances in 2021.

The Padres placed Johnson on the 10-day injured list Saturday with right triceps inflammation.

Johnson presumably suffered the injury during his outing Thursday, when he retired one batter and earned the win against the Reds. With a 3.57 ERA in 22.2 innings this season, the righty has been a valuable bullpen piece for the Padres. Daniel Camarena was called up Saturday to replace Johnson on the active roster.

Long will start Sunday's game against the Phillies, Mark W. Sanchez of KNBR 680 San Francisco reports.

The lefty will make his first big-league start after pitching two long-relief outings. Manager Gabe Kapler said Long, who figures to fill the fifth spot in San Francisco's rotation, "has really earned the opportunity."

Leone struck out two in a perfect inning to earn a hold in Friday's 5-3 win over Philadelphia.

The right-hander was called up from Triple-A Sacramento on June 1, and he's delivered solid work out of the bullpen so far. Leone has a 2.08 ERA, 0.81 WHIP and 10:3 K:BB across 8.2 innings. He's also seen some high-leverage work, recording three holds in eight appearances. He's found success with a 95.2 mph average velocity on his fastball, up from 94.8 last year, though he's had some luck in holding opposing batters to a .158 BABIP so far.

Howard gave up six earned runs on four hits and two walks while recording only two outs in Friday's 11-10 win over the Indians.

He surrendered a grand slam to Cesar Hernandez in his worst outing of 2021. Howard threw only 18 of 33 pitches for strikes, leading to his struggles. The lefty had compiled a 2.45 ERA and nine holds in 25.2 innings prior to Friday but saw his earned-run average jump nearly two runs to 4.44 after Friday's blowup.

Alzolay (finger) will start Monday's game against Cleveland, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Alzolay has been on the injured list since June 8 due to a blister on his right middle finger, but he's been throwing this week. As long as he doesn't experience any setbacks in the coming days, the right-hander will return to the mound for Monday's series opener.