MLB Player News

Boxberger worked a perfect ninth inning to claim his 21st save of the season Friday in the Diamondbacks' 3-1 victory over the Padres.

After blowing saves in back-to-back appearances in late June, Boxberger has burnished his job security as the team's closer by converting his last five chances while allowing only one run on two hits and two walks over five innings. The 30-year-old's 4.6 BB/9 is still somewhat of an eyesore and may continue to inflate his WHIP, but it would likely take a prolonged string of hiccups in the ninth inning before Boxberger cedes closing duties to Archie Bradley or Yoshihisa Hirano.

Smith got the save against the Cardinals on Friday, striking out one without allowing a baserunner in a scoreless ninth inning to close out San Francisco's 3-2 victory.

The closer situation in San Francisco has been uncertain since Hunter Strickland (finger) went down, but Smith is certainly making a case that he deserves to be the current primary option. This clean effort marked his third straight save conversion, and he's boasting dominant ratios through his 25.1 innings with a 1.07 ERA and 0.67 WHIP to go along with a sterling 35:7 K:BB. The presence of Sam Dyson, Mark Melancon and Tony Watson complicates matters, but if Smith keeps making the most of his opportunities, he could eventually separate himself from the competition.

Rodriguez didn't factor into the decision against the Cardinals on Friday, giving up two earned runs on five hits over 6.2 innings with one strikeout and two walks in San Francisco's 3-2 victory.

Rodriguez only tallied the one strikeout, but other than that, it was another impressive line from the 26-year-old right-hander. He gave up five earned runs in a loss against the Nationals on June 9, but since then he hasn't given up more than three earned in any of his five outings, and his 3.09 ERA and 1.28 WHIP through 43.2 innings are both solid numbers. He'll look to keep it going in his next start, when he heads to the mound to take on the Cubs next Wednesday.

Pivetta lasted just 2.2 innings Friday, surrendering three runs (one earned) on five hits and two walks while striking out two, but he didn't factor into the decision in a win over the Pirates.

Pivetta was tagged for a run in the first inning, and two unearned runs came around to score during the third before he was lifted. Due to a high pitch count (74 pitches), Pivetta was unable to work deep into the game for the second straight start after being shelled for seven runs in just 1.2 innings June 29 against Washington. He's accrued a 4.62 ERA and 1.35 WHIP with a 106:29 K:BB over 89.2 innings this season.

Iglesias recorded the final five outs of Friday's game against the Cubs to earn his 17th save of the season. He gave up one hit and issued an intentional walk.

Iglesias has had a couple stumbles in recent days -- he blew a save chance Tuesday and allowed two runs in a non-save situation last Sunday -- but his overall body of work this season is stellar. He's posted a 2.52 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 42:14 K:BB in 39.1 innings. While there's a chance the Reds trade him to a team with an established endgamer, Iglesias is firmly entrenched as the closer with his current club.

Holmes was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday.

He was tagged by the Dodgers for four runs in 2.1 innings in his spot start Wednesday, so it's no surprise to see him demoted. Joe Musgrove (finger) is expected to slot back into the Pirates' rotation next week.

Suter was placed on the disabled list Friday with forearm tightness.

The assignment was made retroactive to July 3, so there's at least a chance Suter is able to return before the All-Star break. Forearm tightness is sometimes the initial diagnoses that precedes a more serious injury, though the severity of this particular case is not yet clear. Aaron Wilkerson was recalled from Triple-A Colorado Springs and will start in Suter's place Saturday against the Braves.

Peters was sent down to Triple-A New Orleans on Friday, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

Peters will make room for Garrett Cooper (wrist), who was reinstated from the disabled list in a corresponding move. Through seven appearances (five starts) with the Marlins this year, Peters has logged a 7.16 ERA and 1.77 WHIP.

Yates was reinstated from the paternity list Friday.

Yates has appeared in 34 games for San Diego this year, posting career bests in ERA (0.79) and WHIP (0.82). He's also accumulated a 41:9 K:BB across 34 innings and will return to his role as a key setup man in the Padres' bullpen.

Sewald was recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas on Friday.

Sewald has appeared in 26 games for the Mets this year, posting a 4.85 ERA and 1.26 WHIP. He will likely be deployed in a middle-relief role while with the team. In a corresponding move, Jerry Blevins was put on the bereavement list.