MLB Player News

Hader threw 1.2 scoreless innings in a loss to the Phillies on Sunday, working around a base hit and a hit batsman.

Hader did not record a strikeout Sunday, but he didn't give up a run for the 10th time in 12 big-league appearances. The rookie has 11 walks in 16.2 innings, so control has been an issue, and although he hit someone, he at least didn't issue a walk for the third consecutive outing Sunday. He now owns a 1.08 WHIP -- exactly the same mark as his 1.08 ERA. Expect him to continue working out of the bullpen for the Brewers, but Hader's long-term future is in the rotation.

Gearrin danced around a pair of baserunners while striking out two batters over an inning of work in Sunday's loss to the Padres.

Gearrin's scoreless outing lowered his season ERA to 2.30 despite his FIP sitting north of 4.00 for the majority of the season. His mediocre 1.6 K/BB ratio is the biggest red flag, but it's possible that Gearrin can keep his ERA low due to his groundball tendencies (1.9 GB/FB ratio) coupled with a stellar defensive infield behind him in San Francisco. Either way, the 31-year-old doesn't provide enough in the important categories for fantasy relievers (strikeouts, saves and holds) to warrant much consideration.

Jansen gave up three runs on three hits over 1.1 innings Sunday against Atlanta, failing to convert a save for the first time in 25 attempts this season.

The Dodgers closer allowed two Braves to get on base before falling victim to a three-run homer off the bat of Matt Adams that sent the game into extras. The fact that this was Jansen's first blown save of the year just goes to show how dominant he's been all season. Even after Sunday's blowup, the 29-year-old still owns a sparkling 1.49 ERA with an unreal 62:2 K:BB over 42.1 innings.

Garcia recorded a strikeout and didn't allow a baserunner during a scoreless ninth inning to record his first save of the season in Sunday's win over Milwaukee.

Hector Neris had pitched in each of the past two games, so that's likely why Garcia entered in the ninth for the save opportunity. However, the Philadelphia closer job has been somewhat fluid all season, so it isn't out of the question that Garcia sees more work closing out games moving forward. He should at least be on your fantasy radar, and especially if you're chasing saves.

Hand struck out one in a perfect ninth inning for his third save Sunday.

Hand's 16 holds show that he's usually used before the ninth inning, but his ability to put this game away with ease makes the lefty even more intriguing for the myriad teams looking for bullpen help as the July 31 trade deadline approaches. He has put a 16.1-inning scoreless stretch together over his past 16 appearances amid swirling trade rumors.

Lamet (4-4) beat the Giants with 6.2 innings of two-run ball Sunday. He allowed eight hits while walking one and striking out six.

Lamet struggled in his last outing at the league's most hitter-friendly venue, but took advantage of AT&T Park's 29th-ranked .80 park factor with his fourth quality start in 10 tries. The 25-year-old rookie sports an ugly 3.48 BB/9 to go with a sparkling 11.85 K/9 in 51.2 innings, so it was encouraging to see him issue only one free pass in this one after walking four in consecutive starts coming in. He'll look to build on this effort in Friday's home date with the Pirates.

Blach (6-6) allowed five runs on eight hits with one walk and seven strikeouts over seven innings in Sunday's loss to the Padres.

Expectations were high with Blach facing the league's worst offense coming off three consecutive quality starts, but the 26-year-old lefty failed to deliver. While he did set a new career-high in strikeouts, Blach allowed at least five earned runs in a game for the fourth time this season. To his credit, Blach at least gave his team a fighter's chance by holding San Diego off the board for three frames after a four-run fourth inning. He'll have his work cut out for him in his next start Saturday at Dodger Stadium.

Montero (1-7) allowed three runs on seven hits and a walk while striking out four batters through seven innings during Sunday's loss to Oakland.

Montero has been bouncing between the bullpen and rotation all season, which caps his fantasy value. Additionally, his 5.19 ERA and 1.73 WHIP aren't encouraging marks, and Montero is best ignored outside of cavernous settings. If he sticks in the rotation for another start, a date with the Mariners at Safeco Field projects to be up next.

Iglesias pitched two scoreless innings against the Marlins on Sunday to pick up his 17th save of the season. He allowed one hit and struck out one.

Though Iglesias was pitch-efficient in the outing, needing 27 pitches to get through his two innings, chances are he won't be available Monday. He got pressed into service in the eighth inning after Michael Lorenzen had a tough seventh.

Manager Dave Roberts said prior to Sunday's game against the Nationals that Stewart is feeling under the weather due to an upper-respiratory condition, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

It seems that Stewart's illness is being passed around the Dodgers' clubhouse, as Kenley Jansen was sick last week, Justin Turner was forced to sit out Saturday while battling bronchitis, and Rich Hill is still getting over a respiratory issue of his own. In Stewart's case, the Dodgers don't believe it's anything significant and he could be available out of the bullpen Sunday, though Roberts might prefer to avoid using the right-hander if possible.