MLB Player News

Pagan struck out one and didn't allow a baserunner in a scoreless ninth inning to earn the save in Saturday's 4-1 win versus the Guardians.

The right-hander needed just 10 pitches to retire the heart of Cleveland's lineup and record his 11th save of the year. After a stretch in which Pagan gave up six earned runs in seven appearances, he's delivered two straight clean outings to begin the series against the Guardians. He's thrown just 26 pitches between the two appearances, but the fact Pagan has pitched in the past two games could affect his availability for Sunday's series finale.

Helsley picked up the save Saturday against the Royals. He didn't allow a baserunner or record a strikeout in a scoreless ninth inning.

Helsley retired the side in order on 12 pitches as he delivered his sixth straight scoreless outing to tally his ninth save of the campaign. The right-hander's 1.44 WHIP is still a bit high, but overall he's been effective early in 2025 with a 2.81 ERA and 16:10 K:BB over 16 innings.

Halvorsen picked up a save against Arizona on Saturday, walking one batter in a scoreless and hitless inning of work.

Colorado trailed 11-6 midway through the contest but managed to storm back to take a two-run lead into the bottom of the ninth. Halvorsen got the call to close things out and managed to do so despite issuing a two-out walk and throwing just seven of 14 pitches for strikes. Save opportunities have been few and far between for the eight-win Rockies this season, but Halvorsen has managed a pair of saves to tie for the team lead. There doesn't appear to be a clear bullpen hierarchy with the team, as Zach Agnos -- who also has two saves -- pitched in the seventh inning Saturday while Tyler Kinley (who has one save) handled the eighth. For fantasy purposes, there is little reason to invest much in any Rockies reliever, but Halvorsen and Agnos are probably the best targets for managers desperate for saves.

Yates left Saturday's game against the Angels due to right hamstring tightness, Kirsten Watson of Spectrum SportsNet LA reports.

Yates struggled in his outing Saturday before exiting with the training staff. A stint on the injured list is still possible, though it is positive that the injury is not related to his arm. Yates' loss would be significant as the Dodgers are already without other high-leverage relievers such as Blake Treinen (forearm), Evan Phillips (elbow) and Michael Kopech (shoulder).

Martinez (shoulder) could be activated from the injured list to begin the Diamondbacks series against the Dodgers on Monday, or the team could wait until its series against the Cardinals on Friday, Jack Sommers of SI.com reports.

Martinez made his first rehab appearance in the Arizona Complex League on Saturday. The next step will either be activation or having his rehab assignment transferred to Triple-A Reno. Regardless of his exact return date, Martinez should be available for the Diamondbacks within the next week.

Yates exited Saturday's game against the Angels with the training due to an apparent injury, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Yates faced five batters but recorded only one out and allowed two earned runs before exiting the contest. The nature of the issue is unclear, but there should be additional updates Saturday night or Sunday morning.

Treinen (forearm) began playing catch Friday, Sonja Chen of MLB.com reports.

This marked Treinen's first activity since hitting the injured list April 19. He isn't eligible to be activated until June 18, and he still has to go through a lot of rehab work before it will be clear if returning around the 60-day minimum will be a reasonable expectation.

Diaz struck out two in a perfect ninth inning Saturday to record his 10th save of the season in a 3-2 win over the Yankees.

The veteran right-hander's adrenaline was pumping, and Diaz topped out at 100 mph on a fastball before fanning Aaron Judge with a 98.6 mph heater to end the game. That's a big step up from the career-low 96.6 mph Diaz has been averaging with the pitch this season, and it's an encouraging sign as he produced his eighth straight appearance without allowing an earned run. The 31-year-old sports a 3.00 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 26:8 K:BB through 18 innings, and he's a perfect 10-for-10 in converting save chances.

The Dodgers optioned Loutos to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Saturday.

Loutos gave up two runs in one inning during Friday's loss and will now head back to the minors after one appearance to make room for Clayton Kershaw (toe/knee), who was activated from the IL to start Saturday's game.

Manager Bob Melvin announced Saturday that Birdsong will replace Jordan Hicks in the Giants' rotation, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Birdsong lost the race for a rotation spot during spring training, but his 2.31 ERA and 1.29 WHIP across 23.1 innings out of the bullpen, combined with Hicks' struggles as a starter, will cause the two pitchers to swap roles. Birdsong's first start of the season will come Tuesday against the Royals, who own the fourth-lowest scoring offense (157 runs) and sixth-worst OPS (.662) in the majors.