MLB Player News

Varland gave up a run on a hit and a walk in the ninth inning Tuesday to record his sixth save of the season in a 6-4 win over the Royals. He struck out one.

The right-hander entered the game to protect a three-run lead, and while he did serve up a solo shot to Lane Thomas, Varland got the job done on 23 pitches (14 strikes). His brother Louis also notched a save for the Blue Jays on Tuesday, making them the fourth set of brothers in MLB history to pick up saves on the same day, with Edwin Diaz and Alexis Diaz having most recently accomplished the feat May 17, 2022. The Nationals' Varland has the team's two most recent saves, and he seems to have nudged his way to the front of the line for closing opportunities, as neither Clayton Beeter nor Richard Lovelady have collected a save in June.

Ashby improved to 10-0 on the season in Tuesday's 2-1 win over the Guardians after striking out two batters while allowing one earned run on one hit and two walks across one inning of relief.

Despite being charged with the Guardians' only run of the night when he surrendered a game-tying RBI single to Gabriel Arias in the top of the seventh inning, Ashby was credited with the win after the Brewers recovered the lead with a Garrett Mitchell home run in the bottom of the frame. Despite making just one start as an opener and not typically pitching in the highest-leverage spots out of the bullpen, Ashby has been a fantasy asset by virtue of racking up an MLB-leading 10 wins. He's also turned in a 2.86 ERA to go with 61 strikeouts over 44 innings, though a high walk rate has played a part in inflating his WHIP to 1.36.

O'Brien earned the save Tuesday against the Padres after tossing a scoreless ninth inning while allowing a walk.

O'Brien has converted his last five save opportunities and has gone 18-for-22 so far in 2026. One of the most reliable ninth-inning relievers in the National League this season, O'Brien owns a 3.73 ERA and 1.21 WHIP across 31 appearances (31.1 innings) in 2026.

Phillips (1-2) took the loss Tuesday, surrendering eight runs on six hits -- including three home runs -- and three walks over four innings as the Marlins fell 8-2 to the Phillies. He struck out four.

The Phillies put up three runs off the right-hander in the first inning without leaving the yard, but even that small grace note on the outing was quickly spoiled as Brandon Marsh, Alec Bohm and Kyle Schwarber all launched homers before Phillips got the hook after 79 pitches (48 strikes). The eight earned runs allowed were more than Phillips had given up in his prior 11 appearances and 31.1 innings combined, spiking his ERA on the season from 1.86 to 3.10, while the three long balls were more than he'd served up all year. He'll try to shake off this disaster in his next start, which lines up to come at home this weekend against the Giants.

Megill earned the save in Tuesday's win over the Guardians after pitching a perfect ninth inning, striking out two.

Megill needed just 12 pitches (eight strikes) to earn his ninth save of the season in 11 chances. He's bounced back nicely after blowing a save against the Rockies at Coors Field on June 5, when he allowed two runs on three hits and a walk over an inning of work. Since then, he's posted three straight scoreless outings around a brief absence due to side tightness. Once again the top endgame option in Milwaukee, Megill has allowed just two runs in his last 11 appearances -- a stretch in which he owns a 1.64 ERA, 0.82 WHIP and 13.9 K/9.

Pagan (hamstring) threw a bullpen session Tuesday and is scheduled to pitch in a simulated game/live batting practice session at Yankee Stadium on Friday, MLB.com reports.

Pagan, who threw a bullpen session over the weekend, has stacked up a few sessions and is moving on to live batting practice. The next step for the Reds' closer will be a rehab assignment. Pagan could rejoin the team by the end of June.

Johnson (elbow) is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Louisville on Thursday, MLB.com reports.

Johnson threw a simulated game/live batting practice session Monday and is ready for the next step. The reliever isn't expected to need much time in the minors and could be activated Friday.

Soto recorded a save against the Athletics on Tuesday, allowing two hits and striking out two batters over one scoreless inning.

Pittsburgh took its first lead on a Brandon Lowe solo homer in the top of the ninth inning, and then turned the ball over to Soto to close out the comeback. It wasn't an entirely smooth outing for the left-hander, as he allowed a pair of one-out singles to put the tying and winning runs on base. However, Soto struck out Tyler Soderstrom before getting Jacob Wilson to line out to end the game. Soto picked up his third save over the past seven days and is now 11-for-14 in save chances on the campaign. He's established himself as the Pirates' clear-cut closer and already has his most saves since recording 30 for the Tigers in 2022.

Scott struck out two in a perfect inning to earn the save in Tuesday's 1-0 win over the Rays.

Scott retired the side on 11 pitches (nine strikes) to preserve the narrow lead. This was his third scoreless outing in a row, and he's earned a save in each of them, giving him nine saves in 10 chances this season. The trusty southpaw has added a 2.32 ERA, 0.71 WHIP and 38:3 K:BB through 31 innings. He has pitched two days in a row, so Alex Vesia or Blake Treinen could be called upon for a save chance if one surfaces Wednesday.

Santillan struck out two while allowing one hit over one inning to get his fourth save of the season Tuesday night against the Mets.

Santillan has converted the Reds' last two saves and now has six consecutive scoreless outings. He credits seeing a clip from him from two years ago that inspired him to clean up his delivery, Charlie Goldsmith reports. On a team hurting for reliable relievers, Santillan looks to be its best healthy reliever and likely to get most of the Reds' saves until Emilio Pagan returns.