MLB Player News

Munoz earned the save in Wednesday's 7-5 win over the Brewers, striking out one in a perfect ninth inning.

Munoz was called on to protect a two-run lead in the ninth inning and did so on just nine pitches. The 27-year-old has now converted back-to-back save chances following a blowup appearance Friday, and he's held opponents scoreless in nine of 12 outings since the All-Star break. On the year, he's 23-for-30 in save opportunities to go along with a 4.27 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 73:18 K:BB across 46.1 innings.

Pagan secured the save Wednesday against the Cardinals, allowing two runs on two hits and no walks in the ninth inning.

Pagan needed every bit of the three-run lead he was afforded, serving up a two-run home run to Jordan Walker. The veteran right-hander has established a fairly strong hold on the Reds' closer role, as Wednesday marked the first time he's been scored upon since July 19 in Colorado. He's turned his season around in a big way since coming off the injured list, producing a 2.35 ERA, 0.78 WHIP and 20:3 K:BB with 10 saves in as many opportunities over 15.1 innings since the start of July.

Bednar struck out one in a clean ninth inning to earn the save Wednesday against the Orioles.

The 31-year-old closer continues to put his shaky start to the season in the rear-view mirror. Since the beginning of June, Bednar has a shiny 0.84 ERA and 0.56 WHIP to go with a 35:7 K:BB covering 32.1 innings. He's blown just one save during that span, now holding a 2.40 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 64:18 K:BB in 56.1 innings with 29 saves (32 chances) for the season.

Duran earned the save in Wednesday's 4-1 win over the Marlins, allowing a hit while striking out one in a scoreless ninth inning.

Duran worked around a leadoff single in the ninth to lock down his fourth consecutive save and 28th overall in 30 chances this season. Duran has held opponents to just one run over his last 10 innings, lowering his ERA to a sparkling 1.79 with a 1.04 WHIP and 63:8 K:BB across 45.1 innings this year.

Smith earned the save in Wednesday's 1-0 win over the Guardians, allowing one hit and no walks while striking out five over two scoreless innings.

Smith entered with a one-run lead in the eighth inning and was dominant, throwing 22 of 30 pitches for strikes to earn his third save of the campaign. The 26-year-old has now converted two of three save chances since taking over as the Giants' closer and has posted a 3.24 ERA through eight August appearances. On the season, he owns three saves and six holds while posting a 2.73 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 33:12 K:BB across 26.1 innings.

Natera said Wednesday that he's managing a tight back and is day-to-day, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

Natera hasn't made an appearance out of the Angels bullpen since Aug. 11, though he was available for most of last week before he tweaked his back Saturday. He noted prior to Wednesday's game against the Astros that he hadn't done any throwing before the contest to test out his back, so the Angels may look to stay away from him for another day or two. Natera has emerged as one of the Angels' top relievers since being called up from Triple-A Salt Lake on June 5, gathering three saves, four holds and one win over 23 appearances while turning in a 2.00 ERA, 0.85 WHIP and 42:10 K:BB across 27 innings.

The Phillies designated Keller for assignment Wednesday, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

Keller gave up one run in three innings during his MLB debut July 25 but has coughed up 12 runs in just 9.2 frames since returning to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. The 32-year-old righty will now lose his place on the 40-man roster to make room for Nestor Cortes, who signed a major-league deal with the Phillies on Wednesday.

Manager Dave Roberts said Wednesday that MRI results on Diaz's neck revealed no additional damage, Jack Harris of the California Post reports.

Diaz landed on the injured list Tuesday due to neck inflammation, but Roberts said that the right-hander received a "best-case" prognosis during his visit with a doctor Wednesday. The Dodgers will keep him shut down from throwing for a few days before determining next steps, though he doesn't seem to be trending toward a lengthy IL stint.

Fleming signed a minor-league contract with the Cardinals on Wednesday, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Fleming has spent time with the Blue Jays and Cubs this season. He gave up six runs over three innings during his lone big-league appearance but owns a 3.16 ERA and 1.19 WHIP across 82.2 frames in the minors. He'll report to Triple-A Memphis to begin his tenure with the Cardinals but could get another opportunity to pitch in the majors if he continues to perform well.

Gomez struck out one in a perfect ninth inning Wednesday to record his 20th save of the season in a 6-4 win over Atlanta.

The right-hander remains perfect on the season in converting save chances as well, going 19-for-19 as the Twins' closer -- not bad for a pitcher cut loose by the Rays in early May after posting a 6.23 ERA in his first 17.1 innings of the year. Since the All-Star break, Gomez has delivered a 2.13 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 14:9 K:BB over 12.2 innings and 14 appearances.