MLB Player News

Nardi collected his 12th hold of the season in Wednesday's win over the Rays, walking one and striking out three in a scoreless sixth inning.

The southpaw was considered the favorite to take over closing duties for the Marlins after Tanner Scott was traded to the Padres, but instead manager Skip Schumaker called on Nardi in the sixth inning Wednesday to protect a 4-2 lead. Miami wound up adding to its lead in the seventh, eliminating a potential save chance, but it still wasn't encouraging usage for any fantasy GMs hoping Nardi will pick up saves down the stretch. Anthony Bender, another potential closing option, was called on in the eighth inning after the lead was extended to 6-2 while Calvin Faucher worked the ninth, leaving the bullpen picture for the Marlins very murky.

Kahnle earned a hold against the Phillies on Wednesday, allowing one walk and striking out one batter over a scoreless two-thirds of an inning.

Kahnle entered in the seventh frame with a runner on second base and one out. He walked the first batter he faced before ending the inning with a strikeout and a flyout. Kahnle has racked up six straight scoreless appearances and has given up just two runs over his past 21 outings. He has a 0.98 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 25:7 K:BB across 18.1 innings during the latter stretch.

Espino (0-1) took the loss Wednesday against the Orioles, allowing four runs on five hits and three walks over four innings. He struck out one.

The O's got to Espino quickly Wednesday, scoring twice in the opening inning before tacking on runs in both the second and third. It was a one-time start for the 37-year-old Espino, as the Jays looked to give their rotation some extra rest. Overall, Espino's allowed eight earned runs while posting a 2.08 WHIP across 8.2 innings in the majors this season. While it doesn't seem like he'll stay in the rotation, Espino could stick with Toronto as a swingman to help lengthen the Jays' trade-depleted bullpen.

Johnson (4-2) picked up the win Wednesday over the Brewers, allowing one hit and one walk over 1.1 scoreless innings. He struck out two.

The right-hander recorded the final out of the sixth inning in relief of Chris Sale, just in time to watch Atlanta's offense break open a 2-2 tie in the top of the seventh. Johnson has given up only one earned run over his last 13 appearances dating back to June 15, posting a 0.67 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 18:4 K:BB through 13.1 innings over that stretch while pocketing two wins and two holds.

Vodnik picked up the save against the Angels on Wednesday, pitching a perfect ninth inning while striking out one.

Vodnik needed only eight pitches to run through the middle of the Angels lineup and secure his fourth save of the season, striking out Kevin Pillar with a 99 mph fastball before getting Logan O'Hoppe to ground out for the final out. The right-hander has now converted each of his last four save opportunities and has recorded at least one strikeout in 15 consecutive appearances. Vodnik also hasn't issued a walk in five straight outings.

Sims allowed one walk over a scoreless two-thirds of an inning in Wednesday's 3-2 extra-inning win over Seattle.

Sims replaced starter Brayan Bello with one out in the seventh inning and runners at the corners. He sandwiched a walk around a short flyout and a groundout to get out of the inning. It was Sims' debut for the Red Sox, who acquired him ahead of Tuesday's trade deadline. Boston's bullpen has been the primary culprit of the team's 3-8 start coming out of the All-Star break, and Sims is expected to help. He'll be used in high-leverage spots ahead of closer Kenley Jansen, Julian McWilliams of The Boston Globe reports. The high-leverage crew will be bolstered by the eventual returns of Chris Martin (elbow) and Justin Slaten (elbow).

Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said Sewald is having issues with his delivery, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports. "There's something that's going on with his delivery," Lovullo said. "It's not allowing him to throw the ball where he wants to, have the finish on the ball and make the pitches that he's normally making."

Lovullo made those comments moments after Wednesday's win in which Sewald, tasked with closing out a two-run lead, allowed a run on three walks and a hit before being removed for Ryan Thompson, who picked up his first save of the season. Sewald has a 13.50 ERA over his last four appearances to finish out a rocky July (10.80 ERA, 10 innings, four blown saves). The manager plans to take time to review the situation and feels there are "really good candidates" in house to replace Sewald as the closer, if that's what Lovullo decides. The names under consideration are likely Thompson, Kevin Ginkel and A.J. Puk.

Thompson earned a save against Washington on Wednesday, issuing a walk and striking out a batter over a scoreless two-thirds of an inning.

Paul Sewald got a chance at a save with Arizona up three runs entering the ninth frame, but he retired only one batter while walking three and allowing a double. Thompson then came in to put out the fire and did so successfully despite allowing an inherited runner to score on a passed ball and issuing an intentional walk. After the game, Arizona manager Torey Lovullo was non-committal about Sewald remaining the team's closer, but that doesn't necessarily mean that Thompson would get the next crack at the role if a change is made. The right-hander has been very successful in a setup role this season with a 1.81 ERA, 19 holds and 32:5 K:BB, yet Kevin Ginkel and A.J. Puk -- both of whom pitched before the ninth frame Wednesday -- have more closing experience and would be more likely candidates to step in as closer, temporarily or otherwise, if Sewald is moved out of the role.

Sewald struggled in a save opportunity against the Nationals on Wednesday, allowing two runs on one hit and three walks in just one-third of an inning. He was pulled after throwing only nine of 24 pitches for strikes, and Ryan Thompson finished the inning. Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo attributed Sewald's issues to a delivery problem and did not confirm any changes to the closer role.

Exercise caution with Sewald and be ready to make changes based on his future performances and any official updates about his role. If more reliable closers are available on the waiver wire, you may want to consider dropping Sewald for a more stable option.

Hader allowed a hit and struck out one over a scoreless inning to earn the save in Wednesday's 5-4 win over the Pirates.

Hader melted down in a non-save situation in Monday's game versus the Pirates, but he was able to protect a one-run lead without trouble Wednesday. He'll end a tumultuous July with six runs allowed over 10.1 innings, including four home runs allowed, but he converted all nine of his save chances for the month. For the season, Hader has a 4.02 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 73:15 K:BB while converting 21 of 22 save chances through 47 innings.