MLB Player News

Pop earned the save Sunday, tossing a perfect 1.1 innings against the Rangers.

Pop made his second appearance since being recalled from Triple-A, coming on with runners on second and third and two outs in the eighth and inducing a Jonah Heim groundout to end the inning. He then stayed on for a perfect ninth to complete his first career save. Chad Green remains the closer for Toronto, but with the Blue Jays losing Jordan Romano to injury, Yimi Garcia being shipped out to the Mariners, and the potential for more arms to leave prior to Tuesday's trade deadline, Pop has an opportunity to earn a prominent role at the back end of the bullpen.

The Padres released Otto (undisclosed) on Sunday.

The Padres announced earlier Sunday that Otto had been designated for assignment, and the right-hander quickly passed through waivers before San Diego elected to let him explore options elsewhere rather than outrighting him to the minors. Otto made 39 appearances (33 starts) with the Rangers over the past three seasons but didn't see any game action for the Padres in 2024 after opening the season on the injured list due to a right teres major strain before he was optioned to Triple-A El Paso in late June once his rehab assignment concluded. He was later placed on El Paso's IL on July 21 with an unspecified injury, so Otto may not catch on with another team until he's back to full health.

Covey (shoulder) surrendered three earned runs on two hits and two walks while pitching one-third of an inning in his first rehab appearance Sunday for Single-A Clearwater.

Making his first appearance at any level in 2024 after having been sidelined since spring training with a right shoulder strain, Covey unsurprisingly exhibited some rust. He allowed each of the first four runners he faced to reach base, though he was able to end his first rehab appearance on a high note by recording a strikeout. Covey tossed 20 pitches Sunday and won't need to get stretched out much further beyond that, but because he's been on the injured list all season, he'll likely to make several appearances in the minors and eventually move his assignment to Triple-A Lehigh Valley before being activated. He'll be ticketed for a low-leverage role out of the Philadelphia bullpen upon his reinstatement from the IL.

Rodriguez (3-1) allowed one run on two hits and struck out three over three innings, earning the win over the Rockies on Sunday.

This was a bullpen game for the Giants, and Rodriguez was their second pitcher in a contest in which they never trailed. Rodriguez was called up as a reinforcement for the bullpen earlier Sunday after Sean Hjelle (personal) went on the bereavement list. For the season, Rodriguez has a 4.11 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 47:15 K:BB while adding five holds over 46 innings through 30 appearances. The right-hander has been effective, but since he threw 45 pitches Sunday, he could soon be optioned out for another fresh reliever.

Doval allowed a run on two hits and struck out one over one inning to earn the save in Sunday's 5-4 win over the Rockies.

Doval allowed two singles to begin the ninth inning. He yielded a run on a groundout but was able to stop the damage there to convert his 20th save of the campaign. Doval has converted six of his seven save chances in July despite allowing four runs over 8.1 innings this month. He's now at a 4.39 ERA, 1.61 WHIP and 53:26 K:BB through 41 innings.

Cano picked up his fourth save of the season Sunday against the Padres, allowing one earned run on three hits while striking out zero batters in one inning.

With Orioles closer Craig Kimbrel yielding five runs (three earned) and throwing 49 pitches across two appearances Thursday and Friday, Cano slotted in for the save opportunity Sunday. Cano was shaky, allowing the bases to be loaded with just one out, but a pair of groundouts ended the game, giving Cano his first save since June 16. Kimbrel remains the presumptive closer, but the 30-year-old Cano has pitched well this season and would be the top replacement option if Kimbrel's struggles continue. Cano owns a 2.88 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 40:19 K:BB with 24 holds in 40.2 innings.

Helsley (4-3) allowed a hit in a scoreless inning, earning the win over the Nationals on Sunday.

Helsley kept the game tied in the top of the ninth inning, and Paul Goldschmidt delivered a walk-off solo home run a half-inning later. This was just the seventh appearance of the month for Helsley, as the Cardinals' shaky play over the last three weeks have left him with inconsistent closing opportunities. He's still leading the National League -- and tied for the first in the majors -- with 33 saves while pitching to a 2.15 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 54:19 K:BB through 46 innings this season.

Clase struck out one batter in a perfect ninth inning to pick up his 33rd save of the season Sunday against the Phillies.

Clase needed just seven pitches to secure the one-run victory for the Guardians, notching his fourth save in six days. The 26-year-old has been utterly dominant this season, pitching to a 0.73 ERA, 0.65 WHIP and 42:6 K:BB in 49.1 innings. Clase is now tied with Ryan Helsley for the league lead in saves with 33.

Kloffenstein was placed on Triple-A Memphis' 7-day injured list Wednesday due to right shoulder discomfort, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

The right-hander made his major-league debut June 20 with a scoreless inning against San Francisco, but he's otherwise spent the campaign at Triple-A. Kloffenstein's shoulder is still being evaluated, so it's unclear how long he'll be sidelined.

Harvey was diagnosed with left lower-back spasms after leaving Sunday's game against the Cubs.

Harvey looked uncomfortable before exiting the contest, as he walked two batters and threw just seven of 22 pitches for strikeouts in two-thirds of an inning. With closer James McArthur continuing to struggle, Harvey could miss a chance to secure the role if the injury forces him to miss any time.