MLB Player News

Fernandez (1-2) was perfect over two-thirds of an inning and earned the win Tuesday over the Pirates.

Fernandez was brought into the game after Nick Gonzales' RBI single off JoJo Romero tied the score at 1-1. Fernandez was able to get pinch hitter Ke'Bryan Hayes to ground into a double play to end the eighth inning, and the Cardinals took the lead for good in the ninth. This kind of usage is a further sign that Fernandez has gained trust over the course of his rookie year. He's allowed just four runs (three earned) over 24.2 innings since the start of June and is now at a 2.14 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 45:18 K:BB with a save and 10 holds through 46.1 innings on the year.

Smith (5-1) struck out three over 1.2 perfect innings to earn the win Tuesday over the Tigers.

Xzavion Curry couldn't complete five innings, and Smith ended up with the win after the Guardians pulled ahead in their half of the fifth. Smith's scoreless streak is up to 9.2 innings, a span in which he has an 18:1 K:BB. For the year, he's at a 2.11 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 67:10 K:BB through 47 innings. He's added a save, 14 holds and a blown save, though he has just two holds and two wins over nine appearances in July. Smith's elite ratios make him an intriguing fantasy option even with virtually no path to saves.

Megill allowed a hit and struck out one in a scoreless inning to earn the save in Tuesday's 1-0 win over the Cubs.

Pitching for the third time in four days, Megill was able to work around a leadoff single to pick up his 20th save of the campaign. The right-hander has allowed multiple runs in two of his last four outings, though those struggles are yet to cost him his share of the high-leverage duties. He's at a 2.41 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 40:8 K:BB through 33.2 innings this season. Devin Williams (back) is going through a rehab assignment at Triple-A Nashville, so Megill's run as the Brewers' closer could be nearing an end, though he's pitched well enough to potentially make this a committee situation if Williams needs to be eased in after a lengthy absence.

Stewart (shoulder) is expected to be reinstated from the 60-day injured list Wednesday, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

Right shoulder tendinitis sent Stewart to the injured list May 3, and he's allowed one earned run in four innings during a rehab assignment with Triple-A St. Paul. The 32-year-old has been phenomenal since joining the Twins in 2023, posting a minuscule 0.66 ERA and 1.07 WHIP alongside a 56:17 K:BB through 41 total innings. He'll provide a significant boost to Minnesota's bullpen once he returns, though Jhoan Duran remains locked in as the Twins' primary closer.

Scott earned the save in Tuesday's 6-3 win over the Orioles, striking out a pair in a scoreless ninth inning.

Scott's now turned in 15 straight scoreless appearances -- he's converted nine consecutive save chances, allowing just five hits while striking out 19 over his last 15.2 innings. The left-hander's lowered his ERA to a pristine 1.24 with a 0.98 WHIP and 50:25 K:BB across 43.2 innings this season. With the trade deadline fast approaching, Scott figures to be the top bullpen arm on the market.

Clase earned the save Tuesday against Detroit, delivering a perfect ninth inning in a 5-4 victory.

Clase made quick work of the Tigers on Tuesday, closing out a one-run victory to reach the 30-save mark for a third consecutive season. The 26-year-old Clase had been stellar this year -- he's allowed just one earned run in his last 14 innings while converting 17 straight save chances. Overall, his ERA is down to a minuscule 0.78 with a 0.65. WHIP and 39:5 K:BB across 46.1 innings.

Okert will serve as the Twins' opening pitcher for Wednesday's game against the Phillies, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

Wednesday will mark Okert's first start of the season and just the third of his MLB career. The 33-year-old southpaw has recorded more than three outs in just three of his 34 appearances this season, so he's unlikely to work more than two innings before giving way to David Festa, who is expected to be called up from Triple-A St. Paul to serve as a bulk reliever.

Helsley earned the save in Tuesday's 2-1 win over the Pirates, striking out the side in a perfect ninth inning.

Helsley's decision to get some extra rest during the All-Star break appeared to pay off Tuesday. The right-hander struck out the side on just 13 pitches, earning his league-leading 33rd save. Helsley has now delivered nine straight scoreless innings -- he's allowed just five hits while striking out 11 in that span. Overall, his ERA is down to 2.25 across 44 innings this season with a 1.16 WHIP and 53:18 K:BB.

Wentz (0-2) allowed three runs on three hits across two innings of relief to take the loss Tuesday against the Guardians. He walked two and struck out three.

With the Tigers making the contest a bullpen game, Wentz entered after Tyler Holton and Alex Faedo each tossed 1.2 innings. Wentz struggled, with Jose Ramirez punctuating the poor outing with a solo shot. The lefty had a 0.87 ERA after six April appearances, but it's mostly been downhill since then, and he now has a 5.62 ERA overall. Wentz had a 6.90 ERA working primarily as a starter last year, so his recent track record doesn't provide much optimism that things will turn around anytime soon.

Murfee (elbow) threw a bullpen session Tuesday in Oakland, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

Murfee has been slowly working his way back all season from Tommy John surgery that he underwent last July. Manager Joe Espada said that the right-hander could throw one more bullpen session before beginning a minor-league rehab assignment. Murfee will likely need to make a series of appearances while on his rehab assignment, but if all goes well, he could make his return to the major-league roster at some point in mid-to-late August.