MLB Player News

Vodnik walked one and struck out one in a scoreless and hitless inning to earn the save in Friday's 5-2 win over the Padres.

All five of Vodnik's saves this year have come since July 6. He's on a four-inning scoreless streak currently, picking up two saves with a 4:2 K:BB in that span. The right-hander has a 3.70 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 53:25 K:BB over 58.1 innings this season. He may not be a full-time closer, but Vodnik appears to be at least at the head of a committee that will likely also see high-leverage work for Tyler Kinley and Justin Lawrence.

Kerkering will serve as the Philles' opening pitcher for Saturday's game against the Mariners, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Kerkering has opened a game once already this season, during which he posted a scoreless inning against the Athletics. He'll now be asked to do the same versus Seattle, giving bulk reliever Kolby Allard one less matchup against the Mariners' top three hitters.

Urena (3-6) took the loss Friday against the Red Sox, allowing seven runs on eight hits and no walks over four innings. He struck out two.

The veteran right-hander made his first start since June 5, firing 69 total pitches in this outing. Despite entering with an impressive 2.84 ERA over 31.2 innings across six starts this season, Urena was knocked around by the Red Sox, yielding three extra-base hits en route to a season-worst seven runs. With Max Scherzer (shoulder) hitting the injured list Friday, Urena likely sticks in the Texas rotation for the time being. He lines up to face the Yankees on the road in his next start.

Hader picked up a save against the Rays on Friday, allowing one walk in a scoreless ninth inning..

Hader entered the game with a one-run lead, and the tying runner got on base, but he managed to escape with his 22nd save in his 23rd opportunity this season. Hader now has 10 saves in July and hasn't blown a save since April 2nd. The 30-year-old allowed three runs on Monday, but outside of that, he hasn't allowed a run in his eight other appearances since July 9.

Martin (0-1) took the loss Friday against the Twins, allowing four runs on six hits and three walks over 3.2 innings. He struck out five.

The Chicago right-hander was unable to prevent the White Sox's 18th consecutive loss, as he stumbled out the gate by allowing a 409-foot, two-run homer to Royce Lewis in the first inning. Lewis had Martin's number in this outing, as the Minnesota slugger later laced a two-run double in the third. Despite the rough 75-pitch performance, Martin should remain the White Sox rotation as Drew Thorpe (right flexor strain) was placed on the injured list Friday. He lines up to make his next start against the Athletics in Oakland next week.

Jimenez picked up the save in Friday's 5-3 victory over the Marlins, allowing one hit and one walk over one scoreless inning with three strikeouts.

After Raisel Iglesias pitched on three consecutive days, manager Brian Snitker called upon Jimenez to lock up the win for Atlanta. The righty reliever struggled a bit to secure his 23rd career save, requiring 28 pitches to polish off the game. He now sports a 2.25 ERA with 48:17 K:BB across 44 innings this season. Jimenez appears to be the next in line for saves in the Atlanta bullpen if anything happens to Iglesias given the usage pattern in this game.

The Mariners designated de Geus for assignment Friday, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

De Geus has spent the majority of the season with Triple-A Tacoma. Across his 32 outings in the minors, he's registered seven saves with a 6.60 ERA, 1.73 WHIP and 21:11 K:BB across 30 innings.

The Mariners placed Santos on the 15-day injured list with right biceps inflammation Friday, retroactive to Thursday.

Santos' bicep caused him to make an early exit from Wednesday's game, and it will now officially keep him sidelined for at least another two weeks. JT Chargois, who was recently acquired in a trade with Miami, was added to the active roster to fill the opening in Seattle's bullpen.

The Mariners claimed Hernandez from waivers Friday.

Hernandez was designated for assignment by the Rangers on Tuesday after Texas acquired southpaw Andrew Chafin in a trade with Detroit. Across 26 major-league outings this season, Hernandez has a 5.05 ERA, 1.59 WHIP and 36:26 K:BB across 41 innings. The 28-year-old right-hander will likely begin his tenure with his new organization with Triple-A Tacoma, but he could make his way back to the majors if the Mariners require his arm out of the bullpen.

The Rangers recalled Pennington from Triple-A Round Rock on Friday.

Pennington was assigned to Round Rock after being acquired by the Rangers on Monday from the Royals in exchange for Michael Lorenzen. Across 39 outings in Triple-A this season, Pennington has a 2.13 ERA with 84 strikeouts across 63.1 innings. His move to the big club corresponds with the Rangers placing right-hander Max Scherzer (shoulder) on the 15-day injured list.