MLB Player News

Finnegan struck out one in a perfect ninth inning to record his 28th save of the season in Sunday's 5-2 win over the Reds.

Despite turning to Finnegan for save chances Friday and Saturday against Cincinnati, Washington manager Dave Martinez went back to the well again for the third game of the series. The right-hander nailed down the sweep for the Nationals on only five pitches, all strikes. Finnegan's 28 saves matched the career high he set in 2023, and his heavy workload this season hasn't been affecting his performance -- over 10 appearances in July he's posted a 2.89 ERA, 0.86 WHIP and 7:2 K:BB in 9.1 innings.

Faucher gave up a hit and struck out two in a scoreless eighth inning Sunday to record his 10th hold of the season in a win over the Mets.

The 28-year-old right-hander has emerged as a reliable member of the Marlins' set-up crew in the last month or so. Over his last 12 appearances dating back to June 18, Faucher has posted a 2.45 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 12:5 K:BB in 11 innings with a win and five holds. If Miami cleans house at the trade deadline and ships out closer Tanner Scott, Faucher could get a look in the ninth inning.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Monday that Burdi (hip) could be ready for a rehab assignment by the end of next week, Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reports.

Burdi had a minor setback just before the All-Star break, but he's back on track and is slated to throw another live batting practice session soon. The right-hander's been on the shelf since late May with right hip inflammation but is tracking toward a return from the 60-day injured list in early August.

Munoz earned a save Sunday against the Astros after striking out the side in the ninth inning.

The right-hander set down Jake Meyers, Trey Cabbage and Joey Loperfido on strikes to end the ballgame and bring the Mariners back to level with the Astros in the standings. Munoz has struck out six over his last 3.1 innings and is working on a 7.1-inning scoreless streak. The 25-year-old is up to 16 saves on the season and has been one of the more dominant closers in the game with a 1.37 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 49:18 K:BB in 39.1 innings.

Yates struck out two batters in a perfect ninth inning and earned a save over Baltimore on Sunday.

Yates made quick work of the Orioles with just 13 pitches to finish off the 3-2 win. He's now converted each of his 17 save chances on the year and lowered his ERA to an incredible 1.02 through 35.1 frames. Yates has given up one earned run while posting a 19:5 K:BB over his last 12 innings.

Slaten (elbow) played catch Saturday, MLB.com reports.

Slaten came out of the session feeling good and will continue to throw from flat ground for now. The Red Sox hope he won't require an extensive ramp-up period after that. The right-hander has been a key bullpen piece for Boston this season, and the team could have used him after being swept by the Dodgers over the weekend.

Sborz allowed one hit and struck out three over two scoreless innings in Sunday's 3-2 win over the Orioles.

Sborz made his fourth appearance since coming back from a shoulder injury. He hasn't issued a walk in six innings since coming off the IL and has hurled five consecutive scoreless frames. When healthy, Sborz is used as a high-leverage arm in the bullpen. He has a 2.38 ERA with 11 strikeouts and three walks over 11.1 innings this season.

Martinez allowed one run on two hits and one walk in the ninth inning Sunday, blowing the save in a 2-1 extra-inning loss to the Cubs.

With closer Paul Sewald unavailable to protect a ninth-inning lead after having being deployed the previous two days, manager Torey Lovullo turned to Martinez, who was also used Friday and Saturday but had thrown fewer pitches (25) than Sewald (33). Martinez, facing the same group of hitters he shut down Saturday, allowed a double to Nico Hoerner and a single to Seiya Suzuki, permitting the lead to slip away. The rookie right-hander has worked his way into a high-leverage role this season and could eventually become a late-game staple.

Sewald was unavailable to pitch in Sunday's 2-1 extra-inning loss to the Cubs.

The Diamondbacks carried a 1-0 lead into the ninth inning, but Sewald had been used the previous two games and thrown 33 pitches. Justin Martinez, who had also pitched Friday and Saturday, was unable to secure the save. Since a rough stretch earlier in July, Sewald has converted four straight save chances and tossed five straight scoreless appearances.

Estevez picked up his 18th save of the season in Sunday's 8-5 win over the Athletics, tossing a scoreless ninth inning while allowing a walk.

Estevez made things interesting by issuing a leadoff walk to Lawrence Butler but went on to retire the next three batters in order to shut the door. He's now converted each of his last 12 saves and hasn't given up an earned run since May 20, a span of 18 appearances. Estevez's name has been swirling in trade talks, and if he is dealt at the deadline there's no guarantee he'd still be the closer for his new team. The 31-year-old owns a 2.53 ERA, 0.78 WHIP and 31:5 K:BB in 32 innings.