MLB Player News

Kopech struck out one while not allowing a hit or a walk during the ninth inning Thursday to pick up the save against Atlanta.

A fielding error is all that prevented a 1-2-3 outing from Kopech, who collected his first save since May 15 after having blown his previous three opportunities. Kopech carries an impressive K/9 rate of 13.0, collecting 48 strikeouts over 33.1 innings. However, he's also allowed 48 batters to reach base (1.44 WHIP), including allowing 1.9 homers and 5.1 walks per nine innings. Kopech is a piece the White Sox will strongly consider selling at the trade deadline and will look for more performances like he provided Thursday to help them maximize the return they might get for him.

Kuhl did not factor into the decision Thursday, allowing no runs on one hit and two walks over three-plus innings against Atlanta. He struck out three.

Kuhl pitched well, facing one batter over the minimum through his three innings. He then came out for the fourth but was pulled after allowing a leadoff double to Ozzie Albies. Kuhl, who had thrown 99 pitches in long relief Sunday, was making his first start since April of 2023. Thursday's outing doesn't appear to be anything more than a spot start for the 31-year-old righty, who will likely return to the bullpen.

Thielbar threw 1.1 scoreless innings without a strikeout or walk Thursday against Arizona.

It was a confidence-building performance for Thielbar, who has struggled in June. Thielbar allowed nine runs (seven earned) and eight hits in his previous 3.2 innings over seven games. He had seemingly lost the ability to control his looping curveball, but he looked back to form Thursday. He's been limited to lower-leverage chances while he works out of his slump.

Scott earned a save against the Phillies on Thursday, striking out one batter in a perfect ninth inning.

Scott made quick work of Philadelphia in the ninth frame, retiring the side in order on nine pitches. The lefty closer has not given up a run in any of his past seven outings, tallying a win and three saves despite a mediocre 5:3 K:BB over seven innings during that span. Scott is 11-for-13 in save chances on the season and has an excellent 1.54 ERA across 35 frames.

Hodge worked around a hit to toss a scoreless 10th inning and earn the save in Thursday's 5-3 win over the Giants. He struck out one.

Incumbent closer Hector Neris pitched a clean ninth inning, then Hodge closed the door in the 10th, giving the rookie his first career MLB save. The 23-year-old righty has been solid so far with a 1.80 ERA and 15 strikeouts across 10 innings. The veteran Neris should stick in the closer role for now, but Hodge seems to be a viable option if the need arises.

Neris (7-2) tossed a scoreless ninth inning with two strikeouts to earn the win in Thursday's 5-3, 10-inning victory over the Giants.

Neris went through a rough patch earlier this month but has pitched better lately, tossing scoreless innings in consecutive outings with four total strikeouts. The veteran once again didn't see a save opportunity, as that went to Porter Hodge on Thursday, but it was encouraging to see Neris still work in a high-leverage spot. He figures to remain Chicago's closer moving forward, though he could be replaced if his struggles resurface.

The Tigers reinstated Faedo (hip) from the 15-day injured list Thursday, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Faedo made three rehab appearances at Triple-A Toledo, during which he gave up one run over three innings while striking out four batters and walking four. He owns a 3.38 ERA and 1.18 WHIP through 34.2 frames in the majors, and he'll slide back into a middle relief role now that he's been cleared to rejoin the Tigers' bullpen. Keider Montero was optioned to Toledo in a corresponding move.

The Angels optioned Zuniga to Triple-A Salt Lake on Thursday.

Zuniga will end up being the Angels' roster casualty as the team promotes Davis Daniel from Triple-A to start Thursday's game versus the Tigers. Zuniga allowed one run in two innings during his latest stint in the majors, bringing his ERA down to 6.43 through seven innings.

The Guardians recalled McCaughan from Triple-A Columbus on Thursday.

McCaughan was dispatched back to Triple-A on Monday after appearing in one game for the Guardians. He'll now return to the majors to replace Xzavion Curry, who was optioned to Columbus in a corresponding move. McCaughan has allowed 10 earned runs in 6.2 MLB innings between Cleveland and Miami, and he'll almost certainly be limited to low-leverage opportunities during his stint in the bigs.

Sanchez (shoulder) threw an 18-pitch bullpen session Wednesday, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

He could throw off the mound again this weekend. While it appears he's inching in the right direction, Sanchez won't be eligible for activation until early August after being transferred to the 60-day injured list earlier this week. He's coming back from right shoulder inflammation.