MLB Player News

Rivera took a no-decision Saturday against the Mets, allowing no runs on one hit and two walks in 3.2 innings. He struck out three.

Making his second major-league appearance of 2026, Rivera fared well Saturday while giving up one single across 3.2 scoreless frames. The 23-year-old southpaw has impressed for the Red Sox in limited action this season, delivering seven shutout innings while yielding only two hits. Rivera was likely just making a spot start for Boston's banged-up rotation, as Connelly Early (elbow) and Ranger Suarez (groin) could both be back shortly following the All-Star break.

Major League Baseball announced that Mikolas will begin serving his five-game suspension Sunday, Mark Zuckerman of NatsJournal.com reports.

The suspension stemmed from his role during a bench-clearing brawl with the Red Sox on July 2. Mikolas initially appealed his suspension, but after teammate Cade Cavalli completed a five-game ban of his own, the veteran right-hander is now required to begin serving his time. Mikolas will be available to return to action July 21 against the Rockies, the Nationals' fifth game out of the All-Star break. Mikolas heads into the break with a 5.78 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 50:19 K:BB across 90.1 innings.

Duran earned the save against the Tigers on Saturday after tossing a perfect ninth inning with no strikeouts.

Duran needed just eight pitches (seven strikes) to protect the Phillies' two-run lead in Saturday's win. It was his 24th save of the season, which is third most in the majors behind Cade Smith (28) and Bryan Baker (25). Duran has a 1.38 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 50:6 K:BB across 32.2 innings this season and has converted his past eight save chances.

Holderman earned the save in Saturday's 4-1 win over the Marlins, tossing a scoreless ninth inning.

Cade Smith was dispatched in each of the Guardians' three games prior to Saturday, so Holderman was called on to protect Cleveland's 4-1 lead. Holderman needed only 11 pitches (eight strikes) to get the job done for his first save of the season and fourth save of his major-league career. He has a 1.78 ERA and 0.85 WHIP over 35.1 innings this season.

Phillips will start Sunday's series finale against the Guardians, Christina De Nicola of MLB.com reports.

Phillips last pitched Wednesday against the Mariners, but the Marlins are expected to heavily rely on their bullpen for Sunday's contest, so the veteran right-hander will take the hill on three days' rest and presumably operate with a limited pitch count. Phillips has recorded a 3.28 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 55:34 K:BB across 74 innings this season.

Blanco (elbow) will make another rehab start at Triple-A Sugar Land on Sunday, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Blanco had been a candidate to return from the 60-day injured list to start Sunday's first-half finale against the Rangers, but the Astros will look to get him one more tune-up outing in the minors before bringing him back after the All-Star break. His most recent start at Triple-A on Tuesday was cut short after two innings due to inclement weather, though he had built up to 60 pitches (4.1 innings) during his previous appearance.

Helsley was diagnosed Saturday with inflammation around the UCL in his right elbow, Matt Weyrich of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Helsley landed on the injured list July 3 due to elbow discomfort, and although he's dealing with inflammation that will keep him sidelined for an extended period of time, manager Craig Albernaz confirmed that the 31-year-old reliever hasn't suffered any structural damage to his UCL. A timeline for his recovery could begin to come into focus once he begins a throwing program, but the team is optimistic that Helsley will be back before the end of the season. In the meantime, Tyler Wells and Andrew Kittredge will likely factor into the mix for saves in Baltimore.

The Orioles reinstated Hiraldo (shoulder) from the 60-day injured list and optioned him to Triple-A Norfolk on Saturday, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Hiraldo has been on the shelf since early April due to right shoulder inflammation. He began a rehab assignment in the minors June 30 and has since given up two earned runs on three hits and four walks while striking out four batters in 4.2 innings. Now fully healthy, he'll stay put at Norfolk and fill in as organizational bullpen depth.

The Dodgers designated Barnes for assignment Saturday.

Barnes will surrender his spot on the 40-man roster to Landon Knack (chest), who was activated from the 60-day injured list Saturday. Barnes has allowed 10 earned runs in just 12 major-league innings this year while also accumulating a 4.39 ERA and 1.52 WHIP through 55.1 frames in the minors.

The Dodgers optioned Hurt to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Saturday.

After giving up six earned runs in just 3.2 innings since the beginning of July, Hurt will head back to the minors as the roster casualty necessary to make room for Landon Knack's (chest) return from the IL. Hurt's 3.55 FIP paints a more encouraging picture of how effective he's been out of the bullpen for the Dodgers this season, and he could return to Los Angeles later in the summer if he returns to form while in the minors.