MLB Player News

Harvey (2-3) took the loss and blew the save in Monday's extra-inning loss to the Padres, coughing up four runs (three earned) on three hits and two walks over two-thirds of an inning.

The right-hander is having a bumpy June, giving up runs in four of nine appearances en route to a 7.71 ERA, 2.14 WHIP and 10:6 K:BB in 9.1 innings. Monday's blown save was his first of the year though, and Harvey remains the Nationals' top set-up option ahead of closer Kyle Finnegan, having already racked up a career-high 23 holds. Should Washington become sellers at the trade deadline and send Finnegan to a contender, Harvey would almost certainly move into the ninth-inning role.

Helsley allowed two runs on two hits and two walks in the ninth inning Monday, striking out two and earning a save against Atlanta.

Helsley loaded the bases with just one out but managed to escape with a save in the 4-3 win. It was the second time this month he's allowed multiple runs in an appearance, and the third time in his last 13 outings. Despite the recent shakiness, Helsley has converted 27 consecutive save chances since blowing his first opportunity of the year. He owns a 2.83 ERA and a 42:15 K:BB through 35 innings.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell said Monday that he's hopeful that Brown (neck) will be cleared to resume throwing off a mound at some point later this week, MLB.com reports.

Brown was placed on the 15-day injured list June 11 with a left neck strain, only for reports to surface a few days later suggesting that the right-hander might be dealing with a stress reaction. After the Cubs sought out multiple medical opinions, however, the original diagnosis of a neck strain has held up, and Brown was cleared to resume throwing last Tuesday. According to Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune, Brown played catch three times this past week and threw from 90 feet Friday, leaving Counsell optimistic that the rookie may be ready to take another meaningful step forward this week by getting back on the mound. Montemurro notes that Brown was told when he received his diagnosis that he was about one month into what's described as a "two-to-three-month burnout period" for the neck injury, though that timeline won't affect his potential return date from the IL and only relates to how long he might be physically feeling the effects of the injury. Assuming Brown is able to complete a bullpen session this week, he would still likely have a chance at completing his throwing progression and returning from the IL before the All-Star break.

Pop (0-2) took the loss and was charged with a blown save Monday against the Red Sox, giving up an unearned run on two hits in one-third of an inning.

His only out was a strikeout, but Pop helped create his own misfortune in the bottom of the ninth -- after Ceddanne Rafaela reached on an error, the right-hander balked him over to second base before Jarren Duran smacked a walk-off single. Pop was only working in a high-leverage spot due to all the injuries in the Blue Jays bullpen, and on the season he carries a 4.98 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 14:6 K:BB through 21.2 innings.

Megill earned a save against Texas on Monday, striking out two batters in a scoreless ninth inning.

Megill hit a batter with two outs in his inning of work, but it didn't cost him any runs. The right-hander was able to notch his 10th straight successful save conversion -- he hasn't blown an opportunity since May 20. Megill has proven to be a more-than-adequate fill-in for rehabbing closer Devin Williams (back), as he's tied for eighth in MLB with 16 saves (in 17 opportunities) while posting a 1.85 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 30:7 K:BB through 24.1 innings.

Howard (1-1) allowed four hits and a walk while striking out eight over 4.2 scoreless innings to earn the win over the Cubs on Monday.

Howard again worked as a reliever, and he didn't enter the game until the fifth inning. He was able to lock things down for the Giants, enabling their comeback. Howard is now at a 3.80 ERA, 1.69 WHIP and 21:9 K:BB over 21.1 innings across six appearances (two starts). San Francisco's rotation is an injury-riddled mess, and that's unlikely to change until July, so Howard will probably continue serving as a bulk reliever. He should be available to make an appearance in this weekend's series versus the Dodgers.

McArthur earned a save against the Marlins on Monday, striking out one batter in a perfect inning of work.

McArthur entered in the ninth frame with Kansas City up by three runs and made quick work of Miami, retiring the side in order on 10 pitches. That netted him his first save since June 6 and his 13th overall this season. McArthur's 18-day span between saves was of no fault of his own -- he didn't see any save opportunities during that stretch, and the only save by any KC pitcher during that period came in a game during which McArthur was used in a high-leverage spot and ended up with the victory. With that in mind, McArthur remains the top option for save chances in the Royals' bullpen.

Phillips earned a hold against the White Sox on Monday, allowing one hit in a scoreless inning of work.

It was somewhat surprising to see Phillips -- who is the Dodgers' primary closer -- used in the eighth frame, but there was plenty of sense behind the move given that the White Sox were bringing up the heart of their order. Phillips got through the inning unscathed despite allowing a one-out double to Luis Robert, and Alex Vesia earned his fourth save with a clean frame in the ninth. Phillips' usage Monday suggests that manager Dave Roberts isn't opposed to using him before the ninth inning in the highest-leverage situations, but the right-hander should still receive the vast majority of save chances for Los Angeles. He's been one of the most reliable closers in baseball this year with a perfect 12-for-12 mark in save opportunities along with a 1.66 ERA and 1.02 WHIP.

Vesia struck out one batter in a perfect ninth inning to earn the save against the White Sox on Monday.

In a somewhat surprising move, the Dodgers deployed primary closer Evan Phillips to face the heart of Chicago's order in the eighth inning. That left closing duties to Vesia, who needed just 10 pitches to slam the door on the White Sox and earn his fourth save. Monday's usage suggests that manager Dave Roberts isn't opposed to having Phillips handle the highest-leverage situations even when they come before the ninth frame, and Vesia may be the likeliest option to close in such instances. Nonetheless, Phillips is still likely to get the vast majority of save opportunities, so fantasy managers shouldn't bank on many more saves from Vesia moving forward.

Munoz was charged with a blown save Monday against Tampa Bay, allowing one hit and one walk with one strikeout in one-third of an inning.

Munoz entered the game in the bottom of the eighth inning with two outs and runners on second and third. He walked Jose Caballero before allowing a two-run single to Yandy Diaz, giving the Rays a 4-3 lead. While Munoz blew the save, it is encouraging that he was called upon for the high-leverage situation over fellow closer Ryne Stanek, who pitched a scoreless seventh inning. The Mariners closer situation should still be considered a committee moving forward, with Munoz offering the most upside. Despite blowing the save, the 25-year-old has been dominant this season, compiling a 1.41 ERA, a 1.00 WHIP and a 43:11 K:BB over 32 innings, converting 13-of-15 save opportunities with six holds.