MLB Player News

Maton earned a save against the Twins on Wednesday, striking out one batter in a perfect 10th inning.

Regular closer Pete Fairbanks was unavailable due to a thumb injury, and Jason Adam was deployed to keep the game tied in the ninth, so Maton got the save opportunity with Tampa Bay up by a run in the top of the 10th. He got the job done quickly, needing just five pitches to retire the side in order with the automatic runner not moving beyond second base. Maton has two saves on the campaign, but he's not likely to get frequent chances to build upon that mark, especially with Fairbanks expected to be ready to return Thursday.

Megill struck out one in a perfect inning to earn the save in Wednesday's 2-0 win over the Angels.

Megill needed just seven pitches (six strikes) against the middle of the Angels' order to close out this contest. He's pitched four of the last five days, but he's thrown just 12 pitches over his last two outings. He's now 15-for-16 in save chances with a 2.01 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 27:7 K:BB through 22.1 innings this season. If Megill is unavailable for Thursday's series opener versus the Padres due to his recent workload, a potential save chance would likely go to Joel Payamps or Hoby Milner.

Altavilla was removed from Wednesday's game against the Athletics due to a back injury, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Altavilla seemed to be grabbing at his right side after throwing a pitch in the eighth inning of Wednesday's contest, but manager Matt Quatraro said after the game that the issue was with Altavilla's back. The right-hander will be checked out by a doctor Thursday, at which point the Royals will know more regarding the severity of his injury.

Kimbrel (5-2) earned the win and blew a save against the Yankees on Wednesday, allowing one run on two hits with a strikeout in the ninth inning.

Kimbrel was called upon to protect a 5-4 lead in the ninth inning but allowed a leadoff double by Anthony Volpe and a game-tying single by Giancarlo Stanton. He was able to keep the game tied and the Yankees won in the 10th inning to earn Kimbrel the win. Until Wednesday, Kimbrel had not allowed an earned run since May 8 or blown a save since April 28. On the season Kimbrel is now 16-for-20 in save chances and owns a 2.63 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 39:11 K:BB over 27.1 innings.

The Yankees optioned Misiewicz to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre after Wednesday's game versus Baltimore.

Misiewicz made his first appearance of the season during Wednesday's loss, allowing two hits and a walk while striking out one batter in a scoreless inning. The 29-year-old will now return to Triple-A just one day after having his contract selected, though he will keep his spot on the 40-man roster. He owns a 3.23 ERA and 1.16 WHIP through 30.2 innings with the RailRiders and could be a candidate to return to New York later in the summer if the Yankees need a fresh bullpen arm.

Neris was not used to close out Wednesday's 6-5 win over the Giants, with Colten Brewer getting the save instead.

Neris took the loss and blew a save against the Giants on Monday, allowing three runs (two earned) in an inning of work, and he's allowed a total of seven earned runs over his last three outings. The veteran's ERA has climbed to 4.73 as a result of his recent struggles, and he's blown four saves this year in 14 chances. Chicago manager Craig Counsell said following Monday's game that he didn't plan on making a change at closer, according to James Neveau of Yahoo Sports, but this situation could be fluid. Brewer is at least worth keeping an eye on in the short term.

Brewer worked around two walks to pitch a scoreless ninth inning and earn the save in Wednesday's 6-5 win over the Giants.

Brewer just returned from the injured list last week and he's possibly already moved up the bullpen hierarchy. Regular closer Hector Neris has allowed seven earned runs over his last three appearances with two blown saves, including in Monday's contest. The veteran Neris may have simply been getting some rest, and there's been no official word that the team is making a change, but this is a situation worth monitoring. Brewer would, of course, see a jump in fantasy value if he starts getting regular save opportunities.

Wentz tossed a scoreless inning of relief with two strikeouts in Wednesday's loss to Atlanta, extending his streak of scoreless outings to four.

Wentz has had an up-and-down season, though he's trending upward recently. The lefty had a 1.08 ERA across his first 11 appearances, then posted a 16.00 ERA over his next six games before his current scoreless streak started. Overall, Wentz has a 5.34 ERA, and he's mostly off the fantasy radar as a low-leverage reliever despite his better results lately.

The Brewers designated Hernandez for assignment Wednesday.

The 29-year-old signed a one-year contract with Milwaukee on June 8 and delivered 5.2 scoreless frames in his first three appearances, but he allowed two runs on two hits while recording just one out Tuesday in Anaheim. Hernandez has a 6.32 ERA and 8:5 K:BB over 15.2 innings between his time with the Brewers and Dodgers this year.

The Brewers recalled Blalock from Double-A Biloxi on Wednesday.

Blalock was sent down by Milwaukee in late May but is back with the big club ahead of Wednesday's series finale in Anaheim. The 23-year-old was up with the Brewers for a few days in May but is still looking to make his MLB debut.