MLB Player News

Lambert (2-2) took the loss against the Giants on Wednesday, allowing seven runs on nine hits and no walks over three innings. He struck out two.

Lambert went 1-2-3 through the first inning before getting lit up for six runs in the second, beginning with a leadoff homer from Michael Conforto. The right-hander would allow another run on a Blake Sabol double in the third and wouldn't return to the mound for the fourth. The seven earned runs marked a season high for Lambert, and he's now allowed at least four runs in three of his last four starts. He's still looking for his first win since April 8 against the Diamondbacks, when he was working out of the bullpen.

Mantiply struck out one in a scoreless two-thirds of an inning to record his first save of the season in Wednesday's 4-3 win over the Reds.

With Paul Sewald unavailable after making his season debut Tuesday and Kevin Ginkel struggling to shut the door in the ninth inning, Mantiply got the call and fanned Will Benson before getting Jonathan India to fly out with the winning run on second base for Cincy. Sewald will be the top option for saves in the Arizona bullpen, but as the team's top lefty reliever, Mantiply could see further situational chances. He's been reasonably effective this season, posting a 3.52 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 13:6 K:BB through 15.1 innings.

Yates gave up a run on two hits and a walk while striking out one in the ninth inning during the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader against the A's, recording his seventh save of the season in a 12-11 win.

It didn't seem like the Rangers would need their closer when they took a 12-7 lead into the final frame, but after Owen White gave up three straight singles to load the bases without getting an out, Yates was pressed into duty. The right-hander wound up allowing all three inherited runners to score, plus one of his own, before finally escaping the jam. It was the first run Yates had given up all season, and he sports a 0.56 ERA, 0.69 WHIP and 17:6 K:BB through 16 innings without blowing a save.

Duran earned the save in a win over the Mariners on Wednesday, pitching a perfect ninth inning while striking out one.

Duran entered the game with a 6-3 lead in the top of the ninth and needed nine pitches to record the first out. The right-handed reliever then managed to work his way back from a 3-0 count to retire Jorge Polanco on strikes for the final out of the game. It marked Duran's third save of the season, and he's now pitched a perfect inning in back-to-back appearances. He's also yet to walk a batter or allow a run across five innings.

Sewald wasn't available to pitch Wednesday, when Joe Mantiply picked up the save in a 4-3 win over the Reds, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Fresh off a six-week stay on the injured list due to an oblique injury, Sewald returned Tuesday and threw 15 pitches in his season debut in a non-save situation. He was then bypassed for a save opportunity Wednesday, as manager Torey Lovullo stuck with Kevin Ginkel, then Mantiply after Ginkel allowed a walk and two singles. Lovullo is bringing Sewald back at a measured pace.

Kopech registered a save against the Rays on Wednesday, allowing one hit in one scoreless inning.

Kopech had a relatively easy time closing things out with a three-run lead Wednesday -- though he gave up a one-out infield single, the right-hander got the next batter to ground into a game-ending double play. It was the third save of the season for Kopech, though his most recent save prior to Wednesday came all the way back on April 9. Four different pitchers have notched a save for the White Sox this season, but Kopech appears to be the team's primary closer, as he's the only one among the four with multiple save conversions.

Kimbrel was pulled in the ninth frame of Wednesday's game against the Nationals and was charged with two runs on two walks and a hit over two-thirds of an inning, though he was credited with a hold.

Kimbrel was called upon to protect a two-run, ninth-inning lead and initially appeared set to do so with little trouble, as he retired the first two batters he faced. However, Eddie Rosario then tagged the veteran closer for a solo home run, and Kimbrel followed with two straight walks before he was given the hook. Keegan Akin allowed one of the inherited runners to score, thus sending the game into extra frames. Though Kimbrel was credited with a hold, he was pulled in a save situation in the ninth inning for his second straight outing, so his hold on the closer role for Baltimore could be getting tenuous. Over his past five contests, Kimbrel has blown two saves in addition to being pulled from a save situation on two occasions, and he's allowed six earned runs while posting a 4:7 K:BB across 2.1 innings during that stretch.

Webb earned an extra-innings save against the Nationals on Wednesday, allowing an unearned run on one hit while striking out one batter over one inning.

Usual Baltimore closer Craig Kimbrel was unsteady again Wednesday, as he was pulled with two outs in the ninth inning after giving up a solo homer and a walk. The game ultimately went into extra frames, and Webb was called upon to shut Washington down after the Orioles took a two-run lead in the top of the 12th. Luis Garcia opened the inning for Washington by doubling home the automatic runner, but Webb was able to bounce back by retiring the next three batters to earn a save. Kimbrel's hold on the closer role could be starting to slip given that he's given up six earned runs over his past five outings covering 2.1 frames, but if he does end up getting demoted at some point, Yennier Cano would likely be the favorite to take over the closer role, so Webb doesn't figure to see more than an occasional unpredictable save chance.

Hudson earned the save Wednesday against Miami, striking out one over a perfect inning.

Closer Evan Phillips (hamstring) landed on the injured list Sunday, and it didn't take long for Hudson to step in for the ninth inning. However, it was lefty Alex Vesia who tallied Los Angeles' first save Monday in the wake of the injury. Matchups could dictate which reliever manager Dave Roberts turns to while Phillips is sidelined, which should give Hudson an edge in volume since he's a right-hander.

Suarez earned the save Wednesday against the Cubs, striking out one across a perfect inning.

Suarez advanced to 12-for-12 on save chances this season, putting him in lockstep with Kyle Finnegan for the most saves in baseball. The former has allowed just seven hits on the season, and the lone run charged against him came via a home run back on March 28. Suarez hasn't allowed a hit in 5.2 innings.