MLB Player News
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Ryan Helsley RP | NYM
Mets' Ryan Helsley: Strikes out side in Queens debut
Helsley gave up two hits and struck out three in a scoreless ninth inning during Friday's extra-inning loss to the Giants.
Acquired from the Cardinals at the trade deadline, Helsley was impressive in his Mets debut, with seven of his 16 pitches (14 strikes) topping 100 mph. The right-hander will immediately slot in as the top setup man in front of closer Edwin Diaz, and while Helsley had a shaky start to his 2025 campaign, he's been in elite form over the last six weeks or so, posting a 0.75 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 14:2 K:BB over his last 12 innings.
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Cooper Criswell RP | BOS
Red Sox's Cooper Criswell: Dispatched to Triple-A
The Red Sox optioned Criswell to Triple-A Worcester on Saturday.
Criswell fired seven innings of one-run ball Friday against the Astros, but he'll end up as the roster casualty necessary to make room for Dustin May in Boston's rotation. Criswell sports a 3.57 ERA through 17.2 innings with the Red Sox this season and would likely be the next man up if any of Boston's starters need to miss time down the stretch.
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Louie Varland RP | TOR
Blue Jays' Louis Varland: Sharp in Jays debut
Varland struck out one in a perfect seventh inning during Friday's loss to the Royals.
He fired 12 of 14 pitches for strikes in his Toronto debut. Acquired at the trade deadline from the Twins, Varland entered the game with his new team down 5-1, but he should quickly slot into a high-leverage role for the Jays, joining Yariel Rodriguez, Seranthony Dominguez and Yimi Garcia (elbow) as right-handed setup options in front of closer Jeff Hoffman.
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Jonathan Bowlan RP | KC
Royals' Jonathan Bowlan: Back in Omaha
The Royals optioned Bowlan to Triple-A Omaha on Saturday.
Bowlan will depart Kansas City's bullpen to help make room for new additions Ryan Bergert and Bailey Falter on the active roster. Bowlan owns a 4.73 ERA and 1.35 WHIP through 26.2 innings in the majors, though he may return to the Royals down the stretch if the big club needs a fresh arm.
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Paul Gervase RP | LAD
Dodgers' Paul Gervase: Sent to Triple-A
The Dodgers optioned Gervase to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Saturday.
Gervase will lose his place in the Dodgers' bullpen in order to make room for Blake Snell (shoulder), who returned from the injured list ahead of his start Saturday against the Rays. Gervase surrendered three earned runs over 6.1 innings during his time in Tampa Bay and could make his Dodgers debut later in the year when the team is in need of a fresh reliever.
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Tim Mayza RP | PHI
Pirates' Tim Mayza: Throwing in Florida
Mayza (lat) has been completing side sessions at the Pirates' spring training facility, MLB.com reports.
Mayza has been throwing for nearly a month, but this activity marks progress in his rehab. He'll still need to face live hitters and complete a rehab assignment before being activated from the injured list.
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Dennis Santana RP | PIT
Pirates' Dennis Santana: Implodes in loss
Santana (3-3) was the pitcher of record in Friday's 17-16 loss to the Rockies after he retired just one batter and allowed five earned runs on four hits and one walk.
Called upon to protect a four-run lead in the ninth inning, Santana struck out the first batter he faced but then allowed the next five runners to reach while serving up two home runs in the process. Despite the disastrous outing, Santana has been excellent this season, as Friday's outing marked the first time he's allowed multiple earned runs in his last 20 appearances. He should still be projected to earn the majority of save chances after the departure of David Bednar ahead of Thursday's trade deadline, but his effectiveness in the role will be worth monitoring.
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Brenan Hanifee RP | DET
Tigers' Brenan Hanifee: Takes third loss
Hanifee (3-3) allowed two runs (one earned) on two hits while retiring only two batters to take the loss in Friday's 5-4 defeat to the Phillies.
After starter Jack Flaherty allowed just one run across six innings, the Detroit bullpen allowed four runs (three earned) in only two innings to let the game slip away. Hanifee was right in the middle of the collapse, and he allowed his first earned run since July 2, snapping a streak of nine appearances in which he allowed just two unearned runs. The righty still has a solid 3.10 ERA overall this season, and he should remain a key piece of a Detroit relief corps that added several reinforcements before the trade deadline.