MLB Player News

Johnson (elbow) is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Louisville on Thursday, MLB.com reports.

Johnson threw a simulated game/live batting practice session Monday and is ready for the next step. The reliever isn't expected to need much time in the minors and could be activated Friday.

Perkins allowed three runs on six hits and two walks while striking out six batters over five-plus innings in a no-decision against Pittsburgh on Tuesday.

The A's staked Perkins to a 4-0 lead in the first inning, and he limited the Pirates to just one run through five frames. However, the right-hander began the sixth by serving up a solo homer to Bryan Reynolds followed by a Ryan O'Hearn double before being pulled. O'Hearn eventually came around to score, and a late Pittsburgh comeback removed Perkins from factoring into the decision. The plus side is that Perkins completed five frames for the first time this season, and he reached 85 pitches for the second straight start. It hasn't been the smoothest of transitions for Perkins after he worked out of the bullpen until the beginning of June, but Tuesday's outing was at least a step in the right direction.

Yarbrough earned the save Tuesday against the White Sox, allowing one hit while striking out three over three scoreless innings

Yarbrough entered in the seventh inning after Gerrit Cole delivered six innings of two-run ball and handed him a comfortable nine-run lead. The veteran left-hander made quick work of Chicago's lineup, tossing 24 of his 36 pitches for strikes across three scoreless frames. The save was his second of the season, and both have come via three-inning outings. Yarbrough owns a 3.08 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 21:10 K:BB across 26.1 innings. Given his role as a middle reliever, he shouldn't see many more save opportunities for New York.

Soto recorded a save against the Athletics on Tuesday, allowing two hits and striking out two batters over one scoreless inning.

Pittsburgh took its first lead on a Brandon Lowe solo homer in the top of the ninth inning, and then turned the ball over to Soto to close out the comeback. It wasn't an entirely smooth outing for the left-hander, as he allowed a pair of one-out singles to put the tying and winning runs on base. However, Soto struck out Tyler Soderstrom before getting Jacob Wilson to line out to end the game. Soto picked up his third save over the past seven days and is now 11-for-14 in save chances on the campaign. He's established himself as the Pirates' clear-cut closer and already has his most saves since recording 30 for the Tigers in 2022.

Scott struck out two in a perfect inning to earn the save in Tuesday's 1-0 win over the Rays.

Scott retired the side on 11 pitches (nine strikes) to preserve the narrow lead. This was his third scoreless outing in a row, and he's earned a save in each of them, giving him nine saves in 10 chances this season. The trusty southpaw has added a 2.32 ERA, 0.71 WHIP and 38:3 K:BB through 31 innings. He has pitched two days in a row, so Alex Vesia or Blake Treinen could be called upon for a save chance if one surfaces Wednesday.

Santillan struck out two while allowing one hit over one inning to get his fourth save of the season Tuesday night against the Mets.

Santillan has converted the Reds' last two saves and now has six consecutive scoreless outings. He credits seeing a clip from him from two years ago that inspired him to clean up his delivery, Charlie Goldsmith reports. On a team hurting for reliable relievers, Santillan looks to be its best healthy reliever and likely to get most of the Reds' saves until Emilio Pagan returns.

Hader picked up a save against the Tigers on Tuesday, allowing one hit and striking out one batter in one scoreless inning.

Hader unsurprisingly got the call for the top of the ninth inning with Houston up by two runs. The left-hander allowed a leadoff single to bring the tying run to the plate, but he retired the next three batters he faced to close things out. Hader is now a perfect 3-for-3 in save opportunities this season, and he's yet to give up a run while compiling an 8:1 K:BB over six innings spanning six appearances.

Munoz allowed a hit and struck out one without walking a batter in a scoreless inning to earn the save in Tuesday's 3-1 win over the Orioles.

Munoz recently battled back tightness following a poor outing Sunday versus the Nationals. He was cleared to pitch earlier Tuesday and converted his 11th save of the season with 17 pitches (13 strikes). The right-hander has had a poor season with a 5.68 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 38:11 K:BB through 25.1 innings, which also includes five blown saves. However, his inconsistent performance hasn't cost him the closer job yet, and that's unlikely to change immediately since Matt Brash (lat) landed on the injured list last week. If Munoz hits another rough patch, Jose Ferrer, Gabe Speier or Eduard Bazardo would likely be candidates to challenge for save chances.

Hill earned a save against the Cubs on Tuesday by tossing a perfect ninth inning.

With Colorado up by three runs heading into the bottom of the ninth inning, manager Warren Schaeffer turned to Hill to close things out. The right-hander did so without any drama, setting the side down in order on 12 pitches. It was the first save of Hill's career in his 67th outing, all of which have been out of the bullpen. Hill does have a career-high 11 holds on the campaign, so he's been given more high-leverage duties this year. The back of Colorado's bullpen is highly unsettled, and no pitcher on the squad has more than four saves this season, so it's certainly possible that Hill will get more save chances moving forward given his effectiveness Tuesday.

Criswell was diagnosed with a Grade 1-plus pectoral strain Tuesday, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

Criswell initially landed on the injured list last Tuesday with a shoulder strain, but further testing determined the issue to be in his pec. He's scheduled to undergo another MRI in 3-to-4 weeks, at which point he may be cleared to begin a throwing program. If all goes according to plan, the Mariners expect to activate the 29-year-old reliever sometime around the Aug. 3 trade deadline.