MLB Player News

Bautista walked one and struck out two in a scoreless ninth inning Wednesday to record his 12th save of the season in a 9-6 win over the Yankees.

The big right-hander fanned multiple batters for the seventh straight appearance, although he also issued a free pass for the fourth time in his last five games. Bautista's 1.44 ERA on the season is impressive, and his 47.2 percent strikeout rate is second in the majors to Cincinnati's Alexis Diaz, but his 16.0 percent walk rate has led to four blown saves and a 1.24 WHIP.

Faucher was recalled from Triple-A Durham by the Rays on Thursday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Faucher can provide some length for a bullpen that's been overworked this week. He holds a 6.43 ERA and 11:6 K:BB across 14 innings with the big club this season.

Heller was optioned to Triple-A Durham by the Rays on Thursday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Heller was with the big club for just one day and didn't make an appearance. He's clearing out for Jake Diekman's return from paternity leave.

Diekman was activated from the paternity list by the Rays on Thursday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Diekman missed the first three games of the series against the Blue Jays but is back for the finale. Ben Heller was optioned in a corresponding move.

Finnegan struck out one in a perfect ninth inning Wednesday to record his 10th save of the season in a 5-3 win over the Padres.

The right-hander's numbers on the season remain ugly, but Finnegan has been fairly reliable since a bumpy beginning to 2023. He's been scored upon in only three of his last 17 appearances, posting a 1.62 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 18:7 K:BB through 16.2 innings over that stretch while converting nine of 10 save chances.

Weathers (1-3) took the loss Wednesday as the Padres were downed 5-3 by the Nationals, giving up five runs (four earned) on seven hits and two walks over six innings. He struck out four.

Three errors on the night by San Diego didn't help matters, but Weathers also had trouble putting batters away, managing only eight swinging strikes among his 93 pitches. The southpaw has lost three straight starts for the Padres sandwiched around a couple relief appearances and a stint at Triple-A El Paso, posting a 4.58 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 13:8 K:BB through 19.2 big-league innings over that stretch. With Seth Lugo (calf) potentially able to return from the injured list at the beginning of June and the team having an off day Monday, it's not clear if Weathers will get another turn in the rotation.

Leclerc allowed two hits and one walk over one-third of an inning to get a hold in Wednesday's 3-2 win over Pittsburgh.

Leclerc had made a stretch of low-leverage appearances before getting the call to pitch the eighth inning of a one-run game Wednesday. He retired the first batter then allowed the next three to reach, and he was removed after 16 pitches (eight strikes). Closer Will Smith escaped from the frame unscathed and returned for the ninth inning to complete a five-out save.

Chafin did not pitch in Wednesday's 6-5 extra-inning loss to the Phillies.

The Diamondbacks had a save situation -- entering the ninth inning up 5-3 -- but none of Chafin, Miguel Castro or Kyle Nelson were available after throwing three of the last four days. Jose Ruiz tried to close the door but gave up a two-run home run to Trea Turner before taking the loss in the 10th.

Castro was not used for a save opportunity in Wednesday's 6-5 extra-inning loss to Philadelphia.

None of Arizona's most trusted bullpen arms were available due to heavy usage this week. Castro had pitched three of the last four days, as had Andrew Chafin and Kyle Nelson. With a 5-3 lead entering the ninth inning, manager Torey Lovullo tried to get by with Jose Ruiz, but he allowed a two-run home run with two outs that sent the game into an extra frame.

Leiter earned a save against the Mets on Wednesday with a perfect inning during which he struck out one batter.

Leiter had been struggling a bit coming into this week, allowing three runs (two earned) over his previous three appearances. He got five days off before striking out two and notching a hold over 1.1 perfect innings Tuesday, then got the call in the ninth Wednesday with the Cubs leading by two. Leiter made quick work of New York, retiring the side on 10 pitches to pick up the save. The Cubs' closer situation remains hazy, but Leiter may be the best bet for ninth-inning opportunities given his strong numbers this season (1.77 ERA, 0.89 WHIP and 31:6 K:BB over 20.1 innings). He's notched two of the team's five saves on the campaign.