MLB Player News

Kimbrel (4-6) took the loss and blew a save in an extra-inning affair against the Diamondbacks on Wednesday, allowing three runs (two earned) on one hit and one walk while striking out one batter over two-thirds of an inning.

After the Dodgers scored a run in the top of the 10th frame, Kimbrel was called upon to close the door. He walked the first batter he faced but retired the next two hitters before giving up a walkoff three-run home run to Sergio Alcantara. Kimbrel had been pitching well coming into Wednesday, allowing no earned runs and only one hit over his previous nine outings, though only two of those were save situations. Los Angeles has already clinched the NL West and holds the best record in the majors, but Kimbrel's inconsistency is cause for concern as the team heads toward the postseason. The veteran has posted a 4.03 ERA and 1.36 WHIP while taking six losses and blowing five saves through 54 appearances on the campaign.

Leclerc (0-3) took the loss and blew a save against the Athletics on Wednesday, allowing two runs (one earned) on two hits while striking out two batters in one inning.

Leclerc entered in the ninth inning with Texas up by a run. He retired two of the first three batters he faced before giving up the game-tying run on a double by Vimael Machin. An error then allowed the go-ahead run to score, and Leclerc ended up with the loss when the Rangers couldn't scratch out a score in the bottom of the frame. It was the first blown save of the season for the right-hander, but his closer job figures to be secure given his prolonged run of strong pitching. Since the All-Star break, Leclerc has posted a 2.17 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 35:11 K:BB over 29 innings.

Helsley earned a save against the Brewers on Wednesday, striking out two batters and allowing one hit in a scoreless inning.

Helsley entered for the ninth inning with St. Louis up by three runs and worked around a two-out single to record a scoreless frame. He notched his fifth save in five chances so far in September, though he's given up two runs in five frames over that stretch. Helsley has emerged as the Cardinals' clear No. 1 closer this month -- former co-closer Giovanny Gallegos hasn't picked up a save since Aug. 28.

Pressly allowed a hit and struck out two across a scoreless ninth inning to earn the save Wednesday against the Tigers.

Pressly worked around a two-out single to protect a one-run lead and earned his 28th save of the season. He's been a bit rocky of late, allowing at least one earned run in two of his last four appearances. However, Pressly has pitched a clean frame in each of his last two outings while also maintaining a 3.10 ERA with a 53:9 K:BB across 40.2 frames on the campaign.

Stephan (5-4) allowed a hit in a scoreless inning to earn the win Wednesday over the Angels.

Stephan pitched the top of the eighth inning and then ended up in line for the win when Jose Ramirez put the Guardians ahead in the bottom half of the frame. Over his last five outings, Stephan has racked up 4.1 scoreless innings, allowing four hits and a walk while striking out four and earning four holds and a win. The right-hander continues to operate mainly as a setup man with 17 holds in 57 appearances this year. He's added a sharp 2.38 ERA with a 1.18 WHIP, 72:14 K:BB, two saves and two blown saves through 56.2 innings.

Voth (5-2) earned the win Wednesday over the Nationals. He walked two and struck out none in a scoreless inning.

Voth was able to pick up the win in his first appearance against his former team. The right-hander was used out of the bullpen Wednesday after previously making 14 of his first 18 appearances with the Orioles as a starter. He now has a 4.36 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 78:29 K:BB through 86.2 innings between Baltimore and Washington this year. The 30-year-old is expected to re-enter the rotation next week during the Orioles' three-game home series versus the Tigers.

Karinchak allowed one hit and struck out one across a scoreless ninth inning to earn the save Wednesday against the Angels.

Karinchak was called upon to protect a two-run lead and did so successfully to earn his third save of the season. He won't see save opportunities regularly going forward, but Emmanuel Clase had worked two consecutive days and was likely unavailable. Karinchak owns an impressive 1.47 ERA and 49:18 K:BB across 30.2 innings for the season.

Leiter pitched a clean ninth inning to record the save in Wednesday's 6-3 win over the Mets.

Brandon Hughes pitched the last two nights, while Rowan Wick worked the seventh inning Wednesday, so the Cubs turned to Leiter in the ninth. The righty responded with his second save in four chances this season. The lefty Hughes as emerged as the team's primary closer, with Wick offering a right-handed option, so Leiter likely won't see a ton more save opportunities the rest of the year.

Doval tossed a perfect inning, striking out three batters on his way to a save in Wednesday's 4-1 win over Atlanta.

Doval was tasked with protecting a three-run lead the top of the ninth inning, punching out all three batters he faced in order. The save was his 23rd of the 2022 campaign and fifth in September, and he's now tossed 6.2 scoreless innings in six appearances during the month so far. Doval is 23-for-26 in save opportunities this season and owns a 2.54 ERA and 1.23 WHIP with 72 strikeouts over 60.1 frames in 60 appearances.

Bard earned a save versus the White Sox on Wednesday, striking out three batters over a perfect inning in the 3-0 win.

Bard was called upon with a three-run lead in the bottom of the ninth, getting a three batters he faced to strike out swinging. The save was his 30th of the season, and he has now converted five straight opportunities. Overall, Bard is 30-for-33 on save chances and owns a 2.03 ERA and 1.03 WHIP with 58 punchouts over 53.1 frames in 52 appearances this year.