MLB Player News

Smith saved Monday's 6-3 victory over the Cardinals, allowing one hit and two walks with two strikeouts in a scoreless ninth inning.

Smith entered in the ninth inning to protect a three-run lead and made things interesting by loading the bases with one out and the heart of St. Louis' lineup due up, but he was able to retire Nolan Arenado and Albert Pujols to secure the win. The 32-year-old has recorded three saves while Kenley Jansen's been shelved with a chest injury and should continue to function as the closer for at least another week with Jansen targeting a July 12 return.

Jimenez (shoulder) played catch for the first time in his recovery process Monday, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

The right-hander has been on the injured list since June 21, and Monday's development naturally represents a significant benchmark. How Jimenez's shoulder responds to Monday's activity will determine how much of a ramp-up his throwing program is subject to over the coming days.

Pilkington didn't factor into the decision during Monday's 5-3 loss to Detroit in Game 2 of a doubleheader, allowing three runs (one earned) on four hits and two walks with two strikeouts in four innings.

Called up as the 27th man for Monday's nightcap, Pilkington surrendered one run in the third and two more in the fourth as a result of his own error. The 24-year-old's two strikeouts match a season low for games he's started, though the 46 game score is actually the third highest of his seven turns. Pilkington now possesses a 4.08 ERA and 1.67 WHIP with 34 strikeouts in 35.1 innings and will most likely return to the minors barring a change in Cleveland's plans.

Manaea (3-4) took the loss during Monday's 8-2 defeat at the hands of the Mariners, allowing four runs on eight hits and four walks with three strikeouts in 3.1 innings.

Manaea surrendered four baserunners and two runs in the first inning then another five and two in the fourth before being pulled with one out and the bases loaded. Reliever Tayler Scott was able to escape the jam; however, Manaea still tied his season low with a 27 game score. The 30-year-old found the zone with 38 of his 71 pitches and induced just four swinging strikes in tying another season worst with three strikeouts. Manaea carries a 4.18 ERA into his next start, projected to come early next week in Colorado.

Cabrera (illness) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Tuesday, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Cabrera has been sidelined since June 25, but his ability to report back to the St. Louis facility for workouts this week suggests he's cleared all COVID-19-related protocols. The Cardinals will assess his conditioning and arm strength after the bullpen session. If he checks out well, he may not need a minor-league rehab assignment before rejoining the 26-man active roster.

Baker (3-3) walked one and struck out two in a scoreless inning to earn the extra-inning win over the Rangers on Monday.

Baker issued a one-out walk but ultimately had no trouble keeping the score tied at 6-6 in the top of the 10th inning. He ended up with the win when the Orioles walked it off in the bottom of the frame. This was a fourth straight scoreless outing for Baker, his longest streak of the year, and he's covered six innings in that span. The 27-year-old right-hander has a 4.59 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 31:13 K:BB through 33.1 innings overall while adding three holds and a blown save.

Almonte allowed a hit and struck out one to earn the save in Monday's 5-3 win over the Rockies.

Reyes Moronta made a mess of things quickly in the ninth inning, allowing a solo home run to C.J. Cron. He allowed two more baserunners aboard, and Almonte entered, promptly giving up an RBI single to Charlie Blackmon. Almonte was able to strike out Connor Joe, ending the threat and earning his first save in 18 appearances this year. In his last three outings, Almonte has been charged with two runs and four hits over two innings, so he's not in the sharpest form currently. He could still get some extra save chances in the short term with Craig Kimbrel (back) unavailable. Almonte has earned the high-leverage looks with a 1.74 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 22:7 K:BB across 20.2 innings, and he's added four holds.

Hendriks (forearm) struck out all three batters he faced in a perfect inning during Monday's 6-3 extra-inning loss to the Twins.

Hendriks worked the eighth inning, though it was arguably the highest-leverage spot in a tied game. He retired Carlos Correa, Max Kepler and Jorge Polanco on 14 pitches (nine strikes) in his first appearance since June 10. Hendriks has a 2.70 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 40:8 K:BB across 26.2 innings. Kendall Graveman and Joe Kelly were fairly effective in his absence, but Hendriks should have no problem reclaiming closing duties quickly after his three-and-a-half-week absence.

Stanek (1-0) allowed a walk in a scoreless ninth inning to earn the win Monday against the Royals.

Stanek entered the game in the ninth inning with the score knotted at six and earned his first win of the season when Yordan Alvarez homered in the bottom of the frame. Stanked turned in his 24th consecutive scoreless appearance and has maintained a 24:9 K:BB across 20 innings in that span. Stanek has an excellent 0.67 ERA with eight holds on the season, though he is likely to be limited to a setup role.

Fairbanks (lat) threw 0.2 innings while allowing three runs (none earned) on two hits while striking out two during a rehab appearance with Triple-A Durham on Sunday.

Fairbanks has yet to appear in a game this season after suffering the injury during spring training. He is likely to make several appearances with Durham but is in line to return around the All-Star break, per Adam Berry of MLB.com. Fairbanks recorded five saves in 2021, and he could be in the closer mix in the final months of the campaign.