MLB Player News

Walker struck out one in a scoreless inning during Friday's 5-1 loss to the Cubs.

Walker was recalled from Triple-A Sacramento on Friday and immediately made an appearance for San Francisco. The right-hander posted a 6.46 ERA and 1.89 WHIP in 15.1 innings before being optioned to Sacramento on May 10, though he was solid in his return to the big leagues. Walker threw 12 of his 16 pitches for strikes and will attempt to build on the performance in hopes of earning more high-leverage opportunities moving forward.

Atlanta recalled Molina from Triple-A Gwinnett on Saturday.

Molina will return to the majors to give Atlanta's bullpen some extra depth as Spencer Strider (elbow) moves to the injured list. Molina pitched two shutout innings during his lone appearance with the big club May 1 but still carries a 6.82 ERA and 1.59 WHIP across his MLB career.

Banda (2-0) earned the win Friday against the Cardinals after allowing one hit over two-thirds of an inning.

Banda entered the game with one out in the eighth inning and allowed a single to JJ Wetherholt that loaded the bases. However, he retired Ivan Herrera with a popout and Alec Burleson with a flyout to end the threat. Banda has been outstanding for the Twins of late and hasn't allowed an earned run in his last 14 appearances (13.1 innings) dating back to May 10, posting a 13:6 K:BB in that stretch.

Stanek (2-1) was charged with the loss and a blown save Friday against the Twins after allowing three runs on three hits (all home runs) across 1.1 innings. He struck out one.

Stanek had given up just two home runs over 29 outings and 26 innings this season prior to Friday, but he was taken deep by Kody Clemens, Royce Lewis and Brooks Lee. Clemens was the first batter he faced with two outs and two men on base in the seventh inning, and the Minnesota utility man launched his 10th homer of the season to tie the game. Stanek never regained his composure, allowing solo shots to Lewis and Lee in the eighth frame. Despite this subpar outing, Stanek should continue to be a late-inning option for the Cardinals. He owns a 5.60 ERA but has 11 holds, although he's also gone 1-for-3 in save chances, so ninth-inning duties probably aren't on the horizon for him.

Pearson (1-0) earned the win Friday against the Royals with two scoreless innings. He allowed one hit and struck out one.

Pearson did a good job finding the strike zone with 13 strikes on 15 pitches, and he made quick work of the seven batters he faced despite allowing a single to Salvador Perez in the sixth inning. Pearson hasn't allowed any runs in six of his seven outings this season and figures to continue as a middle reliever for Houston. He owns a 3.12 ERA across 8.2 innings and seven outings so far.

Avila (1-3) was tagged with the loss Friday against the Astros after allowing eight runs on five hits, including two home runs, and three walks over two-thirds of an inning.

Avila gave up two home runs to star slugger Yordan Alvarez while being responsible for eight of the nine runs the Astros scored in the first inning. This was a step in the wrong direction for Avila, who was coming off back-to-back starts in which he'd allowed just one run over five frames. Avila, who carries a 7.02 ERA over his last five starts, is slated to make his next start on the road against the Nationals.

Hader recorded his second save of the season while pitching a perfect inning in Friday's 10-8 win over the Royals. He didn't record a strikeout.

Hader has gone 2-for-2 in save chances this season, and he looks as dominant as ever despite not making his season debut until June 3 following a left shoulder strain that kept him sidelined for the first two-plus months of the campaign. Hader owns a 7:1 K:BB in five appearances in 2026 and has yet to allow a run or a hit.

Morris earned his second save of the season in Friday's 9-8 win over the Cardinals by pitching a perfect ninth inning. He didn't record a strikeout.

Yoendrys Gomez has recorded three of the Twins' prior four saves, but it was Morris who pitched the ninth inning Friday and got the job done on just nine pitches (six strikes). It was Morris' second save of the season, and he also snapped a run of three straight outings allowing at least one run.

Pagan (hamstring) is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Saturday, MLB.com reports.

This is expected to be a check-in for Pagan to see how much healing has taken place. The Reds really need their closer back, as the bullpen lost another game Friday. Pending the results of the MRI, Pagan could begin a rehab assignment next week.

Varland picked up the save Friday against the Yankees, striking out two over a perfect ninth inning.

The right-hander saw a streak of 18 straight outings without giving up an earned run come to an end during his previous appearance Tuesday, but he bounced back Friday by throwing 12 of 16 pitches for strikes and securing his 12 save of the year. Varland retains a firm grip on Toronto's closer role with a 0.49 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 48:10 K:BB over 36.2 innings.