MLB Player News

Yates was charged with a blown save after retiring two batters and allowing one run on one hit and one walk in Wednesday's 6-5 extra-inning loss to the Athletics.

Upon being activated May 5 following a season-opening stint on the injured list due to left knee inflammation, Yates was deployed in lower-leverage spots for each of his first four appearances with the Angels. After the veteran right-hander tossed a pair of clean innings while striking out four of the six batters he faced over his last two outings, manager Kurt Suzuki felt comfortable turning to Yates on Wednesday to protect a one-run lead in the top of the ninth inning. Yates immediately squandered the opportunity, serving up a leadoff home run to Jeff McNeil to tie the game. He was able to induce a groundout and then struck out Lawrence Butler, but Yates was pulled from the game after putting two more runners on via a walk and hit batsmen. Though the Angels' closer situation remains unsettled, Yates' poor showing Wednesday could hurt his case for seeing another save chance anytime soon.

Speier (shoulder) began a rehab assignment with High-A Everett on Wednesday, allowing three runs on three hits, including two home runs, over one inning. He struck out two.

It's not the result Speier was looking for in his first game action in three weeks, but he did notch a couple strikeouts. The Mariners have not revealed a target date for Speier's activation from the 15-day injured list, but as long as he bounces back well, he could join Seattle for the start of its road trip Friday.

Beeter (forearm) is expected to be activated from the 15-day injured list prior to Thursday's game against the Mets, Mark Zuckerman of NatsJournal.com reports.

Out since late April with right forearm soreness, Beeter made three rehab appearances, yielding one run with a 4:0 K:BB in three innings. Beeter notched two saves for the Nationals before getting hurt and will be thrown back into the late innings as part of a mix-and-match bullpen for manager Blake Butera.

The Nationals optioned Poulin to Triple-A Rochester on Wednesday, Mark Zuckerman of NatsJournal.com reports.

Poulin has been deployed in a variety of roles for the Nationals this season and is one of seven relievers on the roster to notch a save. However, while he's managed a 2.91 ERA, a 16:14 K:BB over 21.2 innings is less appetizing. Clayton Beeter (forearm) is expected to come off the injured list Thursday in a corresponding move.

Harris walked two and struck out one in a scoreless and hitless inning to earn the save in Wednesday's 6-5 extra-inning win over the Angels.

One of the walks was intentional to avoid facing Mike Trout. The plan worked, with Harris collecting his fourth save of the season and his third in his last six outings. The southpaw has allowed three runs on 10 hits and four walks while striking out nine over seven innings this month, but he's done well enough to work his way up the leverage ladder. He's at a 3.00 ERA, 1.67 WHIP and 26:19 K:BB through 24 innings this season, which isn't the profile of a typical closer, though it may be good enough in a bullpen that's worked with a committee approach. In addition to his four saves, he's added seven holds across 26 appearances.

Vasquez (5-2) allowed three runs on six hits and three walks while failing to strike out a batter over 4.1 innings, taking the loss Wednesday versus the Dodgers.

Vasquez was ambushed on the first pitch of the game, which opposing pitcher Shohei Ohtani took deep. That would end up being the difference on a day the Padres failed to score, though Vasquez wasn't all that sharp in throwing 44 of 74 pitches for strikes in this outing. It's just the second time all year he's fallen short of the five-inning mark, and it's the fourth time he's given up three or more runs. He has a 2.96 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 45:16 K:BB through 54.2 innings over 10 starts this season. Vasquez will look to bounce back early next week in a projected home start versus the Phillies.

Mlodzinski (4-3) allowed four hits and a walk while striking out one over five shutout innings to earn the win over the Cardinals on Wednesday.

Mlodzinski was back in a starting role after working in bulk relief versus the Rockies last Thursday. He's won three of his four starts in May, allowing a total of nine runs over 21.2 innings with a 14:6 K:BB this month. For the season, the 27-year-old now has a 3.96 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 44:17 K:BB through 50 innings over 10 appearances (eight starts). His next outing is projected to be at home versus the Cubs early next week.

Chapman picked up the save in Wednesday's 4-3 win over the Royals, allowing one hit with a strikeout in a scoreless ninth inning.

After allowing a leadoff single to Starling Marte to open the bottom of the ninth, Chapman struck out Carter Jensen before generating a flyout and groundout to pick up his 12th save of the season. He also extended his scoreless streak to 13.2 innings spanning 14 appearances. Chapman has lowered his ERA to 0.51 with a 23:7 K:BB across 17.2 innings this season.

Vest allowed a run on two hits across an inning of work and was charged with a blown save in Wednesday's 3-2, 10-inning loss to the Guardians. He struck out one.

The Tigers decided to use regular closer Kenley Jansen in the eighth inning against the top of Cleveland's lineup to protect a 1-0 lead. That left the ninth for Vest, and the veteran allowed the lead to slip away on a pair of hits and an RBI groundout. Vest has struggled this year with a 5.93 ERA across 13.2 innings, blowing two saves in his past four appearances. His early season performance should leave no doubt that Jansen is locked in as Detroit's closer.

Junk (2-5) took the loss Wednesday against Atlanta, allowing eight runs on eight hits and no walks in five innings. He struck out three.

Junk poured in 62 of his 88 pitches for strikes Wednesday, but he might have been too aggressive in pounding the zone. The 30-year-old right-hander was tagged for a season-worst eight runs, and he's now served up six home runs over four starts in the month of May after giving up only a pair of homers in his first six outings of the season. Junk will be trying to keep the ball in the park during his next scheduled appearance in Toronto, where he'll bring a 5.07 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 40:13 K:BB over 55 innings.