MLB Player News

Barlow struck out one in a perfect ninth inning Friday to record his third save of the season in a 7-4 win over the Twins.

His last save came June 3 but Barlow has pitched effectively since then, posting a 2.53 ERA and 15:4 K:BB in 10.2 innings over his last 12 appearances. Greg Holland worked the eighth inning in this one and Kyle Zimmer the seventh as the Royals continue to deploy a closer committee that limits the fantasy upside of all relievers involved.

Abreu (leg) struck out one over a perfect inning for Triple-A Sugar Land on Friday.

This was Abreu's second rehab outing after he threw 1.2 innings June 29 for the Skeeters. He's one of three Houston relievers working their way back from injury. Enoli Paredes (shoulder) and Joe Smith (elbow) are also on rehab.

Paredes (shoulder) threw a perfect inning for Triple-A Sugar Land on Friday.

This was Paredes' second outing while on rehab with the Skeeters, and he was much improved compared to his first appearance. On Tuesday, he allowed a run on one hit and two walks, failed to get a batter out and managed just nine strikes on 18 pitches.

Reyes (5-2) picked up the win in Friday's 9-3 extra-inning victory over the Rockies, walking one and striking out one over two scoreless innings.

The right-hander worked more than one inning for the second time in his last three appearances, something he hadn't done since May 11 prior to that. Reyes has been all but unhittable this year, giving up 18 hits and a .198 BABIP over 39.2 frames, and it's led to some lopsided ratios -- his 0.91 ERA and 31.3 percent strikeout rate are excellent, but his 18.7 percent walk rate and 1.24 WHIP are far from elite.

Smith gave up one hit and walked two in a scoreless ninth inning Friday to record his 17th save of the season in a 1-0 win over the Marlins.

After loading the bases with one out, Smith was able to escape the jam by getting Jon Berti to pop out and Sandy Leon to fly out. The Atlanta closer was working for the second straight day, which might explain why he issued multiple free passes for the first time since April 16. Since the beginning of June, Smith has posted a 3.07 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 19:4 K:BB through 14.2 innings while converting eight of 10 save chances.

Bukauskas allowed four unearned runs on one hit and three walks in Friday's 11-4 loss to the Giants.

This was Bukauskas' first outing after being activated off the 10-day injured list Thursday, and he threw just 16 strikes among his 30 pitches. After a walk, a double play and another walk, he nearly got out of the inning unscathed, but Nick Ahmed's throwing error kept the inning alive. One walk later, Thairo Estrada took Bukauskas deep for a grand slam. The young reliever is expected to remain with the Diamondbacks, who need to evaluate him as a possible high-leverage reliever going forward.

Stephan pitched 2.1 perfect innings with three strikeouts in Friday's 6-3 loss to Houston.

The 25-year-old was able to settle things down after another rough start from Sam Hentges. Stephan has had some shaky performances of his own lately, allowing two runs in each of his prior two outings. The right-hander has a 4.31 ERA, 1.56 WHIP and 37:18 K:BB across 31.1 innings while mainly working in a low-leverage role.

Hentges (1-3) took the loss versus Houston on Friday. He allowed six runs on six hits and two walks with three strikeouts in 2.2 innings.

For the second straight outing, a half-dozen runs were charged to Hentges. The southpaw continues to struggle in a starting role this year. Through 14 outings (seven starts), he's posted an 8.22 ERA, 2.06 WHIP and 41:22 K:BB across 38.1 innings. Hentges will likely stay in the rotation until one of Zach Plesac (thumb) or Shane Bieber (shoulder) is ready to come off the injured list. Hentges tentatively lines up to pitch versus Kansas City next week.

Pressly allowed a hit and struck out two in a scoreless inning to earn the save in Friday's 6-3 win over Cleveland.

Pressly hasn't given up an earned run in his last 11 innings, collecting six saves and two wins in that span. The Houston closer has a strong 1.59 ERA, 0.85 WHIP and 43:5 K:BB across 34 innings this season. He's now 13-for-14 in save chances and should continue to enjoy a fair amount of job stability in the ninth inning.

Iglesias (5-3) struck out two batters over 1.2 perfect innings and earned a win over the Orioles on Friday.

Iglesias needed just 17 pitches (14 strikes) to roll through five straight Orioles in Friday's victory. The veteran righty has been untouchable as of late, striking out 13 over seven perfect innings in his last five appearances. He's 1-0 with three saves during that span and has lowered his season ERA to 3.47.