MLB Player News

Howard didn't factor into the decision Saturday against the Nationals after tossing 2.1 innings of one-run ball, allowing one hit and two walks while fanning two.

Howard was tagged with the Nationals' first run of the game but didn't have too many problems on the mound in his short, 48-pitch outing. Howard has been a starter in each of his last three appearances with the Phillies, but it remains to be seen whether he'll remain in the rotation or if he'll return to the bullpen moving forward. His upside as a starter is quite limited, though, as he's yet to pitch more than four complete innings in any of his appearances.

Trivino earned the save over the Rockies on Saturday, pitching a scoreless inning during which he gave up one hit and struck out one.

Trivino was called upon in the ninth inning to protect a three-run lead. He gave up a two-out single but nothing more to notch his eighth save. Since yielding five runs in a disastrous outing May 5, Trevino has not allowed an earned run over his subsequent nine outings covering 9.1 innings.

Rogers earned the save against the Cubs on Saturday, allowing one unearned run on one hit in one inning. He struck out one batter.

For the second game in a row, Rogers got the call with San Francisco ahead in the ninth inning. The Giants' defense committed two errors behind him to allow Chicago to pull within a run, but the right-hander got out of the inning with the save secure despite throwing only half of his 22 pitches for strikes. Rogers and Jake McGee each have eight saves on the season, but with five saves in his past eight appearances, Rogers may be the slight favorite for ninth-inning opportunities moving forward.

Smith racked up three strikeouts in a perfect ninth inning to earn the save in Saturday's 6-4 win over the Dodgers.

Smith threw 11 of his 14 pitches for strikes to close out the victory. The 31-year-old gave up a run Thursday in a non-save situation, but he has now recorded scoreless innings in four of his last five outings. The closer has a 4.09 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 32:8 K:BB and 10 saves in 22 innings this year.

Green (0-4) allowed four runs on four hits and struck out one in two-thirds of an inning, taking the loss versus Boston on Saturday.

Green was hit hard, as Enrique Hernandez and Christian Vazquez each tagged him for RBI doubles. Bobby Dalbec added a two-run home run as insurance for Boston. Despite the rough outing, Green still has a 3.14 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and 27:7 K:BB across 28.2 innings this year. He's added two saves, eight holds and a blown save in a high-leverage role.

Barnes struck out the only batter he faced to earn the save in Saturday's 7-3 win over the Yankees.

Brandon Workman walked two batters before Barnes entered the game with two outs in the ninth inning. Barnes retired Kyle Higashioka on five pitches for the save. The right-hander is now 14-for-15 in save chances this year. He's posted a 2.49 ERA, 0.63 WHIP and 45:5 K:BB across 25.1 innings as Boston's unquestioned closer.

Cleavinger (forearm) recently tossed a bullpen session, Eric Stephen of SBNation.com reports.

Cleavinger hasn't pitched since May 15 and hit the injured list May 18 with left forearm irritation. He is currently rehabbing at the team's training facility in Arizona. The left-hander is expected to go on a rehab assignment of at least one week when he is ready to pitch in games.

Alexander (shoulder) has been rehabbing at the Dodgers' training facility in Arizona but has yet to throw a bullpen session, Eric Stephen of SBNation.com reports.

Alexander last pitched May 1 and isn't yet close to a return. Manager Dave Roberts recently indicated that the reliever will require a rehab assignment lasting at least one week when he is ready to return to game action.

Pomeranz (lat) is expected to return in late June or early July, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Pomeranz has been sidelined since mid-May. He appeared to be making progress but suffered a setback in late May and was shut down from throwing. It's not clear exactly when the Padres expect him back, but it doesn't look like it will happen for several more weeks.

Williams (2-0) walked one and struck out two in one inning to earn the win Saturday versus Arizona.

Williams kept the game tied at 5-5 in the top of the eighth inning. Milwaukee took the lead on back-to-back home runs by Christian Yelich and Omar Narvaez in the bottom of the eighth. Williams has been a little shaky lately, allowing three runs across his last four outings. He has a 4.22 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 34:15 K:BB across 21.1 innings this year. He's racked up eight holds and three blown saves.