MLB Player News

Hand (2-2) blew the save and took the loss Wednesday as the Nationals fell 5-2 to the Phillies in 10 innings, giving up three runs (two earned) on two hits over one inning while striking out three.

Called up to protect a 2-1 lead in the ninth inning, Hand instead served up a solo shot to Odubel Herrera. Nats manager Dave Martinez elected to leave the lefty on the mound to begin the 10th with Bryce Harper due up for the Phillies, but after Harper singled, Hand got the hook and Kyle Finnegan allowed the inherited runner to score. While his 2.92 ERA and 12 strikeouts in 12.1 innings are solid, Hand has walked seven batters, blown his last two save chances and been tagged for runs in his last three appearances, putting his spot as Washington's closer in some jeopardy if he can't turn things around quickly.

Neris struck out one in a perfect 10th inning Wednesday to record his seventh save of the season in a 5-2 win over the Nationals.

It didn't look like Neris' services would be needed when the Phillies headed into the ninth inning down 2-1, but the team tied it up in the top of the frame before tacking on three more runs in the 10th to set up the save chance. Neris sports a 2.60 ERA and 21:7 K:BB through 17.1 innings while blowing two of his nine save opportunities so far this season.

Hader allowed one hit and one walk while striking out two across one inning to earn the save Wednesday against the Cardinals.

Hader came on in the ninth inning to protect a three-run lead. He allowed a double and walk to the second and third batters he faced, but he retired the next two hitters to lock in his eighth save. Hader has also provided excellent ratios and strikeouts early on, highlighted by a 0.61 ERA and a 26:6 K:BB across 14.2 frames.

Soto worked around a walk to pitch a scoreless ninth inning and earn the save in Wednesday's 4-2 win over the Royals. He struck out one.

Soto started the top of the ninth inning by walking Jorge Soler but then quickly settled down and retired the next three Kansas City hitters. The lefty has four saves in four chances this season to go with a solid 2.87 ERA and 18 strikeouts across 15.2 innings. He should remain a serviceable fantasy asset, though the 12-24 Tigers aren't likely to give him too many save opportunities moving forward.

Chafin pitched two scoreless innings with two strikeouts in Wednesday's 2-1, extra-innings loss to Cleveland.

Chafin has pitched well lately, allowing just a single earned run over his last eight appearances (nine innings pitched) with eight strikeouts. That's allowed him to lower his season ERA to an even 3.00, and the lefty should continue to serve as a high-leverage reliever for the Cubs.

Pitching coach Scott Emerson said Puk (biceps) began a rehab assignment at Triple-A Las Vegas on Tuesday and will need "a couple more outings" before returning from the injured list, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

The 26-year-old threw 20 pitches and recorded three strikeouts over a scoreless frame in his first rehab appearance Tuesday with the Aviators. Puk landed on the injured list after covering 3.1 innings during his season debut April 5, and he could return sometime next week if all goes well on the rehab stint.

Weathers will start Sunday's game against the Cardinals, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

The 21-year-old has pitched three innings of relief in each of his past two outings, but he'll make the start in Sunday's series finale versus St. Louis. Weathers may not pitch deep enough to qualify for the victory given his recent workload, and Dinelson Lamet could be in the mix to work behind him.

Smeltzer (elbow) was placed on the 10-day injured list Wednesday with left elbow inflammation, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

The 25-year-old was promoted from Triple-A last Thursday and will land on the injured list without appearing in a game during the current stint in the majors. It's unclear how long Smeltzer is expected to be sidelined.

Armstrong allowed two hits and struck out two in two-thirds of an inning in Wednesday's 7-1 loss to the Mets.

Armstrong relieved starter Matt Harvey with one out in the fifth inning. Armstrong allowed two inherited runners to score, but he avoided any damage on his own line. The 30-year-old right-hander has struggled to a 10.13 ERA, 2.25 WHIP and 12:7 K:BB across 10.2 innings this year. Until he can string together better outings, Armstrong will likely remain in low-leverage situations.

Pagan (3-0) allowed a hit and a walk and struck out three in one inning, earning the win in Game 1 of Wednesday's doubleheader versus Colorado.

Pagan relieved starter Yu Darvish and worked around a couple of baserunners in the fifth inning. In the sixth, Victor Caratini put San Diego ahead with a grand slam. Pagan has been effective as the primary setup man to closer Mark Melancon this year. Pagan has a 2.40 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 21:7 K:BB along with five holds and a blown save in 17 appearances spanning 15 innings.