MLB Player News

Sewald picked up the save in Wednesday's 4-2 win over Houston, tossing a clean ninth inning. He struck out one.

Closer Emmanuel Clase had worked each of the past three days for Cleveland, so he earned a well-deserved rest Wednesday. His unavailability paved the way for Sewald to claim his second save of the season as he looks to settle in as a high-leverage arm for the Guardians. Through his first 14.2 frames, the veteran right-hander owns a 4.91 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 18:2 K:BB with four holds.

Bickford signed a minor-league contract with the Phillies on Wednesday.

After being released by the Cubs last Wednesday, Bickford will now give some depth to the Phillies' farm system. The 29-year-old righty is off to a great start in the minors this year with a 2.43 ERA and 0.72 WHIP, and if he continues to impress with his new organization, he could earn a spot in Philadelphia's bullpen.

Brasier, who tossed 1.1 scoreless innings in Wednesday's loss to the Twins, has now logged 11 straight scoreless appearances dating back to early June.

In 17 appearances overall this season, Brasier has only been scored on twice, and he's now sitting with a stellar 1.10 ERA and 0.92 WHIP. The veteran righty didn't make his season debut until May 24 due to a strained left groin sustained in spring training, but he's been an effective relief option when healthy. He has no wins or saves and has only recorded one hold, so his fantasy value is capped, though Brasier could have some appeal in deeper leagues due to his strong ratios.

Duran tallied the save in Wednesday's 4-2 win over the Cubs, throwing a clean ninth inning with no strikeouts.

Duran wasn't available for Tuesday's win over Chicago due to an illness, but he was feeling well enough to nail down his 14th save of the season Wednesday. The hard-throwing right-hander posted his fifth scoreless outing in a row, and he should continue to serve as the Twins' closer going forward. Through 41.1 innings this year, Duran holds an excellent 1.52 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 45:16 K:BB.

Lee (4-1) allowed four runs on five hits while retiring only one batter to take the loss Wednesday against the Rays.

Lee entered in the sixth inning with Detroit leading 3-2 and unraveled quickly to take his first loss in the majors. The rookie righty had been pitching well, as he came into the game with a 2.05 ERA across 30.2 innings, but he saw that number jump up to 3.19. Lee will look to get back on track soon, and his performance to date suggests he'll be able to shake off his first truly rough outing at the MLB level.

The Guardians optioned Herrin to Triple-A Columbus on Wednesday.

Herrin has turned in a 3.99 ERA and 1.50 WHIP through 29.1 innings with the Guardians this season, but he'll be sent to Triple-A to clear room for Kolby Allard. The 28-year-old Herrin is only a year removed from posting a 1.92 ERA and 0.97 WHIP during the 2024 regular season, and if he can recapture that form while in the minors, he should have a good chance to return to Cleveland at some point this summer.

Kopech (knee) underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus this week, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

This helps explain the Dodgers' decision to transfer Kopech to the 60-day IL earlier Wednesday. The good news for Los Angeles is that Kopech is still expected back before the end of the season, though he isn't eligible to return until late August. Kopech is among six Dodgers relievers to currently occupy a spot on the 60-day injured list.

The Diamondbacks optioned Jarvis to Triple-A Reno on Wednesday.

Jarvis tossed 66 pitches across four innings of relief in last Sunday's 4-0 loss to the Royals. He allowed three hits and two walks while striking out a pair in the scoreless outing. Jarvis has a 4.40 ERA and 13:7 K:BB across 14.1 innings of work with Arizona this season.

The Diamondbacks recalled Saalfrank from Triple-A Reno on Wednesday.

In a corresponding move, Arizona optioned Bryce Jarvis to Triple-A. Saalfrank has yet to pitch in the big leagues this season and has struggled with his command at Reno, logging a 7.15 ERA and 14:10 K:BB across 11.1 innings of work. He'll fill a middle-relief role with the Diamondbacks.

Scott was charged with a blown save in Wednesday's 10-inning loss to Milwaukee. He allowed a run on three hits while striking out two over 1.1 innings.

Scott entered the game with two outs in the eighth inning and induced a groundout from Christian Yelich to strand the potential tying run on second base. However, it was a different story for Scott in the ninth, when he allowed a run on three singles to take his sixth blown save this season. The left-hander has struggled recently, allowing three runs on six hits in his last two appearances (two innings). Scott's ERA sits at 3.86 through 42 innings this year with a 1.12 WHIP and 47:7 K:BB while going 18-for-24 in save chances.