MLB Player News

Romero earned a save against the Athletics on Wednesday, allowing two hits while striking out one batter over 1.2 scoreless innings.

Romero entered with one out in the top of the eighth frame when St. Louis led by two runs. He allowed a single to the first batter he faced before retiring the next two hitters. Romero then returned for the ninth and gave up a leadoff single, but that was quickly wiped out on a double play. Romero subsequently wrapped things up to finish with his seventh save of the season, four of which have been longer than an inning in length. With Riley O'Brien (shoulder) currently on the shelf, Romero is the clear top option for save chances for the Cardinals.

Detmers earned the save in Wednesday's 4-3 win over the Royals, striking out two in a perfect ninth inning.

With Kenley Jansen pitching three out of the last four days, Detmers was called upon to protect a one-run lead and shut down the Royals on 13 pitches. The right-hander hasn't allowed a run in 12 of his last 13 appearances and has given manager Ron Washington reason to utilize him in high-leverage scenarios like Wednesday's when necessary.

Dana didn't factor into the decision against the Royals on Wednesday, allowing two runs (one earned) on two hits and one walk while striking out four over five innings.

Making his first start of the season and the fourth of his career, Dana was sharp outside of the third inning, when a single, a walk and an error combined to bring home two runs for Kansas City. Otherwise, the 21-year-old faced the minimum in each of his other four frames, showing good poise and efficiency (70 pitches) in his first big-league outing since May. With Wednesday's performance, Dana should be in line for at least another turn as the Angels look to evaluate him down the stretch.

Cantillo (4-3) earned the win over the Red Sox on Wednesday, allowing one run on five hits and two walks while striking out seven over six innings.

Cantillo was impressive against a tough Boston lineup, completing six innings for the first time this season. The southpaw's lone blemish came in the fourth inning when Boston scratched across a run on three singles, but he quickly rebounded to retire seven of the final eight batters he faced. Wednesday's performance continued a strong stretch in which Cantillo has now allowed exactly one run in three straight outings. Across his nine starts this year, the 25-year-old has posted a 3.68 ERA and 51:24 K:BB over 44 innings.

Woodford walked one and struck out one in a scoreless ninth inning Wednesday to record his third save of the season in a 2-0 win over the Rangers.

Arizona manager Torey Lovullo continues to mix and match at the back of his bullpen, as Andrew Saalfrank worked the eighth inning against the heart of the Texas order before Woodford handled the ninth. The 28-year-old right-hander still has two of the Diamondbacks' last three saves, with Taylor Rashi getting the other and all three of Woodford's saves have come since Aug. 23. His ratios don't make a compelling case for consistent high-leverage usage however, and over 20 innings since the beginning of August, Woodford's posted a 4.95 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 11:6 K:BB.

Koenig secured the save in a 6-3 win over the Phillies on Wednesday, throwing a clean ninth inning with one strikeout.

Koenig got the call to earn his first save of the season Wednesday. With the possibility of having to face superstar lefties Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper in the frame, the southpaw likely received the nod over righty Abner Uribe for matchup-related reasons. Closer Trevor Megill (elbow) is targeting a return by mid-September, so Koenig will likely revert back to a setup role before long. Koenig has a decent 3.32 ERA and 1.26 WHIP over 57 innings while recording 25 holds this year.

Ellard will serve as the White Sox's opening pitcher for Thursday's game against the Twins, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Ellard will work as an opener for the second time in four days after coughing up one unearned run in 1.2 innings in Monday's 6-5 win over Minnesota. Jonathan Cannon is expected to pitch in bulk relief after Ellard exits the game.

Topa (1-5) was charged with the loss and a blown save in a 4-3 defeat to the White Sox on Wednesday, allowing one run on two hits and no walks with one strikeout in two-thirds of an inning.

That's consecutive blown saves for Topa, who has now given up at least one run in four straight outings. Given the right-hander's recent struggles, it wouldn't be surprising to see manager Rocco Baldelli turn to a different high-leverage arm, such as Cole Sands or Kody Funderburk, for Minnesota's next save chance. Topa has a 4.03 ERA and 1.45 WHIP over 58 innings this season.

Leasure picked up the save in a 4-3 win over the Twins on Wednesday, allowing one hit and one walk with no strikeouts in a scoreless ninth inning.

Leasure turned in his sixth save of the season, and it was also his fourth consecutive scoreless outing. The right-hander had a 4.62 ERA for the year through July 28, but he's been exceptional out of the Chicago bullpen since the start of August. Over his last 14 innings, Leasure has a 2.57 ERA, 0.71 WHIP and 22:4 K:BB with four saves to enhance his ERA to 4.08 for the campaign.

Pomeranz allowed two runs on three hits while only retiring two batters in relief during Wednesday's 5-1 loss to the Atlanta.

Pomeranz came on in the top of the seventh inning with two runners on and Chicago up 1-0, and the lefty promptly served up a three-run home run. That saddled Ben Brown with the loss in relief, though it was certainly a discouraging outing for Pomeranz, who has allowed two runs on three hits in two of his last three appearances. Despite the hiccup, the veteran still has a tidy 2.45 ERA on the season, and his track record this year suggests he'll be able to get back on track.