MLB Player News

Baker earned the save Thursday against the Mariners, allowing one hit while striking out two in a scoreless ninth inning.

For the second time in under a week, Baker was called upon to protect a one-run lead after Felix Bautista pitched the day prior. Baker made the most of the opportunity again, working around a two-out single to close out a 4-3 victory. The 30-year-old Baker has been one of Baltimore's better relievers this season, and he could be in position for more save chances going forward as the O's continue to avoid deploying Bautista in back-to-back games. Baker has posted a 2.57 ERA with a 0.96 WHIP and 37:6 K:BB across 28 innings this season.

Estevez (2-1) allowed two runs (one earned) on two hits and a walk over one-third of an inning, taking the extra-inning loss and a blown save in Game 1 of Thursday's doubleheader versus the Cardinals.

The Royals pulled ahead 5-4 in the top of the 10th inning, but Estevez was unable to make that lead stick. He allowed the tying run on a groundout and then gave up a walk-off single to Willson Contreras. Estevez had rattled off nine straight scoreless outings, posting a 10:2 K:BB with six saves and a win in that stretch. He's now 17-for-20 in save chances this season while maintaining a 2.03 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 25:12 K:BB over 26.2 innings.

Helsley allowed a run on two hits and a walk to take a blown save in a 6-5 extra-inning win over the Royals in Game 1 of Thursday's doubleheader.

Helsley converted all nine of his save chances in May, allowing three runs over 11 innings with a 13:3 K:BB for the month. He struggled in his first appearance of June on Thursday after four days without taking the mound. Helsley has been far from elite this year, but he's still finding success with 13 of 16 save chances converted so far. He's added a 3.27 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 23:12 K:BB across 22 innings. His 4.9 BB/9 is well above the 3.1 he posted last year, which largely explains his occasional struggles with run prevention in 2025.

The Rangers activated Martin (shoulder) from the 15-day injured list Thursday.

Martin avoided a rehab assignment while dealing with right shoulder fatigue and seemed to be in a holding pattern after throwing a bullpen Tuesday. With the right-hander rejoining the Rangers' bullpen, Kumar Rocker was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock on Thursday.

The Royals designated Hatch for assignment Thursday.

Hatch was selected from Triple-A Omaha on Thursday prior to the first game of a doubleheader against the Cardinals. While the right-hander did not appear in the game, his designation for assignment comes prior to the second half of the twin bill. In a corresponding move, Cole Ragans (groin) was reinstated from the injured list to start Game 2.

Atlanta is expected to designate Blewett for assignment Friday, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Blewett surrendered five earned runs in just 1.1 innings during Thursday's contest, which saw Atlanta squander a six-run lead in the ninth inning en route to an 11-10 loss against Arizona. Despite his awful outing, the 29-year-old righty still owns a 3.91 ERA through 25.1 frames on the season and may attract interest from other bullpen-needy teams browsing the waiver wire. Craig Kimbrel is expected to replace Blewett on the 26-man and 40-man rosters.

Atlanta is expected to recall Dodd from Triple-A Gwinnett on Friday, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Dodd was sent down to Triple-A on Sunday after pitching 1.2 scoreless innings for Atlanta across two appearances, and he's now due to return to the majors as a roster replacement for Daysbel Hernandez (finger). Dodd will presumably work in middle relief while in the majors.

Atlanta is expected to place Hernandez (finger) on the 15-day injured list Friday, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

Hernandez was initially believed to be alright after exiting his outing Wednesday due to numbness in his right pinky, but he'll instead end up spending at least a couple of weeks on the injured list. Dylan Dodd will come up from Triple-A Gwinnett to fill the open spot in Atlanta's bullpen.

Miller earned the save in Thursday's 11-10 win over Atlanta, allowing one walk with no strikeouts in a scoreless ninth inning.

With Justin Martinez unavailable after throwing 37 pitches Wednesday, Miller was called upon to protect an 11-10 lead in the ninth inning and did so on just 10 pitches. On the season, the 34-year-old owns a stellar 1.75 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 27:3 K:BB across 25.2 innings. He's converted six of nine save opportunities and should remain in the ninth-inning mix, though Martinez figures to be the favorite for saves when healthy.

Iglesias (3-5) blew the save and took the loss against the Diamondbacks on Thursday, allowing three runs on four hits and one walk in two-thirds of an inning. He did not record a strikeout.

Iglesias entered with a 10-7 lead and a runner on first with one out but was unable to close things out, departing with an 11-10 deficit. He's now allowed runs in seven of his past 10 appearances and holds a disappointing 6.75 ERA, 1.54 WHIP, and 25:6 K:BB across 24 innings overall. While there's been no indication from the team that the 35-year-old is in danger of losing the closer role, he's just 8-for-12 in save chances as Atlanta continues to slide in the National League East standings.