MLB Player News

Varland struck out two over two scoreless innings of relief to record his 15th save of the season in an 8-6 win over the Cubs. He didn't allow a hit or a walk.

With the Blue Jays ahead 8-5 in the eighth inning, Mason Fluharty loaded the bases with nobody out, forcing manager John Schneider to turn to his closer much earlier than he wanted. Varland did allow an inherited runner to score on a fielder's choice, but he escaped the jam with no further damage before working around his own throwing error in the ninth. Varland hadn't pitched since Wednesday, but his 28 pitches in this one represented his biggest workload since May 22, so Toronto will likely try to steer away from him in Sunday's contest. On the season, the right-hander sports a 0.86 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 57:11 K:BB through 42 innings, and he has yet to blow a save chance.

Jansen gave up a hit and a walk in a scoreless ninth inning Saturday to record his ninth save of the season in a 4-1 win over the White Sox. He failed to strike out a batter.

The veteran closer made things interesting by allowing the tying run to come to the plate with two outs, but Jansen got Drew Romo to fly out to center field to end the contest. Despite missing a couple weeks due to a pelvic issue, Jansen has been locked in since the beginning of May, getting scored upon in only one of his last 11 appearances while posting a 2.53 ERA, 0.75 WHIP and 13:6 K:BB in 10.2 innings.

Newcomb didn't factor into the decision during Saturday's loss to the Tigers, throwing three perfect innings as the opener. He struck out four.

The veteran southpaw ended up staying in the game longer than any other White Sox pitcher in what became a true bullpen day, and Newcomb needed 42 pitches (28 strikes) to retire all nine batters he faced -- his biggest workload since April 22, when he tossed 44 pitches against the Diamondbacks. There's been no indication Chicago intends to stretch Newcomb out to be a regular starter or bulk reliever, as he's been too valuable in the bullpen. Through 45.1 innings over 29 appearances (one start) this season, he's delivered a 2.58 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 44:11 K:BB with five holds and a save.

The Dodgers recalled McDermott from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Saturday.

Acquired in a trade with the Orioles in April, McDermott made a lone appearance out of the Dodgers' bullpen during a prior stint with the big-league club. He has put up ugly ratios in the minors this season but has also struck out 30 batters in just 16.2 innings with Oklahoma City. McDermott replaces Blake Treinen (elbow) on the active roster.

The Dodgers placed Treinen on the 15-day injured list Saturday due to right elbow inflammation.

Treinen seemed to be rounding into form for the Dodgers, posting a 2.61 ERA and 1.16 WHIP to go along with three wins and a save over his last 13 appearances, but his campaign is now on hold due to the elbow injury. Chayce McDermott was called up from Triple-A Oklahoma City to replace Treinen on the active roster and in the Los Angeles bullpen.

Fairbanks earned the save in Saturday's 6-3 win over the Giants, striking out two in a perfect ninth inning.

Fairbanks was called upon to slam the door for a second straight night, needing just 15 pitches to protect a three-run lead. The 32-year-old has now converted his past six save chances, holding opponents scoreless in nine of 12 appearances during that stretch. On the year, he's 11-for-13 in save opportunities with a 6.14 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 31:11 K:BB across 22 innings.

The Dodgers hope to activate Stewart (foot) from the injured list Monday, Maddie Lee of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Initially expected to miss around three weeks, Stewart has missed twice that much time due to a bone spur in his left foot. However, it seems the right-hander is now on the verge of his return after making four rehab appearances with Single-A Ontario. Stewart missed the start of the season with a shoulder injury and has made just two appearances out of the Dodgers' bullpen so far in 2026.

Seymour (3-1) took the loss against the Nationals on Saturday, allowing three runs on seven hits and no walks with four strikeouts over five innings.

Seymour allowed two runs in the second inning and one in the fifth while logging five frames for the first time this season. He threw 57 strikes on a season-high 81 pitches and generated nine whiffs. The 27-year-old owns a 4.98 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 45:19 K:BB across 43.1 innings this season while making three starts and 26 relief appearances. If he remains in the rotation, he'll line up for a home matchup against the Royals next week.

Beeter earned the save in Saturday's 4-3 win over the Rays, allowing one run on one hit and two walks with two strikeouts in the ninth inning.

Beeter was summoned to protect a two-run lead in the ninth inning and allowed a run with no outs before bearing down to slam the door. It marked the 27-year-old's first save since May 31, and with Gus Varland having last appeared June 16, it appears the Nationals are still taking a committee approach to the closer role. On the year, Beeter owns a 3.63 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 25:16 K:BB across 22.1 innings while collecting five saves and three holds.

The Cubs acquired Murray from the Astros on Saturday in exchange for first baseman Cameron Sisneros, Ari Alexander of 7 News Boston reports.

Houston designated Murray for assignment Tuesday after he allowed 11 earned runs in just 13.1 frames in the majors. He owns a 1.17 ERA and 0.79 WHIP at the Triple-A level this season, however, so the Cubs will take a chance on him and add him to their 40-man roster. The 29-year-old still has minor-league options remaining and therefore doesn't have to join the 26-man active roster immediately, though he could report directly to Chicago to provide the big club with a fresh bullpen arm.