MLB Player News

Spence (2-5) took the loss against Atlanta on Wednesday, allowing eight runs on nine hits and one walk while striking out five batters over six innings.

Spence's outing began in ominous fashion, as Ronald Acuna led off the contest with a solo home run against him. That set the tone for a disastrous outing by the right-hander, as he surrendered a career-worst five homers and eight earned runs. To his credit, Spence was at least able to preserve the Athletics' bullpen a bit by tossing six frames, but this was a continuation of a recent poor stretch for the 27-year-old. Spence has lost each of his past four starts, posting a 7.84 ERA and 1.60 WHIP while giving up nine long balls over that span.

Jansen earned a save against the Rangers on Wednesday, allowing one hit and striking out one batter in one scoreless inning.

After the Angels rallied for three runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to take an 11-8 lead, Jansen was summoned to close things out in the ninth. He gave up a one-out double but nothing more to nail down his first save since June 18. The save drought wasn't really of Jansen's doing -- he blew just one save during that span and hasn't given up an earned run in any of his past 10 appearances, notching a 13:2 K:BB over 10 innings during that stretch. The veteran closer has been effective in his first season as an Angel, converting 16 of 17 save chances while posting a 3.48 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 35:11 K:BB over 33.2 innings spanning 37 appearances.

Estevez picked up the save Wednesday against the Pirates, allowing one hit and no walks with one strikeout over a scoreless ninth inning.

Estevez hit the 25-save milestone for a third consecutive season, and he became the third closer in MLB to reach the threshold in 2025. The 32-year-old's ERA is down to 2.03 across 40 innings, and he owns a 33:14 K:BB on the year.

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.