MLB Player News

Varland secured the save Wednesday against the Yankees, allowing one run on two hits and no walks in the ninth inning. He struck out two.

Varland did allow the potential tying run to get aboard, but he was able to hold on by striking out Amed Rosario to end the game. It was the first time the right-hander yielded an earned run since his April 25 outing versus Cleveland, as he's been mostly exceptional since overtaking Jeff Hoffman as Toronto's closer. Varland has permitted only a pair of earned runs through 25.2 innings this year, posting a 1.17 WHIP and 37:9 K:BB while converting each of his six save opportunities.

Civale allowed five runs on five hits and two walks while striking out two over five innings in a no-decision versus the Angels on Wednesday.

All five runs came via the long ball, as Civale gave up three home runs across the first two innings. He was able to settle in after that, and the Athletics ultimately got him off the hook with an extra-inning win. While he hasn't exactly dominated in most starts, Civale has limited damage well -- this was just the third time in 10 starts he's given up three or more runs. He's at a 3.31 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 37:16 K:BB through 51.2 innings this season. Opposing hitters have a .797 OPS against Civale this year, which likely isn't sustainable if he's going to maintain his current level of run prevention. The right-hander is projected to make his next start at home versus the Mariners.

Yesavage (2-1) earned the win Wednesday against the Yankees, allowing no runs on two hits and no walks in six innings. He struck out eight.

Yesavage outdueled Yankees right-hander Cam Schlittler, who pitched six innings of two-run ball Wednesday. Yesavage, on the other hand, fanned a season-high eight, also turning in his third scoreless start of the year. The 22-year-old righty has yet to surrender more than two runs in any of his first five starts this season, and he's recorded at least six punchouts in four consecutive outings. Yesavage will carry an excellent 1.07 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 29:8 K:BB over 25.1 innings into his next scheduled appearance against the Marlins.

Schlittler (6-2) took the loss Wednesday against the Blue Jays, allowing two runs on eight hits and two walks in six innings. He struck out seven.

Schlittler has generally been hard to hit in 2026, but he gave up a season-worst eight knocks Wednesday. The 25-year-old right-hander yielded multiple earned runs for the first time since his April 12 start in Tampa Bay and has delivered six quality starts in his past seven outings. Schlittler will take an outstanding 1.50 ERA, 0.86 WHIP and 75:13 K:BB over 66 innings into his next scheduled appearance against the Royals.

Thomas (hamstring) went 0-for-1 with a flyout in Wednesday's 4-3 loss to the Red Sox.

Thomas was removed from Tuesday's game with hamstring soreness, but he's evidently healthy enough to take at-bats. With Aroldis Chapman on the mound for Boston in the bottom of the ninth inning, Thomas pinch hit for lefty Kyle Isbel. Thomas has gone 4-for-26 (.154) with one double, four RBI and a 6:10 BB:K this month, dropping his OPS to .619 across 108 plate appearances on the season.

Perez went 3-for-4 with a solo home run in Wednesday's 4-3 loss to the Red Sox.

Perez got the scoring started by taking lefty Connelly Early deep on a 94-mph fastball in the bottom of the first inning. He later singled in the sixth and eighth innings, giving Perez his third three-hit game of the season. He saw his average dip below the Mendoza Line with two hitless showings in the first two games versus the Red Sox, but the veteran backstop is now slashing .211/.259/.368 with eight home runs, 21 RBI, 18 runs scored and a 9:42 BB:K across 201 plate appearances this season. After being in the 91st percentile with a 14.8 percent barrel rate last season, Perez is barreling just 8.5 percent of his batted balls in 2026. He's also experienced sharp declines in his hard-hit rate and bat speed at 36 years old.

Wacha didn't factor into the decision Wednesday against the Red Sox, allowing two runs (one earned) on six hits and two walks with eight strikeouts across six innings.

All four of Wacha's outings this month have resulted in quality starts. He left with a 3-2 lead Wednesday, but Steven Cruz coughed up a two-run homer to Jarren Duran in the top of the seventh inning to spoil a potential victory for Wacha. The right-hander still racked up a season-high eight strikeouts and lowered his ERA to 2.70 with a career-best 1.03 WHIP and 55:20 K:BB across 63.1 innings this year. Wacha is slated to make his next start at home against the Yankees early next week.

Contreras went 3-for-4 with a triple and one run scored in Wednesday's 4-3 win over the Royals.

Contreras hit his first triple of the season to lead off the top of the second inning and later scored on a Nick Sogard single. Contreras has been hot at the plate, going 6-for-13 with the triple, one homer, five RBI and two runs scored during Boston's three-game series with Kansas City. Over his last five games, Contreras is batting .450 with a pair of home runs and seven RBI. He's slashing .269/.369/.497 with 10 homers, 30 RBI, 22 runs scored, one stolen base and a 20:52 BB:K across 198 plate appearances this season.

Sanchez was removed from Wednesday's game against the Yankees after getting the wind knocked out of him, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

Sanchez landed hard on his chest when attempting a diving catch on a flyball in the seventh inning and was replaced in right field immediately afterward as a precaution. The Jays will evaluate him ahead of Thursday's series finale, though the team doesn't seem to be very worried about him missing an extended period of time. If the 28-year-old sits down Thursday, Myles Straw would likely draw the start against southpaw Carlos Rodon.

Chapman picked up the save in Wednesday's 4-3 win over the Royals, allowing one hit with a strikeout in a scoreless ninth inning.

After allowing a leadoff single to Starling Marte to open the bottom of the ninth, Chapman struck out Carter Jensen before generating a flyout and groundout to pick up his 12th save of the season. He also extended his scoreless streak to 13.2 innings spanning 14 appearances. Chapman has lowered his ERA to 0.51 with a 23:7 K:BB across 17.2 innings this season.