MLB Player News

Estevez earned the save in Tuesday's 5-4 win over the White Sox, striking out two in a perfect ninth inning.

The Royals rallied to combine for five runs in the eighth and ninth inning to take the lead over the White Sox, and Estevez closed the door with ease. He has not allowed a baserunner in each of his last six appearances and has now converted 10 consecutive save chances. Estevez is tied atop baseball with 35 saves and owns a 2.62 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 50:20 K:BB in 58.1 innings.

Smith gave up one hit and struck out one in a scoreless ninth inning Tuesday to record his eighth save of the season in a 3-0 win over the Rays.

The right-hander has had a bumpy transition to closing, getting tagged for at least one run in three straight appearances prior to Tuesday, but the Guardians are committed to giving him a full audition over the rest of the season. Through 13.2 innings since Emmanuel Clase (personal) made his last appearance July 26, Smith has converted five of eight save chances while posting a 3.29 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 13:2 K:BB.

Messick (1-0) picked up the win in Tuesday's 3-0 victory over the Rays, allowing four hits over seven scoreless innings. He struck out six without walking a batter.

Making his second career MLB start, Messick baffled Tampa Bay over 98 pitches (66 total strikes) and generated an eye-popping 36 called or swinging strikes. The 24-year-old southpaw has produced back-to-back quality starts to begin his career, giving up just one run with a 12:1 K:BB in 13.2 innings, and while John Means (elbow) is closing in on his Cleveland debut, it's hard to imagine Messick being removed from the rotation given his performance so far. His next start is scheduled to come on the road early next week in Boston.

Lorenzen allowed four runs on seven hits and a walk while striking out six in five innings Tuesday against the White Sox. He did not factor into the decision.

The only loud contact allowed was a solo home run off the bat of Colson Montgomery in the second inning. Lorenzen was otherwise able to cruise through five frames but couldn't record an out after coming back out for the sixth, leading to three more runs charged against him. Lorenzen has now allowed eight runs (seven earned) on 16 hits over his last two starts, though he has racked up six strikeouts on both occasions, which is one below his season high. Lorenzen has just one win over his last eight starts and will look to change that next week against the Angels.

Baz (8-11) took the loss Tuesday, giving up three runs on three hits and two walks over six innings as the Rays fell 3-0 to the Guardians. He struck out seven.

The right-hander produced his first quality start since July 12 on 92 pitches (62 strikes), but Baz got no run support to remain winless over his last 10 trips to the mound. During that span, he's gone 0-8 with a 6.58 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 64:19 K:BB over 53.1 innings. Baz will try to get back in the win column in his next outing, which lines up to come at home early next week against the Mariners.

Hamilton went 2-for-3 with a double, a home run and three RBI in Tuesday's 5-0 win over the Orioles.

Hamilton's having a productive run since his recall from Triple-A Worcester last week. He's gone 6-for-15 with three extra-base hits, two walks, one steal, three RBI and five runs scored over four games. Hamilton started four of the last six games at second base, all against right-handed pitching. He should maintain a semi-regular role while Wilyer Abreu (calf) remains sidelined. Abreu's injury has resulted in Ceddanne Rafaela getting more time in the outfield than at second base.

Melton tossed three scoreless innings of relief in Tuesday's 7-6 extra-inning loss to the Athletics. He allowed a hit and struck out one.

Melton has been a positive addition to the Detroit bullpen as a rookie. Across five appearances and 10.2 innings, he's posted a 1.69 ERA and 0.75 WHIP. Melton has also made three starts for the Tigers. His first one was a struggle, as he allowed six runs over five innings, but the 24-year-old allowed no runs across 12 innings in his other two starts. While the long-relief role decreases his fantasy value, Melton has become a valuable pitcher for Detroit, and he'd get a boost if he were to re-enter the rotation at some point.

McKinstry went 2-for-4 with a walk and an RBI in Tuesday's 7-6 extra-inning loss to the Athletics.

McKinstry has been on a nice run lately, as he's batting .323 over his last 10 games with a home run, two stolen bases, four RBI and five runs scored. The veteran utility player has had a strong year overall, slashing .265/.342/.448 across 120 contests. It's been a big offensive jump for McKinstry, who has a career slash line of just .232/.300/.381 in six MLB seasons.

Bradish (0-1) took the loss Tuesday as the Orioles were downed 5-0 by the Red Sox, giving up two runs on four hits over six innings. He struck out 10 without walking a batter.

The 28-year-old righty staged an impressive return from elbow surgery, as Bradish racked up 15 swinging strikes among his 81 pitches (51 total strikes). He served up solo shots to Trevor Story and David Hamilton, but a lack of run support more than anything spoiled Bradish's 2025 debut. Bradish will look for a better result in his next start, which is scheduled to come on the road early next week in San Diego.

Refsnyder (oblique) is expected to be activated from the 10-day injured list Wednesday or Thursday, MLB.com reports.

Refsnyder resumed taking part in baseball activities last week, which fueled speculation that he could be activated early this week during the four-game set in Baltimore. He's already been out of the minimum 10 days and can be activated at any time. Once he's reinstated, Refsnyder should reclaim his usual role as a short-side platoon player at designated hitter or in the corner outfield.