MLB Player News

Duran gave up a hit in a scoreless ninth inning Wednesday to record his 13th save of the season in a 2-1 win over the Marlins. He didn't walk or strike out a batter.

The Minnesota closer converted his third straight save chance on just nine pitches (seven strikes). Duran hasn't quite been his usual dominant self over the last month or so, posting a 3.27 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 10:3 K:BB through 11 innings since the beginning of June, but he still has yet to serve up a homer in 2025 and remains entrenched in the ninth-inning role for the Twins.

Quero went 3-for-3 with a walk and an RBI on Wednesday against the Dodgers.

Quero's playing time has started to slip, as he's gone from playing every other day to once every three days since late June. That coincides with a slump at the plate, as he entered Wednesday's game having gone just 1-for-18 across his last seven games. He managed to turn in a productive performance Wednesday, with his RBI coming on a single in the third inning.

Woods Richardson (4-4) picked up the win Wednesday, allowing one run on two hits and two walks over five innings in a 2-1 victory over the Marlins. He struck out three.

The right-hander got the hook after 75 pitches (50 strikes), and while he hasn't been providing the Twins with much length, Woods Richardson has at least been giving them stronger results of late. Over his last four trips to the mound, he's posted a 1.71 ERA, 0.76 WHIP and 18:7 K:BB through 21 innings. With Bailey Ober (hip) joining Zebby Matthews (shoulder) and Pablo Lopez (shoulder) on the IL this week, Woods Richardson's spot in the rotation seems very secure regardless of his numbers. He'll look to extend his win streak to three in his next start, which lines up to come at home early next week against the Cubs.

Bieber (elbow) threw a live batting practice session Tuesday, MLB.com reports.

This was Bieber's first live BP following a string of bullpen sessions last week. Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt said Tuesday's session went "really well," but the pitcher's next step is to be determined. A best-case scenario for the right-hander's return is by the end of July.

Smith hasn't made an appearance for the Guardians since their June 22 win over the Athletics due to back spasms, MLB.com reports.

Smith threw prior to Wednesday's 5-4 loss to the Cubs and is considered day-to-day. The right-handed reliever has collected two wins, three saves and 15 holds over his 36 appearances this season while logging a 2.36 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 53:13 K:BB over 34.1 innings.

Duran started at third base and went 1-for-4 with two RBI in Wednesday's 6-0 win over the Orioles.

Duran made a second straight start at third base, where there could be additional opportunities for him in the near term in the wake of the Rangers optioning Josh Jung to the minors. Duran and Josh Smith are expected to fill the void while Jung works on his swing at Triple-A Round Rock.

Burger went 0-for-4 in Wednesday's 6-0 win over Baltimore.

Burger was activated from the 10-day injured list Wednesday and served as the designated hitter, while Josh Smith handled first base. He's likely to resume playing first base, as Smith may be needed to cover third base after the Rangers optioned Josh Jung to the minors Wednesday.

Yoshida (shoulder) went 0-for-2 with a walk for Triple-A Worcester on Wednesday.

Yoshida kicked off a rehab assignment with the WooSox, serving as the DH and playing all seven innings in the first game of a doubleheader. Given his lengthy stint on the injured list, Yoshida may be given the maximum time allowed (20 days) before before being activated. It's unclear if there will be a regular role for Yoshida when he returns, particularly as Boston looks to get at-bats for top prospect Roman Anthony.

Houck (elbow) is scheduled to make his next rehab start with Double-A Portland on Friday, MLB.com reports.

The right-hander labored through his first three rehab appearances at Triple-A Worcester, giving up a combined 12 hits (two home runs), four walks and nine earned runs over 6.1 innings. Houck will bump down a level for his fourth rehab outing, but as long as he's able to build on the 65 pitches and 3.2 innings he covered during his most recent start with Worcester, he could be cleared to rejoin the Red Sox rotation next week.

Brown (9-3) recorded the win Wednesday against the Rockies, giving up two runs on six hits and one walk in six innings. He struck out eight.

The damage came on a Mickey Moniak two-run shot in the second inning, but Brown conceded five innocuous singles otherwise. The right-hander registered a strong 17 whiffs on the evening, and he also fired at least six frames while surrendering two runs or fewer for the 12th time already this season. Brown will take an exceptional 1.82 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and 126:29 K:BB across 104 innings into what sets up as a favorable home matchup versus the struggling Guardians, who have a .594 OPS over their last 24 games.