MLB Player News

Kimbrel worked a perfect ninth inning Friday to record his 14th save of the season in a 6-3 win over the Rays. He didn't walk or strike out a batter.

The veteran closer let his defense do the work, getting outs on a flyball, a groundball and a popup in foul territory. Kimbrel hasn't been tagged with an earned run in 10 straight appearances, converting all six of his save chances during that stretch with a 10:0 K:BB as he puts his early season struggles behind him.

Irvin (6-2) picked up the win Friday in a 6-3 victory over the Rays, giving up three runs (two earned) on eight hits over 5.2 innings. He struck out six without walking a battter.

Three straight singles in the sixth inning kept Irvin from recording his fifth quality start of the season, but the southpaw did tie his season high in strikeouts. He hasn't allowed more than three earned runs in any of his last 10 appearances (eight starts) dating back to April 15, posting a 1.88 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 36:7 K:BB through 52.2 innings over that stretch. Irvin will look to continue his breakout campaign in his next outing, which lines up to come at home next week against Atlanta.

Witt went 3-for-5 with a triple, an RBI and two runs scored in Friday's 10-9 win over the Mariners.

Witt's triple was his seventh of the year, putting him second in the majors behind Boston's Jarren Duran (nine). It was a timely three-bagger for Witt, as it tied the game in the ninth inning, and he came home with the winning run on a Nelson Velazquez fielder's choice. This was Witt's third three-hit effort in his last six games. He's up to a .323/.375/.568 slash line with 11 home runs, 47 RBI, 56 runs scored and 19 stolen bases over 64 contests this season.

Anderson (3-1) struck out two in a perfect inning to earn the win over the Mariners on Friday.

It didn't look like any Royals pitcher would be in line for the win after the Mariners put up seven runs in the first inning, but Anderson was the beneficiary of a late rally that ended in a walk-off. He's had mixed results since the start of May, allowing seven runs (six earned) with a 12:6 K:BB over his last 12.1 innings. For the year, Anderson has a 3.86 ERA despite a 1.63 WHIP and 17:12 K:BB across 23.1 innings while adding a save and two holds. The right-hander's numbers are far from elite, but he's done a decent job at preventing runs for a bullpen that is 21st in the majors with a 4.21 ERA this year.

Ryan (4-5) was stuck with the loss Friday against the Pirates, allowing two runs on two hits and two walks over seven innings. He struck out eight.

Ryan was excellent Friday, but the Twins couldn't muster any offense against Mitch Keller in an eventual 3-0 defeat. Despite the loss, it was a strong bounce-back effort from Ryan after he allowed five runs in five innings in a loss to Houston in his last outing. The right-hander sports a 3.30 ERA with a 0.97 WHIP and 85:13 K:BB across 79 innings. Ryan's currently in line for a home matchup with the Rockies in his next start.

Rocchio went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run in Friday's 3-2 loss to the Marlins.

Rocchio's first career homer came in the third inning of his 77th game. That blast was all the offense the Guardians could put on the board in Friday's loss. The shortstop has held down a starting role this year, but he's posted a mediocre .213/.314/.287 slash line with 11 RBI, 27 runs scored, seven stolen bases and nine doubles over 192 plate appearances.

Smith (3-1) allowed a run on three hits and struck out one over one inning Friday, taking the loss versus the Marlins.

It was a rare hiccup for Smith, who gave up a run-scoring single to Jazz Chisholm in the eighth inning. This appearance ended Smith's 12-inning scoreless streak, during which he had a 14:1 K:BB. He's at a 1.82 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 39:7 K:BB over 29.2 innings with a save and six holds as he continues to grow into a high-leverage role as a rookie.

Springs (elbow) threw one inning in a Florida Complex League game Friday, MLB.com reports.

Springs returned to the mound for the first since feeling tightness in his shoulder May 25. He labored through a 24-pitch frame, but most importantly felt healthy after the outing. The Rays intend for Springs to throw two innings with Triple-A Durham on Wednesday, as he tracks toward a potential return in early July.

Walls went 2-for-4 on Friday against the Orioles.

Walls made his season debut after missing the first two months while recovering from hip surgery. He hit seventh in the order and started at shortstop, shifting Jose Caballero to second base and Brandon Lowe to the bench with lefty Cole Irvin on the mound for the O's. It's unclear whether Walls will be able to earn much playing time against right-handed pitching.

Bregman went 2-for-4 with a walk and a run scored Friday against the Angels.

Bregman returned to the lineup after a one-game absence caused by a hand injury. He extended his hitting streak to nine games in his return Friday, and he's gone 14-for-35 with five homers, eight RBI and 10 runs scored in that span.