MLB Player News

Springer went 1-for-2 with three walks, a two-run homer and three total runs scored in Friday's 8-5 win over the Yankees.

Springer ended a 14-game homer drought with his second-inning long ball and walked in his three subsequent plate appearances. The 36-year-old went 3-for-22 through the first six games of June, but he's been more productive during his past two contests, going 2-for-5 with five walks, a homer, two RBI and four runs. Despite his .208/.303/.361 slash line through 208 plate appearances this year, Springer has continued to operate as Toronto's primary leadoff man.

Varland picked up the save Friday against the Yankees, striking out two over a perfect ninth inning.

The right-hander saw a streak of 18 straight outings without giving up an earned run come to an end during his previous appearance Tuesday, but he bounced back Friday by throwing 12 of 16 pitches for strikes and securing his 12 save of the year. Varland retains a firm grip on Toronto's closer role with a 0.49 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 48:10 K:BB over 36.2 innings.

Yesavage (3-3) earned the win Friday, allowing five runs on four hits and six walks over five innings against the Yankees. He struck out three.

It certainly wasn't Yesavage's best performance as he walked at least six for the second time this season, though it was enough to net the win since the Blue Jays built up an early lead and tacked on late. The right-hander has surrendered five or more runs in three of his past four starts and has a 6.85 ERA and 18:17 K:BB across 22.1 innings during that span.

Kirk went 3-for-3 with a walk, a double, two RBI and one run scored in Friday's win over the Yankees.

Kirk returned from a two-month absence Friday and made an immediate contribution with an RBI double during the first inning before delivering another run-scoring knock in the fifth. The 27-year-old has now played in six games this season and is batting .261 (6-for-23) with two doubles, a homer, four RBI and three runs.

Williams picked up the save Friday against Atlanta. He allowed two hits and no walks while striking out two and was not charged with a run over 1.1 innings.

The veteran closer was called upon with two outs and runners on second and third in the eighth inning and allowed an inherited runner to score on an infield single, but he then induced a flyout and returned for the ninth to finish off his second save in as many days. Williams has given up just one run with a 12:4 K:BB across his past six appearances and has been scored upon just twice in his past 17 outings dating back to April 26. His 5.01 ERA and 1.50 WHIP remain inflated, but Williams has still secured 10 of 11 save chances and has a 14.3 K/9 across 23.1 innings this year.

McLean did not factor into the decision Friday, allowing two runs on three hits and four walks over four innings against Atlanta. He struck out six.

The right-hander threw just 55 of 93 pitches for strikes as he issued at least three walks for a third consecutive start. McLean has limited the damage during that stretch with a 2.40 ERA, potentially due to the fact that he's given up no homers in that span. The recent control issues have yet to bite the 24-year-old in the run column, but it's likely not a recipe for success long term, especially after he posted a 2.8 BB/9 in his first 11 starts of the year. McLean has a 4.01 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 88:31 K:BB across 76.1 innings this season.

Bichette went 2-for-3 with two home runs and six RBI in Friday's 7-5 win over Atlanta.

The 28-year-old started the scoring with a leadoff homer in the bottom of the first inning, followed up with a grand slam in the second and then delivered a sacrifice fly in the fourth to account for all but one of the Mets' runs. The RBI total matches a career high for Bichette, who has now homered in each of the past two contests and is batting .316 (12-for-38) with six extra-base hits, 12 RBI and five runs through 10 games in June.

Bauers went 1-for-3 with a walk and a three-run home run in Friday's 6-0 victory over the Phillies.

After striking out in all four of his plate appearances Wednesday in Sacramento, Bauers got back on track in Friday's series opener with his career-high 13th long ball of the season in the fifth inning to give Milwaukee a 5-0 lead. The 30-year-old also has 46 RBI and 40 runs scored with a .905 OPS in 234 plate appearances as he continues a breakout campaign.

Painter gave up five runs on five hits and three walks while striking out three over five innings during Friday's 6-0 loss at Milwaukee.

The rookie right-hander surrendered at least four runs for a third straight outing, though he avoided being charged with a fourth consecutive loss since Tanner Banks gave up a run as the opener. Painter has allowed 12 homers in 13 appearances this season and has a 6.43 ERA, 1.57 WHIP and 50:22 K:BB across 63 innings.

Fulford went 1-for-2 with a stolen base in Friday's 6-4 loss to the Athletics.

Fulford continues to fill a short-side platoon role at designated hitter while adding some extra depth at catcher. His playing time is limited even when he starts, as he's often lifted for a pinch hitter once a right-hander takes the mound for the opposition. Fulford is batting .222 with a .660 OPS, three steals, one home run, four RBI and seven runs scored over 31 plate appearances this season.