MLB Player News

Smith struck out one in a perfect ninth inning Friday to record his 17th save of the season in a 1-0 win over the Phillies.

Kyle Manzardo produced the game's only run with a solo shot off Jhoan Duran in the top of the ninth, setting the stage for Smith to complete a combined shutout with Gavin Williams. Smith's 17 saves leads the majors, and he's been tagged for an earned run in only one of his last 12 appearances, posting a 0.71 ERA, 0.79 WHIP and 21:1 K:BB in 12.2 innings over that dazzling stretch.

Williams (7-3) picked up the win Friday, scattering four hits over eight scoreless innings in a 1-0 victory over the Phillies. He struck out 11 without walking a batter.

Cristopher Sanchez and Williams put on an absolute pitching clinic for eight frames before Kyle Manzardo played hero with a pinch-hit solo shot off Jhoan Duran in the top of the ninth. For his part, Williams didn't allow a runner to get past second base while tying his season high in strikeouts, firing 70 of 99 pitches for strikes and generating 33 called or swinging strikes. The big right-hander will take a 3.25 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 84:22 K:BB through 69.1 innings into his next start, which is scheduled to come at home next week against the Nationals.

Taillon (2-4) took the loss Friday as the Cubs fell 4-2 to the Astros, giving up four runs on eight hits and a walk over 4.2 innings. He struck out five.

Only one of the hits off Taillon went for extra bases, but it was a solo shot by Christian Vazquez in the third inning. It was the MLB-leading 17th homer served up by the veteran righty, and Friday's outing was the first time Taillon has failed to last at least five innings since his first start of the season March 31. He's lost three straight starts, and Taillon will carry a 5.20 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 47:18 K:BB through 55.1 innings into his next trip to the mound, which is set to come on the road next week in Pittsburgh.

King worked 1.1 scoreless innings Friday to record his fifth save of the season in a 4-2 win over the Cubs. He didn't walk or strike out a batter.

The only baserunner to get aboard against King came on a Jeremy Pena throwing error with two outs in the eighth inning, but the southpaw got Nico Hoerner to ground out to end the threat. King has been splitting closing duties with Bryan Abreu of late, but Josh Hader (bicep) is on track to come off the IL before the end of the month to reclaim that job. King should remain one of the Astros' top setup men once that happens, and through 10.2 innings in May he's posted a 1.69 ERA and 1.22 WHIP, albeit with a 4:4 K:BB.

Arrighetti (6-1) picked up the win Friday, allowing two hits and four walks over five scoreless innings in a 4-2 victory over the Cubs. He struck out five.

The right-hander threw only 53 of 89 pitches for strikes and also hit two batters with pitches, but Chicago couldn't generate any offense against Arrighetti despite having runners in scoring position in four of his five frames. The 26-year-old has bailed out an injury-ravaged Astros rotation since making his season debut in mid-April, and he has yet to give up more than two earned runs in a start. Arrighetti will take a 1.32 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 40:25 K:BB through 41 innings into his next outing, which lines up to come on the road next week against the Rangers.

Karros isn't in the lineup for Friday's game against Arizona.

Karros will get a day to reset Friday after going 0-for-10 with a walk and three strikeouts over his last three games. His absence will allow Chad Stevens to start at third base and bat ninth.

Julien isn't in the lineup for Friday's game against Arizona.

Julien will miss out on the starting nine for a second consecutive game after going 0-for-25 with nine strikeouts across his last nine games. Willi Castro will draw the start at second base, and Sterlin Thompson will work as Colorado's designated hitter.

DeLuca was removed from Friday's game against the Yankees with an apparent lower-body injury, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

DeLuca appeared to tweak something while running from first to third on Cedric Mullins' double in the seventh inning. It's unclear what exactly he's dealing with, but the Rays could have an update on his status after the game. If the 27-year-old has to miss any time, Ryan Vilade would likely be the next man up to replace DeLuca as Tampa Bay's right fielder.

Susac isn't in the lineup for Friday's game against the White Sox, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Susac has reached base six times and driven in two runs across his last three games, but the Giants will keep him on the bench to begin Friday's contest. Jesus Rodriguez will get the nod at catcher and bat seventh.

Kelenic was scratched from the lineup for Friday's game against the Giants with a lower-back contusion, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Kelenic has logged a base hit in each of his last two games, but he'll take a seat Friday to allow his back to heal. Derek Hill will fill in as Chicago's right fielder and bat ninth.