MLB Player News

McHugh allowed two runs on six hits and three walks with six strikeouts over seven innings in a no-decision Monday against the Mariners.

McHugh has allowed two runs or fewer in five of his past six starts and hasn't dropped a decision since August 13 against Toronto. With Lance McCullers and Dallas Keuchel banged up, McHugh is effectively Houston's ace despite his 4.53 season ERA. McHugh posted a 3.89 ERA with 171 strikeouts in 203.2 innings in 2015 and has looked much more like that pitcher of late.

Farmer (0-1) went five innings allowing four runs on four hits, four walks, and two strikeouts in a spot start against the Indians on Monday. He took the loss.

Farmer threw just 51 of 91 pitches for strikes Monday, walking four in his first official start of the season. Farmer threw 2.2 innings in a start last Wednesday, but the game was wiped out by extended rain, and was completely restarted the next day. Control has been an issue for Farmer out of the bullpen as well, as he entered Monday with a 5.9 BB/9. His ERA climbed to 4.60 with the start, and his WHIP is now 1.53.

Betances came on to protect a four-run lead on Monday and failed to record an out, walking two and being charged with two runs.

Betances seems to have simply run out of gas down the stretch this season. The righty has allowed eight runs over his last 2.1 innings. His ERA has jumped by more than a full point since the start of September. Betances did thrive in the closer role in August, and he should enter 2017 the favorite for saves in the Bronx.

Barnes owns a 3.00 ERA with a 1.11 WHIP in nine games since being recalled at the beginning of September.

Barnes has been solid in his first season of MLB action, which includes three August appearances as well as his current stint -- he owns a 3.46 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 13:4 K:BB. However, the 26-year-old's fantasy value is extremely limited because Barnes doesn't pitch in high-leverage situations that afford him the opportunity to rack up wins, saves or holds.

Giles (wrist) worked around a walk with two strikeouts to earn his 14th save of the season Sunday versus the Angels.

Giles was pounded for six runs as he blew a save on Friday and was struck on the wrist during batting practice Sunday, but he emerged none the worse for wear and was effective Sunday. Barring any setbacks after his latest outing, Giles should be fine to finish out the season as the Astros' closer.

Diaz struck out one in a spotless ninth inning to earn his 17th save of the season Sunday versus the White Sox.

Working on four days of rest, Diaz looked fresh Sunday as he retired the side in order on just 10 pitches. It was positive to see the rookie bounce back after blowing his previous save opportunity, and with his 2.28 ERA and 1.08 WHIP, he continues to display the traits that should make him Seattle's undisputed closer heading into the 2017 season.

Santiago allowed four runs on five hits and a walk while striking out just one across 5.2 innings Sunday versus the Mariners.

Santiago fell victim to the long ball Sunday, as he limited baserunners for the most part, but all of the runs against him came via the home run. The lefty came within an out of rattling off four consecutive quality starts earlier this month, but he has since allowed 10 runs in 11 innings to see his ERA jump back to 4.87. It's been an up-and-down season for Santiago, and he will look to finish it on a high note Saturday versus the White Sox.

Kimbrel was left in the bullpen despite a save situation arising in Sunday's 3-2 extra-inning win over the Rays.

Until we hear otherwise, this appears to be a decision based on Kimbrel's usage over the last week, not an injury. Boston's closer had pitched four of the last five days, so he was allowed to sit this opportunity out despite the Red Sox having an off day Monday. Instead, manager John Farrell left Joe Kelly (2.2 innings) in the game to finish off the Rays in the 10th.

Kelly (4-0) pitched the final 2.2 innings in Boston's 3-2 extra-inning win over the Rays on Sunday. He allowed two hits and struck out four.

Kelly came on in the eighth inning after Tampa Bay had tied the game and induced a double-play grounder to ward off any further damage. It was another strong effort for Kelly and a sign of manager John Farrell's growing confidence in the fireballing right-hander, who has picked up more high-leverage work over the month of September.

Duffey (9-11) held the Mariners to two runs on four hits, struck out four, and did not issue a walk in Saturday's home win.

The second-year pitcher continues to have success inducing groundballs to generate outs -- he made the Mariners hit 12 of them in this game -- but he still sports an ugly 6.18 ERA and 1.47 WHIP due mostly to the high amount of homers he's allowed. He's giving up at least one home run in 16 of his 24 starts. He only allowed one in this game, but it was an absolute moonshot by Nelson Cruz that landed in the third deck, estimated at 454 feet. The 25-year-old righty is set to make his last start of the season Friday against the White Sox.