MLB Player News

Nardi recorded his third save of the season in the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Mets, walking one and striking out two in a scoreless ninth inning.

With Tanner Scott (paternity leave) unavailable, Nardi wound up getting the save chance as A.J. Puk, David Robertson and Matt Moore had already combined to throw 3.2 innings of scoreless relief in the nightcap. Nardi has been scored upon only once in his last 15 appearances, posting a 0.61 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 17:7 K:BB through 14.2 innings since Aug. 19 with two wins and eight holds, but the save was his first since June 18.

Vines was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett on Thursday.

The move comes one day after Vines held the Cubs to two runs over six innings in a no-decision Wednesday. He's being sent out in favor of AJ Smith-Shawver, who is starting Thursday's contest. Vines has made a nice first impression in the big leagues in 2023, holding a 3.98 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 14:7 K:BB over 20.1 frames.

Ginkel was not used in the eighth inning of Wednesday's 3-0 win over the White Sox.

Ginkel has been the go-to reliever for the eighth inning of close games, but manager Torey Lovullo went with Ryan Thompson to shepherd the lead to closer Paul Sewald. The decision to not use Ginkel could be related to the reliever's most recent outing Monday, when he told the manager he was ready to pitch after throwing 28 pitches the previous day, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports. What ensued was a blown eighth-inning lead and a loss in the middle of a playoff chase. "I'll take accountability for it," Ginkel said. "I was wanting to pitch; there's no question about it. I wasn't feeling great, for sure. After [Sunday], I threw quite a few pitches, and then again [Monday]." Ginkel has been stellar over the second half -- that's why Lovullo entrusts him with the eighth inning -- and will likely continue to pitch in that role, but Thompson may have entered the picture as a trusted high-leverage arm.

Thompson allowed one hit while striking out two over a scoreless inning in Wednesday's 3-0 win over the White Sox.

Thompson pitched the eighth inning, preserving the lead for Paul Sewald who converted the save. Kevin Ginkel is normally the choice to pitch the eighth inning of close games, but manager Torey Lovullo went another way after Ginkel's most recent outing Monday when he was tagged with the loss. The manager rewarded Thompson, who has been effective since being added to the Diamondbacks' bullpen in late August. The reliever has a 0.75 ERA and 0.50 WHIP over 12 innings.

Barnes (0-1) allowed one run on one hit over two-thirds of an inning, taking the loss Wednesday versus the Brewers.

Barnes got the last two outs of the sixth inning with no trouble but put a runner on in the seventh, and Matthew Liberatore couldn't prevent the go-ahead run from scoring. Barnes has worked in a low-leverage role with the Cardinals, pitching to a 7.15 ERA, 1.68 WHIP and 6:3 K:BB over 11.1 innings across 11 appearances this season after he was called up Aug. 22.

Thompson pitched 5.1 innings against Milwaukee on Wednesday, allowing two runs (one earned) on five hits and one walk while striking out five batters over 5.1 innings. He did not factor in the decision.

Thompson carried a 2-0 lead into the bottom of the sixth frame but couldn't make the advantage stand up. He gave up consecutive doubles to begin the inning, resulting in the Brewers' first run, then saw the game-tying run cross the plate on a one-out fielder's choice. That tally was unearned due to a previous throwing error behind him, but it was nonetheless enough to move Thompson out of position for a win. His last victory came Sept. 9. This was presumably Thompson's final appearance of the campaign, and he finishes with a 4.34 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 72:25 K:BB over 66.1 frames, with nine of his 25 appearances coming as a starter.

Williams recorded a save against the Cardinals on Wednesday, walking two batters and striking out one in a scoreless and hitless inning.

Williams had some trouble with his control, throwing just nine of 19 pitches for strikes and walking a pair of batters while tasked with protecting a one-run lead. Both of the free passes came with two outs, but the right-handed reliever was able to steer around the danger by getting Jordan Walker to fly out to end the contest. This was Williams' first appearance in 10 days and his first save since Sept. 15. With six straight scoreless outings during which he's 4-for-4 in save opportunities, Williams looks primed for the postseason.

Brebbia (3-4) took the extra-inning loss Wednesday versus the Padres, allowing three unearned runs on one hit and one walk over one inning.

Brebbia's ugly end to the campaign continued -- he's given up eight runs (four earned) over his last five outings, taking losses in each of the last four. He got two outs to start the 10th inning, but a sacrifice fly brought in a run before an error allowed the Padres to extend their rally. Brebbia is at a 3.55 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 46:13 K:BB through 38 innings this season. With the Giants having three games left against the Dodgers, Brebbia's struggles are unlikely to go away before the season ends.

Manaea allowed two runs on seven hits and struck out eight without walking a batter over six innings in a no-decision versus the Padres on Wednesday.

Manaea rejoined the rotation Sept. 12, and over his last four starts, he's maintained an 18:2 K:BB over 24 innings. He wasn't able to pick up a third straight win, but he earned a second straight quality start. The southpaw had his ups and downs while moving between the rotation and bullpen during the year, but he's posted a respectable 4.44 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 128:42 K:BB over 117.2 innings overall. This was likely his last start of the campaign, and after throwing 100 pitches (67 strikes), it seems improbable that he'd be able to make a relief appearance over the weekend.

Cosgrove pitched a perfect 10th inning to earn the save in Wednesday's 5-2 win over the Giants.

Regular closer Josh Hader was deployed in the ninth inning to keep the game tied, and he did the job just fine. Cosgrove then worked the 10th, retiring the side on 13 pitches (nine strikes). This was his first big-league save in 52 appearances as a rookie this season -- he's also added six holds and a 1-2 record while mostly seeing lower-leverage work. Cosgrove owns a 1.81 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 43:17 K:BB over 49.2 innings overall.