MLB Player News

Okert will serve as the Marlins' opening pitcher Sunday against the Phillies, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

With the Phillies having lefties Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper among their first three hitters, the Marlins' decision to deploy the left-handed Okert at the start of the game makes sense. The Marlins haven't designated a primary pitcher to work behind Okert, but Bryan Hoeing and Edward Cabrera would seem to be the most logical candidates.

Winn is likely to pitch Sunday against the Rockies, whether it's as a traditional starter or bulk reliever, Danny Emerman of KNBR 680 San Francisco reports.

Giants manager Gabe Kapler has yet to make an official call on a starter yet, but Winn will be featured in some form. The rookie right-hander tossed five scoreless relief frames in his last appearance and holds a 3.33 ERA and 16:6 K:BB over 27 frames overall this season.

The Reds transferred Young (hamstring) to the COVID-19 injured list Saturday (retroactive to Friday).

Young, who has been on the injured list since late August with left hamstring tightness, threw a scoreless inning in a rehab appearance with Triple-A Louisville on Wednesday. However, Young's move to the COVID-19 list pushes his return back indefinitely.

The Nationals recalled La Sorsa from Triple-A Rochester on Saturday, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

With MacKenzie Gore (finger) headed for the injured list, La Sorsa will come up from the minors to give Washington's bullpen some extra depth. La Sorsa holds a 6.98 ERA through 19.1 innings since joining the Nationals in June, and he will likely be limited to low-leverage outings while with the major-league club.

Brasier earned a hold against the Nationals on Friday, striking out one batter in a perfect inning.

Brasier entered in the eighth inning to serve as the bridge to closer Evan Phillips and retired the side in order on 14 pitches. His late-frame deployment shows manager Dave Roberts' growing trust in him -- since Aug. 12, Brasier has collected five holds in nine scoreless appearances. Brasier struggled with the Red Sox early this season but has been lights-out since joining the Dodgers in June, posting a 0.86 ERA, 0.64 WHIP and 29:7 K:BB over 31.1 innings while picking up seven holds, two wins and one save.

Phillips struck out two in a perfect ninth inning Friday to record his 22nd save of the season in an 8-5 win over the Nationals.

The right-hander needed just 11 pitches (eight strikes) to convert his 10th straight save chance, fanning Jake Alu and Carter Kieboom to wrap things up. Phillips' last blown save came in early July, and he sports a stellar 1.47 ERA, 0.55 WHIP and 17:2 K:BB through 18.1 innings since the All-Star break.

Cruz allowed two runs on one hit and one walk while striking out two over two-thirds of an inning in Friday's 9-4 loss to the Cardinals.

It was wild outing for Cruz, who made his first appearances after being reinstated from the COVID-19-related list Friday. He hit the first batter faced, walked the next, then threw a couple of wild pitches.

Brebbia (3-0) allowed a hit and struck out one in a scoreless inning to earn the win Friday over the Rockies.

He kept the Giants within a run in the top of the eighth inning, and they took the lead in their half of the frame. This was Brebbia's second outing since returning from a lat strain that landed him on the 60-day injured list -- the right-hander allowed a solo home run Wednesday versus the Cubs in his first game back. He has a 3.23 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 38:10 K:BB through 30.2 innings this season. Brebbia had served as a middle reliever and occasional opener prior to his injury, so it's possible he could get some starting assignments in the coming weeks, though those would be unlikely to see him cover more than an inning or two.

Scott picked up the save Friday against Philadelphia. He allowed zero hits and zero walks while striking out one in a perfect inning.

It was Scott's fourth save in five opportunities since taking over the closer's role from David Robertson in late August. Scott has now gone 14 consecutive appearances without allowing an earned run and has quietly been one of the best relievers in baseball this season, holding a 2.30 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 89 strikeouts with seven wins, 24 holds and six saves over 66.2 innings.

Doval allowed a run on two hits and struck out one over one inning to earn the save in Friday's 9-8 win over the Rockies.

Doval allowed an RBI double to Nolan Jones, but he was able to avoid fully squandering the lead. Save chances have been sparse for Doval lately, with Friday's victory being San Francisco's first win in September. The right-hander is 36-for-43 in save chances with a 3.03 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 80:24 K:BB over 59.1 innings this year.