MLB Player News

Soto pitched a perfect inning to earn his first save of the season in Saturday's 7-4 win over the Rockies.

Soto had no trouble protecting a three-run lead, retiring the side on 10 pitches. This was his first outing since Jose Alvarado (elbow) landed on the injured list. Craig Kimbrel got the first save chance Friday, but Soto should also be in the mix in what's likely to be a closer committee for the next few weeks. Soto has a 4.00 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 21:10 K:BB while logging seven holds over 20 appearances (18 innings) this season.

Ferguson struck out the only batter he faced to earn the save in Saturday's 4-2 win over the Padres.

Brusdar Graterol allowed a pair of two-out singles in the ninth inning, but Ferguson was able to strike out Jake Cronenworth on five pitches to end the threat. Ferguson has two wins and a save over his last three appearances, and he stretched his scoreless streak to 11.1 innings. The southpaw has a 1.17 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 17:3 K:BB across 15.1 innings while adding five holds and a 3-0 record this season. As long as he's pitching well, he should continue to serve in a setup role.

Nationals manager Dave Martinez said Adon will be called up from Triple-A Rochester to serve as the club's 27th man for Sunday's doubleheader with the Mets, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

Since the doubleheader Sunday includes the resumption of Saturday's suspended game, Adon won't be eligible to pitch until the second game of the day, which will be a traditional nine-inning contest. He'll provide some length out of the bullpen for the second contest behind starter Jake Irvin.

McHugh will start Sunday's game against the Blue Jays, Kevin McAlpin of 680 The Fan Atlanta reports.

McHugh hasn't covered more than three innings or 41 pitches in any of his prior nine relief appearances this season, so he likely won't push too far past those limits as he makes his first start since 2021. Depending on how he fares Sunday, Atlanta could have McHugh get stretched out for a permanent spot in the rotation, given that all of Max Fried (forearm), Kyle Wright (shoulder), Kolby Allard (oblique), Huascar Ynoa (elbow) and Ian Anderson (elbow) are on the shelf with long-term injuries.

Herget was optioned to Triple-A Louisville on Saturday, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Herget was recalled Tuesday and earned his first big-league save two days later, though it was of the three-inning variety rather than one which suggested he was on the verge of a high-leverage role. He'll head back to the minors to make way for Levi Stoudt.

Lamet (back) participated in a live bullpen session Saturday, Patrick Lyons of TheDNVR.com reports.

Rockies manager Bud Black told reporters after the session that he looked healthy with a focus on improving his delivery and confidence when he returns. Lamet has dealt with injuries throughout his career, but he has a chance to return to the Colorado bullpen in a mid-to-late innings role within the next couple weeks.

Ortiz was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Saturday.

Ortiz had been with the big-league club for nearly a month. In 10 innings, he struck out 10 batters and walked three while posting a 2.70 ERA and 1.30 WHIP. Ranger Suarez (elbow) was activated off the injured list in a corresponding move.

Junis (2-2) allowed two runs (one earned) on two hits and a walk with two strikeouts in 1.2 innings Friday versus the Diamondbacks, taking the loss.

Junis got the last two outs of the fifth inning in relief of Ross Stripling, but he couldn't carry that success into the sixth. Arizona pounced for two runs and the Giants couldn't bounce back. Junis has been scored on in five of his nine appearances this season while operating primarily as a long reliever. He's now at a 5.14 ERA, 1.81 WHIP and 21:10 K:BB across 21 innings.

Law will be used as an opener again Saturday against the Marlins, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Nick Lodolo was expected to start but was scratched due to a sore calf, so it will be Law on the mound to start and potentially Levi Stoudt who handles the bulk of the innings. Law also opened Thursday's game against the Mets, throwing 1.1 scoreless innings with a walk and a strikeout.

Phillips picked up the save in Friday's 4-2 victory over San Diego. He allowed one hit while striking out two over 1.2 scoreless innings. He did not walk a batter.

Phillips has been reliable all season, posting a 1.93 ERA and 0.86 WHIP across 14 innings. The right-hander has not blown a save this year. The 28-year-old isn't considered among the game's elite closers, but he's a safe bet to get the job done whenever he enters the game.