MLB Player News

Leone (4-5) took the extra-inning loss Saturday versus the Twins. He allowed an unearned run on three walks in one-third of an inning.

Leone got the first out with a sacrifice, but that was his only success in this outing. He walked the next three batters, loading the bases and eventually forcing in the decisive run. Through 8.2 innings in August, Leone has allowed six runs (five earned) with an 11:7 K:BB. He has a 4.20 ERA, 1.58 WHIP and 49:21 K:BB through 45 innings this year, adding three saves, 11 holds and four blown saves while maintaining a high-leverage role despite the lackluster ratios.

Doval allowed two runs on two hits and two walks with a strikeout in 1.1 innings, taking a blown save in Saturday's 3-2 extra-inning loss to the Twins.

Doval escaped the two-on, two-out situation he inherited from John Brebbia in the eighth inning. In the ninth, Doval ran into his own trouble, allowing a pair of run-scoring, two-out singles to take his first blown save since May 31. Prior to Saturday, he'd gone 10.1 innings without giving up an earned run. The Giants' closer owns a 2.85 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 64:26 K:BB through 53.2 innings. He's 18-for-21 in save chances while adding two holds and a 4-6 record in 54 appearances.

Ottavino allowed a hit in a scoreless inning to earn the save in Saturday's 3-0 win over the Rockies.

This was Ottavino's second save in as many appearances. Edwin Diaz was likely unavailable Saturday after pitching each of the last two days, allowing the save chance to fall to Ottavino, who also earned a save Thursday when Diaz was deployed in the eighth inning and earned a hold. Ottavino has earned high-leverage opportunities -- he hasn't allowed more than one run in any appearance since May 4. In that span, he's given up a single run on five occasions in his last 41 outings. For the season, he's pitched to a 2.09 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 61:14 K:BB through 51.2 innings while adding two saves, 17 holds, three blown saves and a 5-2 record as a setup man.

Helsley (8-1) earned the win during Saturday's 6-5 victory over Atlanta, striking out two in a perfect ninth inning.

After being sidelined since Aug. 19 due to personal reasons, Helsley was deployed to pitch the ninth inning with a one-run deficit and became the victor when St. Louis walked it off in the bottom of the frame. The 28-year-old wasted no time getting back into the groove by striking out two on just 11 pitches and remains one of the best relievers in the game with a 0.89 ERA and 0.65 WHIP.

Junis said Tuesday that he's dealing with a "tiny" fracture on the palm of his left hand, but he's feeling significantly better since exiting his last start Aug. 21 against the Rockies and plans to take the hill Sunday in Minnesota, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Junis exited the Aug. 21 start after taking a line drive off the base of his glove and near the bottom of his non-pitching hand, with the 29-year-old being diagnosed with a hairline fracture of his palm. Fortunately for Junis, the injury doesn't look like it'll be anything that forces him to the injured list, as the Giants already list him as their probable starter for Sunday's contest. He'll carry a 3.58 ERA and 1.10 WHIP into his 17th appearance and 14th start of the campagin.

Martin recently underwent an MRI on his arm that came back clean, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Martin was unavailable Friday against the Marlins due to his arm issue, but the injury isn't believed to be particularly serious. The right-hander doesn't expect to require an IL stint, so he should be considered day-to-day.

Thompson (back) will throw a bullpen session Saturday, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Thompson has been on the injured list for a week due to lower-back tightness, and it's encouraging that he's already been cleared for mound work. The team will likely see how he feels after Saturday's throwing session prior to determining the next steps in his recovery process, but it's possible that he rejoins the Cubs following a relatively minimal IL stint.

Stephenson was claimed off waivers by the Pirates on Saturday, Alex Stumpf of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

Stephenson made 45 relief appearances for the Rockies this year and posted a 6.04 ERA and 1.48 WHIP in 44.2 innings before being designated for assignment Thursday. He's expected to join the Pirates' bullpen and should serve mainly as a middle reliever for his new club.

Cabrera was optioned to Triple-A Memphis on Saturday.

Cabrera earned some setup work for the Cardinals over the first half of August, but he gave up seven runs in 2.1 innings over his last two outings and will now lose his spot on the active roster. Zack Thompson was called up Saturday to take Cabrera's place in the bullpen.

Thompson was recalled from Triple-A Memphis on Saturday.

Thompson hasn't pitched in the majors in over a month but will provide an extra arm in the bullpen after Genesis Cabrera was sent down Saturday. Thompson posted a 2.45 ERA and 0.95 WHIP in 22 innings over 12 appearances (one start) with the Cardinals earlier in the year and should serve mainly as a middle reliever now that he's back in the big leagues.