MLB Player News

Helsley (finger) didn't feel any pain during a side session Thursday and will be included on the Cardinals' wild-card roster, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.

Helsley exited Tuesday's game against the Pirates due to a jammed right middle finger, but the issue won't impact his availability to begin the postseason. Over the last month, the right-hander has converted all seven of his save chances while posting a 2.38 ERA and 1.06 WHIP in 11.1 innings over 11 appearances.

Naughton will be on the Cardinals' wild-card roster, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.

Naughton was sent to the minors Sept. 21, but he'll rejoin the Cardinals ahead of the NL Wild Card Series against the Phillies, which begins Friday. The southpaw held left-handed hitters to a .163 batting average in the majors this year, which factored into the decision to include Naughton on the roster over Genesis Cabrera.

Helsley (finger) is throwing a bullpen session Thursday to help determine his availability for the NL Wild Card Series against the Phillies, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

The right-hander exited Tuesday's game against the Pirates with a jammed middle finger, and his availability for the wild-card round remains up in the air. The issue doesn't appear to be a serious concern since Helsley never underwent medical imaging, and the closer could be available for Game 1 on Friday if all goes well during Thursday's session.

Floro earned a save against Atlanta on Wednesday, allowing a hit and a walk while striking out one batter over two-thirds of an inning.

Floro entered with runners on first and third and one out in the ninth inning. He started his outing with a walk and a run-scoring single but retired the next two batters to pick up the save. The veteran right-hander took control of the closer role in September and recorded seven saves over his final 13 outings. He finished with a 3.02 ERA and 1.17 WHIP on the season.

Marte (1-1) earned the win Wednesday over the Padres, striking out two across two perfect innings.

Marte was with the Giants from Sept. 5 onward for his sixth stint in the majors this season. He closed out the year with six runs allowed over his last 14.1 innings while adding both of his holds and his only win of the season. The 27-year-old wrapped up the season with a 5.44 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and 44:22 K:BB over 48 innings overall. He's unlikely to see more than low-leverage work in 2023.

Hernandez did not factor in the decision against Atlanta on Wednesday, allowing three runs on four hits and no walks while striking out three batters over four innings.

Hernandez was called up from the minors -- where he spent half of August and all of September -- to start Miami's regular-season finale, and the right-hander's disappointing outing was reflective of his overall campaign. Hernandez was expected to be a steady contributor at the back end of the the Marlins' rotation this year but struggled to a 6.35 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 3-6 record over 20 games (10 starts). He's yet to reach 83 major-league innings through five big-league campaigns.

Alzolay (2-1) pitched 2.1 scoreless innings of relief and earned the win Wednesday against the Reds. He allowed two hits and a walk, while striking out three.

Starter Adrian Sampson departer after 2.2 innings due to right groin soreness, which forced Alzolay into the game early. The latter pitched well and picked up the win in Chicago's season-ending romp. Alzolay didn't debut until mid-September due to a lat strain, and he finished with a 3.38 ERA across 13.2 innings. The 27-year-old should be in the mix for a rotation spot to begin 2023 if he can remain healthy through the offseason and spring training.

Crowe's right elbow inflammation is considered minor, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports.

Crowe landed on the injured list with his elbow issue, but Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said Wednesday that the right-hander probably wouldn't have required an IL stint if the season wasn't ending. It seems likely that the 28-year-old will be able to have a fairly normal offseason program.

The Cardinals optioned Romero to Triple-A Memphis on Wednesday.

Romero was dropped from the 28-man active roster to clear room in the bullpen for Jordan Hicks (neck), who was reinstated from the 10-day injured list in advance of Wednesday's regular-season finale in Pittsburgh. The demotion will make Romero ineligible to be included on the Cardinals' roster for the team's upcoming wild-card series with the Phillies.

The Cardinals optioned Hudson to Triple-A Memphis on Wednesday.

Hudson was dropped from the 28-man active roster after he was tagged for seven earned runs over nine hits and two walks Tuesday in his spot start Tuesday against the Pirates. His demotion will preclude him from being a part of the Cardinals' roster for the team's upcoming wild-card series with the Phillies.