MLB Player News

Finnegan (4-5) took the loss Wednesday as the Nationals were downed 4-3 by the Marlins, recording one out and giving up an unearned run on one hit and two walks in the 10th inning.

The 29-year-old was essentially victim of the phantom runner rule in extra innings -- after Lewis Brinson laid down a sacrifice bunt to move Jesus Sanchez to third base to open the bottom of the 10th, Finnegan issued two intentional walks to load the bases only to give up a walkoff single to Jorge Alfaro. The right-hander has only allowed one earned run in nine August innings, picking up three saves on four chances plus a win and a hold, but he also has three losses on the month. Finnegan's 5:4 K:BB and five unearned runs are red flags that he's been more lucky than good as the Nats' closer.

Gilbert allowed two earned runs on three hits and three walks while striking out four across five innings Wednesday against the Pirates. He did not factor into the decision.

Gilbert didn't allow a baserunner across his first three innings of work, but he ran into trouble later in his start. He loaded the bases in the fourth frame but avoided major damage. One inning later, he allowed multiple runners to reach scoring position but allowed only one additional earned run. In a tougher matchup, Gilbert likely would have had a more difficult time preventing runs, and he's now allowed 12 hits and four walks while striking out only six across 10 innings and two starts since tossing a no-hitter on Aug. 14.

Wilson allowed two hits and two walks while striking out seven across five scoreless innings Wednesday against the Diamondbacks. He did not factor into the decision.

Wilson was activated from the injured list prior to his start, but he showed no rust. He generated an impressive 15 swinging strikes on 74 total pitches and also took advantage of his spacious home park by inducing seven flyball outs. Since being dealt to the Pirates, Wilson has maintained a 3.60 ERA with a 15:3 K:BB across 20 innings. He should get the chance to stick in the rotation across the last month of the season as the Pirates try to identify players who can contribute in future seasons.

Reyes allowed an earned run on two hits in one inning, blowing a save in Wednesday's 3-2, extra-inning win over the Tigers.

The righty got two quick outs in the ninth before giving up a double and a game-tying single for his second blown save in his last three opportunities. Even so, Reyes has converted 28 of 31 save opportunities and boasts a 2.54 ERA in 56.2 innings this season. He has been less effective since the All-Star break, posting a 5.02 ERA and 15:10 K:BB in 15 second-half appearances, although he's still managed to collect eight saves in that span.

Mlodzinski (shoulder) has made two starts for High-A Greensboro since being reinstated from the 7-day injured list Aug. 14, covering four innings between the appearances and giving up four runs on five hits and three walks while striking out four.

The No. 31 overall pick in the 2020 first-year player draft had been on the shelf for a month due to a sore right shoulder before being activated. Over 11 starts on the season, the 22-year-old right-hander has delivered a 3.20 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 11.6 K/9.

Alvarado (shoulder) made his first rehab appearance for Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Tuesday, tossing a no-hit inning while striking out one and walking one.

Alvarado was placed on the 10-day injured list Aug. 11 with left shoulder inflammation, but he appears to be on the cusp of a return. He may need only one or two more tune-up appearances at Triple-A before rejoining the Philadelphia bullpen.

The Padres optioned Knehr to Triple-A El Paso on Wednesday.

The righty pitched four times in his latest MLB stint, allowing five runs on seven hits and six walks in 7.1 innings. Knehr has more walks (15) than strikeouts (14) in 20 big-league innings in 2021, and he has been pretty unimpressive overall, but the Padres' pitching woes and injuries could bring him back to San Diego before the season ends.

The Dodgers optioned Gonzalez to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Wednesday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

The lefty has thrown 2.1 scoreless frames since returning from a knee injury Thursday. Gonzalez has had a solid season, posting a 3.57 ERA and 33:19 K:BB in 35.1 innings, but he was deemed not worthy of a roster spot now that Joe Kelly (undisclosed) is back from the injured list. Any injury in the Dodgers' bullpen would likely bring Gonzalez back to the big leagues.

Kelly (undisclosed) was activated from the COVID-19 injured list Wednesday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Kelly had been on the virus-related IL since Aug. 10, but he returns to take Victor Gonzalez's spot on the active roster and in the bullpen. The righty was pitching well before going on the shelf, allowing only one run on two hits and a walk in his last 6.2 innings while striking out seven.

Nationals manager Dave Martinez said Wednesday that Rainey (side) has yet to resume baseball activities at Triple-A Rochester, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

After being optioned to Rochester on Aug. 12 to work on his mechanics due to his poor results in the big leagues, Rainey didn't appear in any games for the affiliate before being shut down last week with left side soreness. Martinez is optimistic that Rainey will move past the injury and pitch again in 2021, but since the right-hander will need some time to ramp up once he's cleared to resume activities, he may be multiple weeks away from game action.