MLB Player News

Helsley (3-3) took the loss Thursday against Atlanta, giving up two runs on two hits and a walk in an inning of relief. He failed to strike out a batter.

Called upon to protect a 3-2 lead in the eighth inning, Helsley issued a one-out walk before serving up back-to-back doubles to Michael Harris and Ozzie Albies. Helsley has had a rough start to his tenure as Edwin Diaz's main setup man, coughing up seven runs (albeit only three earned) over six appearances and five innings while getting charged with two blown saves and two losses. The Mets won't give up on the trade-deadline acquisition, but Helsley could begin to cede eighth-inning duties to other relievers until he gets back on track.

Thompson (shoulder) threw a 25-pitch bullpen session Thursday, MLB.com reports.

Thompson, who is dealing with a strain of his lower right trapezius muscle, threw his second bullpen in three days. Arizona manager Torey Lovullo noted the right-hander has responded well to the work, but his return date remains uncertain. Thompson last pitched for the Diamondbacks on July 4.

Stewart had imaging on his right shoulder that revealed no structural damage, but he will be shut down from throwing for at least a week, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Though Stewart is likely going to be out for more than the minimum 15 days required by his IL stint, his test results suggest he should be able to return to action this season. However, the veteran right-hander's 2024 campaign ended in late July due to a shoulder issue that required surgery, so the Dodgers probably aren't going to push the issue and rush Stewart back until he's fully ready. In four outings with the club after being acquired in a trade-deadline deal with Minnesota, Stewart notched two holds while allowing two runs and posting a 3:2 K:BB over 3.2 innings.

Iglesias picked up the save Thursday against the Mets, striking out one during a perfect ninth inning.

Iglesias didn't yield a run for a ninth consecutive outing, delivering his sixth perfect inning during that stretch. The scoreless streak came off the heels of Iglesias' fifth blown save of the campaign. Through 49.2 innings on the year, Iglesias has a 4.17 ERA and a 54:10 K:BB.

Henry picked up the save Thursday against the Phillies, yielding one hit with one strikeout over a scoreless ninth inning.

It was reported that the 26-year-old rookie would be in the mix for saves after the Nationals traded closer Kyle Finnegan near the deadline. However, Jose Ferrer got the first save opportunity Aug. 9 while Henry pitched the eighth frame. Their roles reversed Thursday, with Ferrer handling setup duties while Henry recorded his first career save. He's allowed one run on four hits and two walks across 5.2 innings in August. Given that Ferrer is a southpaw and Henry is a right-hander, Washington could utilize a matchup-based approach to the closer role during the final stretch of the regular season.

Ferrer earned a hold during Thursday's 3-2 win over Philadelphia, allowing one hit with one strikeout during a scoreless inning.

Ferrer handled ninth-inning duties Aug. 9 in Washington's first save opportunity after trading closer Kyle Finnegan, but Ferrer was passed over Thursday in favor of Cole Henry. Instead, Ferrer worked in a setup role, pitching a scoreless eighth frame before Henry earned the save with a scoreless ninth. The Nationals could use a matchup-based approach to the closer role for the final weeks of the season between the lefty Ferrer and the righty Henry, but save chances are likely to come at a premium for the rebuilding club. Ferrer has allowed two runs on nine hits in six innings during August.

Lord didn't factor into the decision Thursday against Philadelphia, allowing two runs on seven hits and one walk across six innings. He struck out three.

Lord's seven hits allowed were a season worst, but he was able to navigate the trouble and give up just two runs. He's been impressive since hopping into the rotation following the All-Star break, posting a 2.77 ERA and a 17:6 K:BB across 26 innings. Lord is fully stretched out, and he's completed six innings in back-to-back appearances. He'll look to extend that streak in his next start, which is scheduled to come against the Mets.

Beck allowed one earned run on three hits while striking out one across two innings in Wednesday's 11-1 loss to the Padres.

Beck retired the side in order in the sixth inning but surrendered three singles and a run in the seventh, throwing 22 of his 32 pitches for strikes. The 29-year-old has appeared in nine games since being recalled from Triple-A Sacramento, recording a 4.38 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and a 7:3 K:BB across 12.1 innings during that span. Overall, the right-hander owns a 5.17 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and an 18:10 K:BB across 31.1 innings in 19 outings this season.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Wednesday that Graterol (shoulder) is unlikely to return from the 60-day injured list this season, MLB writer Mike DiGiovanna reports.

Graterol has been out all season after undergoing labrum surgery on his right shoulder last November. Roberts noted that Graterol is not currently throwing, suggesting the hurler suffered a setback at some point. Graterol will be eligible for salary arbitration for a final time this offseason, but he could be a non-tender candidate, given his checkered history on the health front.

Ashcraft is slated to start Friday's game against the Cubs at Wrigley Field, Danny Demilio of PittsburghBaseballNow.com reports.

After making his previous nine appearances out of the bullpen, Ashcraft picked up his second MLB start this past weekend against the Reds as a replacement in the rotation for Johan Oviedo, who was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis. Though he was limited to 56 pitches in his outing versus Cincinnnati, Ashcraft was effective during his time on the mound, striking out five while allowing five baserunners over 3.1 innings. He'll be rewarded with a second turn through the rotation this weekend, and Ashcraft could push his pitch count up to the 65-to-80 range now that he's on a starter's schedule. Whether Ashcraft will be stick around in the rotation for the rest of the season is still unclear; Friday marks the first day that prospects who are called up for the first time in 2025 won't be able to exceed 45 days of service time, which will keep them eligible for 2026 Rookie of the Year Award consideration. With that in mind, prized pitching prospect Bubba Chandler could soon get called up from Triple-A to make his MLB debut, and Ashcraft may move back to the bullpen to accommodate him.