MLB Player News

Thompson was added to the Nationals' 26-man roster Saturday and will be available to pitch against the Cubs, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

One of several prospects acquired in the Nationals' trade deadline teardown, Thompson will be available to debut with his new club after appearing in only four games for the Padres this season, the most recent of which was July 1.

Weathers (4-3) took the loss against Colorado on Friday, pitching four innings and allowing eight runs on eight hits and three walks while striking out two.

A grand slam off the bat of Ryan McMahon put Weathers and the Padres in an early hole, and Colorado tacked on four more runs by way of two two-run homers in the fourth frame to blow things open. The eight runs allowed by Weathers were double his previous 2021 single-game season high. The left-hander's ERA jumped from 2.73 to 3.65 as a result of the poor outing, but he'll try to bounce back in his next start, which is expected to come at home against Arizona next weekend.

Helsley (6-4) was credited with the win in a victory over the Twins on Friday, allowing two hits and recording two strikeouts over 1.1 scoreless innings.

Helsley served as the bridge to the eighth inning after taking over for starter Wade LeBlanc with two outs in the sixth. The 27-year-old right-hander has encountered some rough patches this season, but he's been in a nice groove for quite some time -- factoring in Friday's scoreless effort, Helsley now boasts a 3-0 record, 1.89 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and three holds over the 19 innings covering his last nine appearances.

Long was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento on Saturday, Kerry Crowley of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Long tossed two scoreless innings in his return from the 10-day injured list Wednesday, but he'll be sent to the minors after he gave up three runs (two earned) on a hit and a walk in a third of an inning Friday. His demotion will make room in the bullpen for Tony Watson, who was acquired via trade Friday.

Crowe (3-5) allowed one hit and four walks while striking out four in six scoreless innings to earn the win against the Phillies on Friday.

Crowe hadn't allowed fewer than two earned runs in any of his outings since April 25, but he worked through some command issues Friday to earn his second straight win. The righty only tossed 53 of his 92 pitches for strikes and got into some trouble when he issued three walks in the top of the fourth inning, but he still kept the Phillies from crossing the plate. Across three starts since the All-Star break, Crowe has recorded a 3.24 ERA and 1.14 WHIP in 16.2 innings. He tentatively lines up to make his next start on the road against Milwaukee on Wednesday.

Finnegan allowed one hit and no walks in a scoreless ninth inning to earn the save against the Cubs on Friday.

Finnegan has taken on ninth-inning duties after Brad Hand and Daniel Hudson (COVID-19 protocols) were traded away, and he's converted on a pair of save chances across the last two days. The right-hander allowed two runs in his first appearance after the All-Star break, but he's now tossed 7.2 scoreless innings in his last seven outings and should be considered the favorite for save opportunities.

Thompson is expected to join the major-league roster Saturday, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

Thompson made his major-league debut earlier this season and allowed a run in three innings across four relief appearances. He's posted a 5.34 ERA and 1.17 WHIP in 28.2 innings at Triple-A El Paso this year, and he'll now get a chance to carve out a big-league role with his new club.

Boxberger (4-2) pitched two perfect innings and struck out one to earn the win over Atlanta on Friday.

Starter Corbin Burnes wasn't at his best, and Boxberger entered with two on and no outs in the fifth inning. The 33-year-old reliever escaped the jam without trouble and ended up with his first win since June 26. The right-hander has a 2.74 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 52:20 K:BB through 42.2 innings this season. He's added three saves and 13 holds, indicating he typically enters games later than he did Friday.

Hernandez (quadriceps) will begin a rehab assignment Saturday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Hernandez has made two separate trips to the 60-day injured list this season but is closing in on a return to action. Given the length of his latest absence, however, he's likely to require multiple rehab outings before returning to action.

Rucker's contract was selected by the Cubs on Friday, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Rucker made 19 relief appearances at Triple-A Iowa this season and recorded a 4.81 ERA and 1.36 WHIP in 39.1 innings. He'll be available to make his major-league debut and should serve mainly as a low-leverage reliever.