MLB Player News

Ashcraft did not factor into the decision in Saturday's 2-1 loss to the Reds, allowing one run on three hits and one walk with five strikeouts over 3.1 innings.

Ashcraft opened with three scoreless frames before allowing a run and recording just one out in the fourth. The 25-year-old generated eight whiffs on 56 pitches in what was his longest outing of the season. He owns a 3.19 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 33:13 K:BB across 36.2 innings and tentatively lines up for a tough road matchup with the Cubs next weekend.

Megill earned the save in Saturday's 7-4 win over the Mets, allowing one walk and striking out two in a scoreless ninth inning.

Megill was called upon to protect a three-run lead in the ninth inning and struck out the last two batters he faced to secure his second save in as many days. The 31-year-old has now converted 10 straight save chances dating back to July 4, allowing just one earned run over 12 appearances during that stretch. For the year, he's tied for third in the majors with 28 saves to go along with a 2.20 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 49:15 K:BB across 41 innings.

Strahm picked up a hold in Saturday's 3-2 win over Texas, allowing one run on one hit and no walks in the eighth inning. He struck out one.

After spending a brief time in a committee at closer with Orion Kerkering amid Jordan Romano's struggles, Strahm has fallen back down the pecking order in Philadelphia's bullpen since Jhoan Duran was added to the mix. With Jose Alvarado also set to be reinstated from his 80-game suspension later in August, Strahm will likely soon have even more competition for high-leverage work. Strahm hasn't seen a save opportunity since July 13 in San Diego, though he does sport a 2.13 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and 17:6 K:BB over his last 13 outings (12.2 innings).

Pagan earned the save in Saturday' 2-1 win over the Pirates, allowing one walk in a scoreless ninth inning. He did not record a strikeout.

Pagan was summoned to protect a one-run lead in the ninth and worked around a leadoff walk to close it out. The 34-year-old has converted eight straight save chances since June 22, holding opponents scoreless in 14 of 18 appearances during that span. For the season, he's 25-for-28 in save opportunities with a 2.92 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 57:17 K:BB across 49.1 innings.

Kopech (knee) tossed a bullpen session Friday and could be close to facing hitters, MLB.com reports.

Kopech has been shelved due to a torn meniscus in his right knee since late June. He's currently on the 60-day injured list and isn't eligible to be activated until the final week of the August. Nonetheless, he appears to be making progress in his recovery and may be ready for a minor-league rehab stint in the not-too-distant future.

Yates (back) threw a bullpen session Friday, MLB.com reports.

Yates landed on the injured list Aug. 1 due to lower-back pain, and his ability to resume throwing off a mound suggests he's feeling better. Manager Dave Roberts indicated Friday that Yates is closer to being activated than the team's other injured relievers (Michael Kopech (knee) and Tanner Scott (elbow)), though it's unclear if Yates will be ready to return when he's first eligible Aug. 13. Regardless, it's evident that the veteran right-hander isn't expected to face an extended absence.

The Diamondbacks optioned Kelly to Triple-A Reno on Saturday.

Kelly pitched 1.2 scoreless innings over two appearances during his stint with the D-backs, but a need for fresh arms will cause him to head back to Triple-A in favor of Juan Burgos. Kelly owns a 5.82 ERA and 1.71 WHIP through 85 innings at Reno this season, but his strong MLB outings could keep him in consideration for a return to Arizona at some point.

The Diamondbacks recalled Burgos from Triple-A Reno on Saturday.

Since joining the Diamondbacks organization via the Eugenio Suarez trade, Burgos has given up two earned runs over 3.1 innings at Triple-A Reno. He'll now join Arizona's bullpen for the first time to provide a fresh middle-relief arm, taking the place of Casey Kelly.

The Padres optioned Reynolds to Triple-A El Paso on Saturday.

The 27-year-old righty will lose his place on the big-league pitching staff due to Michael King (shoulder) returning from the injured list Saturday. Reynolds carries a 5.55 ERA and 1.32 WHIP through 24.1 innings in the majors this season but remains an option to return to San Diego down the stretch whenever the Friars need a fresh bullpen arm.

Garrett will open Saturday's game against the Brewers, Will Sammon of The Athletic reports.

Garrett will move out of his traditional high-leverage relief role to pitch the first inning of Saturday's contest, marking his first career start in the majors. The 32-year-old righty sports a 2.51 ERA and 1.16 WHIP through 46.2 innings on the year and will likely make it through just one inning before handing the game over to Frankie Montas for bulk-relief work.