MLB Player News

Hader allowed two walks in a scoreless ninth inning to earn a save Wednesday versus the Phillies.

The 27-year-old was able to work around a season-high two walks and secure his 30th save of the year. It was his first appearance in a week, which may explain the control issues. He has been exceptional since the beginning of August, pitching 11.1 scoreless innings while collecting 19 strikeouts and converting nine saves.

Finnegan allowed one hit with a pair of strikeouts to earn his eighth save of the season Wednesday against Atlanta.

Finnegan, the sixth and final reliever utilized by the Nationals after starter Sean Nolin was ejected in the first inning, stranded a two-out single by Jorge Soler to convert his fifth straight save chance. The 30-year-old Finnegan boasts a 2.73 ERA in 56 innings this season despite allowing 51 hits and 28 walks.

Estevez (2-4) took the loss Wednesday versus San Francisco after allowing four runs on four hits and a walk with two strikeouts in two-thirds of an inning.

Estevez allowed five of the seven batters he faced to reach base, and San Francisco scored on a two-run single by LaMonte Wade and a two-run double by Evan Longoria. It's a rare misstep for Estevez, who had converted three saves in five outings since taking over as the full-time closer. He now has a 4.59 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 53:18 K:BB across 51 innings while adding five saves, five blown saves and 15 holds in 53 outings. Colorado's closer situation remains somewhat fluid, but one poor outing isn't likely to cost Estevez just yet.

Rogers (6-1) allowed a hit in a scoreless inning to earn the win Wednesday over Colorado.

The right-hander was able to keep San Francisco within a run after he pitched a scoreless eighth inning, and the offense pulled ahead in the ninth. Rogers is in the midst of an impressive run, as he's posted 11 straight scoreless innings dating back to Aug. 18, and he's yielded just six hits with 10 strikeouts in that span. The setup man has a 1.72 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 45:9 K:BB through 68 innings this season as one of San Francisco's most utilized relievers.

Quezada (COVID-19 protocols) began a rehab assignment with the Cardinals' rookie-level Florida Complex League affiliate Aug. 31. He's appeared in three FCL games, working three innings while giving up two earned runs on two hits and a walk.

Since Quezada was placed on the 60-day injured list Aug. 11 due to COVID-19 protocols, he won't be eligible to rejoin Double-A Springfield before its season ends, but he looks like he'll head into the offseason healthy. Expect him to make regular appearances in the FCL or with one of the Cardinals' other lower-level affiliates before the minor-league season ends.

Nolin was ejected during the first inning of Wednesday's game against Atlanta for intentionally hitting Freddie Freeman with a pitch, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

Nationals star Juan Soto was plunked during the ninth inning of Tuesday's contest, and this appeared to be a direct retaliation by the left-hander. Nolin threw behind Freeman on the first pitch before hitting him with the second offering, after which he was ejected. Washington's bullpen will need to record all but one out Wednesday, while Nolin is likely to face additional discipline from the league. According to Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com, the 31-year-old could be utilized out of the bullpen Thursday after manager Dave Martinez was forced to rely heavily on his relievers due to the ejection.

Vesia (3-1) earned the win over the Cardinals on Tuesday, retiring the only batter he faced via strikeout.

The Dodgers deployed nine different relievers as part of a planned bullpen game, with Vesia -- the only one among the group to not toss at least a full inning -- landing in the fortunate position to pick up the win. The left-hander couldn't have done much better in his brief opportunity, striking out Matt Carpenter on three pitches to end a two-on, two-out threat. Vesia has been outstanding over his past 25 appearances, posting a 1.09 ERA, 0.57 WHIP and 31:6 K:BB across 24.2 frames.

Norris (hand) appeared out of the bullpen in Monday's 12-0 loss to the Phillies, giving up two runs (one earned) on two hits over one inning.

Norris sustained a cut on his throwing hand during his appearance last weekend against St. Louis, but the Brewers only stayed away for him for a couple days before he mopped up in the blowout loss to Philadelphia. Since being acquired from the Tigers on July 30, Norris has submitted a 6.91 ERA, 1.60 WHIP and 14:13 K:BB in 14.1 innings.

Beck (back) will shift his rehab assignment Wednesday from the rookie-level Arizona Complex League to Low-A San Jose, Low-A San Jose broadcaster Joe Ritzo reports.

Beck has resided on Double-A Richmond's 7-day injured list since June 9 while recovering from a herniated disc on the left side of his back, but he looks on pace to rejoin the affiliate before season's end. He started up a rehab assignment in the ACL in mid-August and wrapped up his stint in rookie ball with a three-inning appearance on Monday.

The Rockies placed Stephenson on the paternity list Wednesday.

Stephenson will be away from the team for 1-to-3 days while he welcomes a child into the world. The 28-year-old right-hander has been a serviceable relief arm in the middle innings for the Rockies since returning from the injured list in early August. In his 14 appearances since being activated, Stephenson has provided a 2.45 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP to go with one win and two holds.