MLB Player News

Estevez earned the save against the Dodgers on Friday, pitching a scoreless ninth inning during which he gave up one hit and struck out three batters.

The right-hander entered the contest with two saves on the campaign, but his last save conversion had come way back on May 24 against the Mets. Estevez allowed a leadoff single to Mookie Betts on Friday but proceeded to strike out the next three batters to slam the door on Los Angeles. Daniel Bard, who has been the Rockies' closer for most of the campaign but has struggled of late, pitched the eighth inning, suggesting that he may have lost hold of the team's ninth-inning role. If that is the case, Estevez figures to be first in line for save chances as he now has three of Colorado's non-Bard saves this season.

Thompson allowed five runs (four earned) on five hits and two walks with one strikeout in two-plus innings versus the White Sox on Friday. He did not factor in the decision.

The Cubs took a 6-0 lead in the top of the first, but Thompson was unable to maintain the lead. He wasn't responsible for the White Sox's go-ahead run in the third inning, but the right-hander can still shoulder a share of the blame for the team's defeat. It was by far the worst appearance of the season for Thompson, who saw his ERA tick up to 3.09 with a 1.41 WHIP and 45:26 K:BB through 46.2 innings. He's mainly worked as a reliever at the major-league level, but he could get a more favorable matchup versus the Pirates next week if he gets another turn in the rotation after Friday's disaster.

Littell allowed a run on one hit in 1.2 innings, taking a blown save in Friday's 6-5 loss to Atlanta.

The right-hander allowed two inherited runners from Tony Watson to score on a Jorge Soler in the seventh inning. Littell has allowed runs in back-to-back appearances after starting August with an 8.2-inning scoreless streak. He has a 2.93 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 37:19 K:BB through 46 innings overall, while adding two saves and five holds in a versatile role.

Reyes recorded the save with a scoreless ninth inning allowing one hit with two strikeouts in a win over Pittsburgh on Friday.

It took only 12 pitches total for Reyes to close the door in the ninth to help secure a 4-3 win over the Pirates. This was a nice bounce-back showing for the right-hander who had previously recorded two blown-saves across his last four outings.

Minter (2-4) allowed a hit and a walk in a scoreless inning to earn the win Friday versus San Francisco.

Minter was the beneficiary of Atlanta's four-run rally in the bottom of the seventh inning, as it put the team ahead for the first time in the contest. Since he was recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett on Aug. 10, the southpaw has logged 6.2 scoreless innings, allowing just two hits and three walks while striking out 11. He's lowered his overall ERA to 4.05 with a 1.33 WHIP and 48:17 K:BB in 40 innings, and he's also picked up 21 holds in 48 outings.

Smith allowed a solo home run and struck out one in one inning to earn the save in Friday's 6-5 win over San Francisco.

Luckily for Smith, he was called on to protect a two-run lead, as he allowed a solo shot to Wilmer Flores before retiring the next three batters in order. Atlanta's closer is up to 29 saves on the year, and he's converted eight of 10 chances in 13 appearances in August despite yielding eight runs in 12.1 innings. The left-hander has a 3.83 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 68:21 K:BB through 54 innings overall.

Peters (0-2) picked up the loss pitching five innings while allowing three runs on six hits with four strikeouts in a loss to St. Louis on Friday.

The left-hander posted a solid first four innings before running into trouble in the fifth surrendering a two-run home run to Tommy Edman. Only the third start of the season for Peters, the southpaw now carries a 3.07 ERA into his next start likely against the Cubs.

Alzolay (hamstring) will throw a bullpen session Friday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Alzolay made his first rehab appearance at Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday and allowed four runs on three hits and a walk while striking out three in two innings. The Cubs are expected to determine the next steps in the right-hander's recovery based on how he performs during Friday's throwing session.

Jackson will pitch behind opener Brusdar Graterol in Friday's game against the Rockies, Jorge Castillo of the Los Angeles Times reports.

The 25-year-old will serve as the primary pitcher in Friday's series opener, but Graterol will begin the game on the mound. During Jackson's major-league debut in mid-August, he allowed two hits and four walks while striking out five in four scoreless innings.

Graterol will serve as an opener during Friday's game against the Rockies, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports. .

Graterol has pitched well since being recalled Aug. 3. posting a 1.59 ERA across his last 11.1 innings. The Dodgers' pitching plans after the right-hander aren't yet clear, but Andre Jackson figures to be a candidate to provide multiple relief innings.