MLB Player News

Ponce de Leon didn't factor into the decision in the second game of Friday's doubleheader against the Pirates, allowing two runs on three hits and two walks over five innings. He struck out nine.

It was the second straight outing in which Ponce de Leon fanned nine batters while giving up only two runs, but he wasn't rewarded with the win in either as the Cards waited until he was out of the game to take the lead in both contests. The right-hander has a 3.86 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 22:4 K:BB over 14 innings in September, and he's currently scheduled for one more start in the regular season during a doubleheader against the Brewers on Sept. 25.

Helsley walked two batters without allowing a run in two-thirds of an inning to record his first save of the season in a 6-5 win over the Pirates in the first game of Friday's doubleheader.

Alex Reyes got the first out of the seventh inning before handing the ball to Helsley, who loaded the bases with two outs thanks to a Paul DeJong error sandwiched between the free passes. The right-hander was then able to escape the jam by getting John Ryan Murphy to fly out to end the game. Helsley has not pitched well at all since coming off the COVID-19 list, posting an 11.81 ERA, 2.63 WHIP and 2:6 K:BB over 5.1 innings while going 1-for-3 on save chances, but he will apparently remain in the high-leverage mix for manager Mike Shildt.

Castano allowed three runs on five hits and no walks while striking out one over 4.1 innings in Game 2 of Friday's doubleheader against the Nationals. He didn't factor into the decision.

Castano made his sixth start of the season during Friday's nightcap and was relatively effective. He gave up two runs in the first inning and allowed one more run in the fifth inning prior to his removal from the game. The southpaw now has a 3.86 ERA over 23.1 innings this season, but it's unclear whether he'll make another start in 2020.

Crowe (0-2) allowed six runs on four hits and two walks while striking out three over 2.1 innings as he was charged with the loss in Game 2 of Friday's doubleheader against the Marlins.

Crowe joined the major-league club to make a spot start during Friday's nightcap, but he struggled early in the contest as he allowed runs in each of the first three innings prior to his removal. The right-hander hasn't been very effective in his first taste of major-league action as he now carries an 11.88 ERA and 8:8 K:BB over 8.1 innings during three starts. It's unclear whether Crowe will appear in the majors again in 2020.

White (1-0) tossed two perfect innings and struck out one in a win over the Rockies on Friday.

White was credited with his first major-league win as the official scorer deemed him the most effective of six relievers to follow Alex Wood in Friday's blowout victory. The 25-year-old has pitched three scoreless innings across two outings to begin his career with the Dodgers.

Chafin (finger) will throw a bullpen session Friday and could return to game action soon, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Chafin threw a 20-pitch simulated game Wednesday, and he'll throw again just two days later. Assuming his finger responds well to Friday's bullpen session, manager David Ross said that he's "extremely close" to rejoining the team.

Suarez was recalled by the Giants on Friday.

Suarez has bounced on and off the roster throughout the season. He's made five appearances for the team, posting a 5.14 ERA, a 2.00 WHIP and a 4:5 K:BB. Wandy Peralta was optioned in a corresponding move.

Peralta was optioned to the Giants' alternate training site Friday.

Peralta had been on the big-league roster all season and performed well enough, posting a 3.91 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP in 23 innings of relief work. Whether or not he'll get another opportunity down the stretch remains to be seen. Andrew Suarez was recalled in a corresponding move.

Garcia was optioned to the Giants' alternate training site Friday.

Garcia made a pair of appearances during his latest stint on the roster, throwing two scoreless innings. Shaun Anderson was recalled in a corresponding move.

Sborz was optioned by the Dodgers on Friday, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Sborz finds himself sent down for the second time in four days, as he was optioned Tuesday before being recalled Wednesday. Mitch White was recalled in a corresponding move this time around.