MLB Player News

Alzolay allowed three runs on three hits and two walks while striking out two over 3.2 innings against Cincinnati on Thursday. He did not factor in the decision.

Alzolay gave up a pair of runs in the first inning and another in the second before settling down to retire seven of his final eight batters, but he was unable to make it to the fourth frame after tossing 78 pitches. Walks have been a driving force behind his high pitch counts; with the two he issued Thursday, Alzolay has now racked up seven free passes over his last 6.1 innings. Though the Cubs have a need for a fifth starter due to injuries in their rotation, it's uncertain whether they will continue to look to Alzolay as the answer. If he does get another start, it isn't likely to come until Sept. 22 at Pittsburgh.

Voth allowed three runs on two hits and two walks across 4.1 innings pitched in Thursday's loss to the Braves. He struck out four and did not factor in the decision.

Things were looking great for Voth in the early parts of Thursday's outing. The right-hander retired the first nine batters he faced, while the Nats spotted him a 5-0 lead. Unfortunately, Voth seemed to lose his command in the fourth, as he walked two and allowed a two-run homer to Freddie Freeman. He struck out Nick Markakis to begin the fifth but was pulled a batter later after hitting Tyler Flowers. The 28-year-old was charged with one more run when Ronald Acuna took Wander Suero deep for a two-run homer. Voth will once again try for his first win when he takes the ball Wednesday against the Rays.

Melancon picked up the save Thursday against the Nationals, allowing one hit in a scoreless ninth inning. He did not record a strikeout.

The right-hander allowed a two-out single to Asdrubal Cabrera but was able to get Brock Holt to fly out to end the threat. Melancon has picked up four saves while allowing just one hit across his last five appearances.

Howard will start Saturday rather than Friday against the Marlins, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Howard was originally slated to take the ball in Game 2 of Friday's doubleheader, but with Zack Wheeler (fingernail) being scratched from Saturday's start, the Phillies will push Howard back a day to start the nine-inning tilt. Philadelphia will go with a bullpen game in the second half of Friday's twin bill.

Gallegos left Thursday's loss to Detroit in the second game of a doubleheader due to a groin injury, according to manager Mike Shildt, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

The right-hander ended up taking the loss, allowing three runs without recording an out before exiting. Shildt said the reliever will have to undergo further evaluation, including imaging, to determine the full extent of the injury.

Gallegos exited Thursday's game in the seventh inning with an undisclosed injury, FOX Sports Midwest reports.

The right-hander came into the game to start the seventh inning and allowed three runs on two hits and a walk before exiting the field with a trainer. It's unclear at the moment what Gallegos is dealing with or how long he may be out.

Kelly (shoulder) was activated from the injured list Thursday and will begin to serve his five-game suspension.

Kelly had been on the injured list with shoulder inflammation since Aug. 10. The reliever will now serve his five-game suspension that he received for his role in the altercation with the Astros on July 28. He will return to the Dodgers' bullpen Sept. 16.

De Leon was optioned to the Reds' alternate training site Thursday.

He will stick on the taxi squad for the rest of this road trip, which ends Sunday. De Leon has given up 12 earned runs in four innings this season.

Vesia was optioned to the Marlins' alternate training site Thursday.

Vesia will return to alternate camp after allowing five runs (four earned) over 1.1 innings during Wednesday's blowout loss to Atlanta. The southpaw did not find much success in his first taste of major-league action this year with an 18.69 ERA and 3.23 WHIP over 4.1 innings across five appearances.

Pagan (biceps) was activated from the 10-day injured list Thursday, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

He will end up missing a little under two weeks with the biceps injury, but in that time, Trevor Rosenthal appears to have taken over as the team's closer. Pagan could still get the occassional save opportunity and could vulture wins, but as long as Rosenthal is pitching well, he should remain the go-to closer.