MLB Player News

Hudson gave up three hits over two scoreless innings to record his fifth save of the season in Friday's 6-4 win over the Marlins.

Three of the right-hander's saves have come in a Nats uniform after he came over from the Jays at the trade deadline, and he's earned the save in both of his last two appearances. With Sean Doolittle still trying to find his form, it looks like Hudson will be the top closing option for Washington over the final days of the regular season.

Lambert (3-7) was charged with the loss Friday against the Dodgers, lasting just three innings while surrendering five runs on six hits and a walk with three strikeouts.

The right-hander struggled at Dodger Stadium once again, as he's given up 11 runs on 14 hits and three walks in just 4.2 innings over his last two starts there. Lambert held the Dodgers to two runs through the first three innings and had a 4-2 lead entering the fourth. Unfortunately, things quickly spiraled out of control when he allowed a leadoff home run to Corey Seager and then hit Chris Taylor with a pitch. He followed by walking Gavin Lux and then was charged with his own throwing error. His final batter of the night resulted in an infield single by Will Smith. Worse yet, all of his baserunners would come around to score in what turned into a 41-minute, six-run inning. It's been a tough season overall for Lambert, who will carry an unsightly 7.25 ERA and 1.74 WHIP into his last start Thursday at San Francisco.

Kimbrel (0-3) took the loss Thursday against the Cardinals, striking out two but allowing a solo homer in two-thirds of an inning.

Kimbrel returned from an elbow injury Thursday but failed to get the job done in his first game back. He entered a tie game in the top of the 10th inning and struck out the first batter before giving up a solo shot to Matt Carpenter. The veteran closer has struggled in 19.2 innings for the Cubs this season, recording a 5.95 ERA and allowing seven homers, tied for his career high despite the very low innings total. He won't be available Friday as he won't be asked to pitch on back-to-back days immediately after returning from the injured list, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.

Gallegos got the save against the Cubs on Thursday, tossing a scoreless inning without allowing a baserunner to close out a 5-4 extra-inning victory for the Cardinals. He struck out one and walked none.

Gallegos entered the contest in the 10th inning after the Cardinals had blown a save and retaken the lead and managed to shut the door with a clean effort, picking up his first save of the season and third of his career. He's having a fantastic season, with a 2.07 ERA, 0.78 WHIP and 92:15 K:BB across 69.2 innings, but Carlos Martinez is locked in as the Cardinals' closer and should be expected to get the bulk of the save chances through the rest of the season.

Hader earned a ninth-inning save Thursday after holding the Padres scoreless with one strikeout.

After Ray Black allowed two baserunners in the ninth inning, Hader was called upon to protect a 5-1 lead. He did so with ease, striking out Manuel Margot, then forcing Luis Torrens to ground into a double play. The save was Hader's 34th of the season as he improved to a 2.66 ERA and 0.77 WHIP.

Melancon didn't allow a baserunner and struck out two in the ninth inning to record the save Thursday against Philadelphia.

Melancon was called upon to protect a one-run lead and had no issue doing so, setting down the Phillies in order on just 12 pitches. He now has 12 saves on the season, 11 of which have come since he was dealt to Atlanta. While the save chances split between him and Shane Greene were originally unclear when they were acquired, Melancon has now locked down 11 of the team's last 13 save chances. He has pitched fairly effectively in his tenure with the team, particularly of late: He has turned in scoreless appearances in 10 of his last 12 outings.

Kimbrel (elbow) has been activated from the injured list, Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic reports.

Kimbrel made it through a pregame workout Thursday without issue, so the Cubs decided he was ready to rejoin the roster. Kimbrel allowed three earned runs in his last appearance and owns a 5.68 ERA since joining the Cubs in June, but expect him to get the ball if a save opportunity presents itself Thursday night.

Jansen is in no danger of losing his job as the Dodgers' closer, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports.

Although Jansen blew his eighth save of the season in Wednesday's loss to Tampa Bay, manager Dave Roberts indicated after the game that he is "not entertaining" the thought of replacing the veteran closer. For what it's worth, both relievers below Jansen in the pecking order -- Pedro Baez and Joe Kelly -- have surrendered earned runs in pivotal situations over the past week. Prior to Wednesday's meltdown, Jansen had been pitching well this month, holding opponents to one run and giving up only two hits while racking up three saves in six September appearances.

Suter will not be allowed to pitch on back-to-back days this season, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

It has been a pretty remarkable recovery for Suter, who underwent Tommy John surgery on Aug. 1, 2018 and has made it back in time to be a weapon out of the bullpen for the surging Brewers. He has asked to be allowed to pitch on back-to-back days, but manager Craig Counsell said it was "doctor's orders" to give him a rest day following every appearance. Suter, who last pitched Tuesday, has a 0.73 ERA, 0.41 WHIP, 10 strikeouts and two wins in 12.1 innings (six appearances) since being activated at the start of the month.

Iglesias gave up a hit and struck out two in a scoreless 10th inning Wednesday to record his 33rd save of the season in a 3-2 win over the Cubs.

The Reds closer remains perfect in September, converting all six of his save chances without allowing a run over eight appearances. Iglesias sports a 4.06 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 86:21 K:BB through 64.1 innings on the season.