MLB Player News

Hudson didn't allow a baserunner in the ninth inning of the team's second game of a doubleheader Tuesday against the Phillies.

Hudson closed out both of the team's wins Tuesday, bringing his total save count on the season to seven. Though chances have been limited for the Nationals, Hudson has recorded each of the team's last four saves -- all of which have come in September. Despite manager Dave Martinez continuing to call Sean Doolittle his closer, there's nothing in his usage that suggests that's actually the case as he has yet to appear in save situation this month. In addition, there's little reason for the team to alter Hudson's role before the conclusion of the regular season, as he's now managed seven consecutive scoreless appearances.

Lambert has been shut down for the season, Kyle Newman of The Denver Post reports.

He looked gassed with a 10.43 ERA in four September starts. Lambert made 19 MLB starts and finishes with a 7.25 ERA. Even though he struggled mightily as a rookie, Lambert will likely be given a chance to compete for a rotation spot in the spring. The Rockies may opt for a bullpen game for Lambert's next and final turn in the rotation, which is Friday in San Francisco.

Hoffman exited his start Tuesday against the Giants in the fourth inning on a cart after getting hit on the right leg by a 99.6-mph line drive, Kerry Crowley of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

He gave up three runs on three hits and three walks while striking out three in 3.1 innings before Alex Dickerson's comebacker knocked Hoffman out of the game. The fact he needed assistance to get off the field is discouraging. Hoffman is currently scheduled to start again on the final day of the season against the Brewers but that start is very much up in the air.

Kelly (lower body) won't pitch Tuesday or Wednesday but may return Thursday, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register reports.

Kelly has appeared in only one game since Sept. 14 while dealing with what manager Dave Roberts vaguely described as "overall bodyitis." Despite the extended time off and mysterious nature of Kelly's condition, Roberts suggested a lack of concern and indicated that Kelly will likely pitch Thursday. The 31-year-old is expected to play a central role in the Dodgers' bullpen in the postseason.

Hader allowed two hits and struck out one across one inning to earn the save Tuesday against the Reds.

Hader recorded the first two outs in the ninth inning without issue, but allowed a single and double to the next two batters he faced. He struck out Christian Colon to keep the Brewers' lead intact and record his 36th save of the campaign. After a shaky month of August, Hader has allowed only two earned runs across 12 innings in the final month of the regular season.

Hudson pitched a perfect ninth inning to record his sixth save of the season in a 4-1 win over the Phillies in the first game of Tuesday's doubleheader.

Hudson has earned the save in three of his last four appearances, and it took him just 14 pitches to produce three flyball outs. Manager Dave Martinez said earlier in the day that he still views Sean Doolittle as his closer and is confident Doolittle will eventually return to the role full time.

Kuhnel is unavailable Tuesday due to illness, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.

Kuhnel isn't the only Red to be out with an illness, with Freddy Galvis also unavailable Tuesday. Kuhnel owns an unimpressive 5.19 ERA in 8.2 innings since making his big-league debut in mid-August.

Young (7-5) took the loss against the Cardinals on Monday, giving up six earned runs on seven hits over five innings, striking out five and walking two in a 9-7 defeat for the Diamondbacks.

Young couldn't manage to keep the ball in the park in this contest, serving up long balls to Tommy Edman, Paul Goldschmidt and Yadier Molina. That's been a theme for Young this year, with this giving him 14 homers conceded in just 79.1 innings. For the season the left-hander has a 3.74 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 70:27 K:BB.

Lamet is scheduled to make his final start of the season Wednesday against the Dodgers.

Lamet would have been available to take the hill in Tuesday's series opener on five days' rest, but the Padres elected to expand the rotation to six men and give the right-hander an additional day of rest following his dazzling 14-strikeout outing Sept. 18 in Milwaukee. The right-hander has been spectacular since the beginning of August, turning in a 3.20 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 65 strikeouts over an eight-start stretch. His move back in the Padres' pitching schedule robs him of a two-start week, but Lamet still looks like a solid lineup option in most formats based on the form he's displayed lately.

Bolanos is slated to start Tuesday's game against the Dodgers.

Bolanos was bumped to the bullpen last week following Garrett Richards' (elbow) return from the 60-day injured list, but there will be room for both pitchers to make starts in the final week of the season with the Padres expanding their rotation to six men. Over three appearances (two starts) with San Diego this season, Bolanos ha posted a 5.79 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 11:7 K:BB in 14 innings.