MLB Player News

Yates recorded a save at Dodger Stadium on Friday after allowing one hit and striking out one batter in a scoreless inning of relief.

Yates gave up a two-out single to Justin Turner but punched out Cody Bellinger to finish off a 5-2 victory in the ninth inning. The 32-year-old has been dominant as the Padres closer, tallying 32 saves with a microscopic 1.00 ERA and 0.82 WHIP to go with a 73:9 K:BB.

Young (4-1) struck out nine against the Nationals on Friday but was charged with the loss after allowing two runs on three hits and three walks over six innings.

Making just his sixth career start, Young was nearly lights out, whiffing a career-high nine batters without allowing any home runs. Despite the solid performance, the southpaw took his first loss of the year after his offense failed to provide any run support in a 3-0 shutout. Young now owns a 2.60 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and 29:10 K:BB and will look to bounce back Wednesday against the Phillies.

Helsley, who remains on the 40-man roster while at Triple-A Memphis, is expected to return to the Cardinals before the end of the season, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Helsley was most recently sent down to the Redbirds after throwing two scoreless innings in relief against the Reds on July 20. He's subsequently started in both of his appearances since returning to Memphis, throwing 48 pitches over 2.1 innings on July 25 before logging another three frames and 35 pitches Wednesday. Rogers reports Helsley could be an option as a spot starter if Michael Wacha struggles in his return to the rotation, or he could once again serve in the relief capacity he's generated a 2.92 ERA and 0.97 WHIP in across eight big-league appearances this season.

Lambert tossed six innings Friday, allowing four runs on six hits and three walks while striking out five in a no-decision versus the Giants.

Lambert's uneven season continues, as Friday's performance is the fourth time he's allowed four or more runs, although the six innings pitched tied his season high. The 22-year-old owns a 5.71 ERA and 1.46 WHIP across 52 innings this season, adding 40 strikeouts. He'll have a tough task ahead when he takes on the Astros on Wednesday for his next scheduled start.

Alexander (forearm) shifted to the 60-day injured list Friday.

The move has little effect on Alexander's return timeline, as he's already been out for nearly 60 days with left forearm inflammation. He doesn't appear to be particularly close to a return to action. The move opens a spot on the 40-man roster for Dustin May.

Floro was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Friday.

Floro was only with the Dodgers for two days after returning from a neck injury Wednesday. Tony Gonsolin will take his place in the bullpen.

Rodriguez was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento on Thursday.

Rodriguez wound up returning for just a single start Thursday against the Phillies. He was optioned after allowing seven runs (four earned) in just three innings, bringing his season ERA up to 5.32. His absence clears a spot for Scooter Gennett, who was picked up in a deadline-day trade from the Reds. It's not clear who will take Rodriguez's place in the rotation.

Young will start Friday against the Nationals instead of Saturday as originally scheduled, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

A reason for the switch has not yet been provided. The decision has minimal fantasy impact, though he does now get to square off against Joe Ross instead of Stephen Strasburg.

Garcia tossed a scoreless ninth inning Thursday in an extra-innings win over the Twins.

The southpaw entered the game with the Marlins down 4-1, and his efforts set the stage for a rally in the bottom of the ninth and an eventual walkoff homer from Harold Ramirez in the 12th. Garcia is one of the favorites to get saves in a Miami bullpen that lost Sergio Romo and Nick Anderson at the trade deadline, but it won't be clear who manager Don Mattingly trusts to close until the club actually has a save situation to protect.

Garcia pitched a scoreless ninth inning during the Marlins' extra-innings Thursday win, which means he could be the favored option for saves moving forward.

Miami's trade of Nick Anderson and Trevor Richards to Tampa Bay removed two logical successors to Sergio Romo. Meanwhile, the lefty Garcia has spun a 2.43 ERA but has struck out just 6.8 K/9, so he doesn't necessarily fit the traditional closer profile, but Miami doesn't have many options left to wrap up their fleeting save opportunities. Perhaps Ryne Stanek (hip), who's on the injured list, could surface as an option, along with Jose Quijada, Jeff Brigham and Adam Conley. Either way, this looks like a mess, even if Garcia gains a slight edge.