MLB Player News

Hicks gave up a hit and struck out one in 1.1 scoreless innings to pick up his third save of the season in Saturday's 8-3 win over the Royals.

He entered the game protecting a three-run lead with two outs in the eighth inning, but after the Cards tacked on two insurance runs in the top of the ninth, Hicks stuck around to close things out. The 21-year-old flamethrower has been getting good results since the All-Star break, posting a 0.79 ERA despite a 6:4 K:BB in 11.1 innings, but unless something happens to Bud Norris, Hicks will primarily remain in a set-up role down the stretch.

Alexander was charged with an earned run after surrendering a hit and striking out one over a third of an inning in Saturday's 3-2 loss to the Rockies.

Alexander started the ninth inning with a two-run lead, but he was lifted in favor of J.T. Chargois after giving up a one-out double to Trevor Story. The latter was charged with the blown save after giving up a three-run homer to Ryan McMahon. Manager Dave Roberts stated that he removed Alexander due to an unfavorable matchup against Nolan Arenado, who had gone 1-for-3 with a home run against the southpaw prior to Saturday's matchup, according to Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register. Despite combing for a blown save, Alexander's usage confirmed previous sentiments that he is the primary option atop a closing committee, but this situation remains fluid moving forward.

Hader struck out three in two perfect innings Saturday to record his ninth save of the season in a 4-2 win over the Braves.

Corey Knebel's recent struggles have opened the door for Hader to close out games again, and he now has two saves in four August appearances after going the entire month of July without one. Manager Craig Counsell prefers to have Knebel working the ninth inning and reserve Hader for the highest-leverage situations, but until Knebel rights his ship, Hader's fantasy value will once again be on the rise.

Iglesias threw a 1-2-3 inning and struck out one against Arizona on Saturday to earn his 23rd save of the season.

The righty wrapped up a Reds win for the second straight night. While his pace for closures doesn't match that of many stoppers for more successful clubs, Iglesias has delivered sterling numbers (2.47 ERA, 9.4 K/9, 2.7 BB/9 in 51 innings), which still makes him a strong fantasy option.

Chargois (2-4) blew the save and took the loss Saturday against the Rockies, allowing two runs on one hit -- a home run -- while recording one out.

Scott Alexander began the ninth but was pulled after allowing a double to Trevor Story, as manager Dave Roberts wasn't going to let the lefty face Nolan Arenado. Chargois got the call, and he promptly hit Arenado with a pitch before allowing a walkoff three-run homer to Ryan McMahon. It seems this will indeed be a committee with Kenley Jansen (irregular heartbeat) on the disabled list, and Chargois does have the ever-enticing combo of strikeouts and groundballs, but this stumble may knock him down a rung or two.

Boshers was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis on Saturday, Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic Pittsburgh reports.

Boshers was claimed off waivers by the Pirates on Tuesday and only pitched one inning with Indianapolis before making his way to the majors. The 30-year-old has a 3.18 ERA and 1.24 WHIP at Triple-A this season and a 4.59 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 78:25 K:BB over parts of three major-league seasons with the Twins.

Manager Brian Snitker said Vizcaino (shoulder) is scheduled to begin throwing off flat ground next week, David O'Brien of The Athletic Atlanta reports.

Vizcaino hasn't thrown since landing on the disabled list just before the All-Star break, so it will likely take some time for him to get up to speed. There is unlikely to be a timetable for his return at least until the 27-year-old begins throwing off a mound. A.J. Minter should continue as the Braves' closer in his absence.

Holmes was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Saturday, Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic Pittsburgh reports.

Holmes was rocked for seven earned runs over 2.2 innings Friday against the Giants. A corresponding move has yet to be announced, but the Pirates will likely bring up a fresh arm after the bullpen was forced to cover 6.1 innings Friday.

Axford fired a scoreless inning while giving up a hit and striking out two in Friday's loss to the Rockies.

Axford was shelled for six runs in his Dodgers debut last Saturday, but he was able to bounce back with a clean outing in a tough pitching environment. Closer Kenley Jansen is expected to miss 4-6 weeks with an irregular heartbeat, but manager Dave Roberts suggested Scott Alexander will head a closing committee, with Kenta Maeda perhaps joining him in the near future. Axford's disappointing 5.33 ERA this year is likely what caused him to be bypassed as an initial replacement. That said, the 35-year-old does have plenty of closing experience (144 career saves), so he shouldn't be completely ruled out of the equation, especially if the aforementioned options struggle early on.

Floro pitched two-thirds of an inning Friday, striking out one without allowing a baserunner in a 5-4 loss to Colorado.

Floro has become one of manager Dave Roberts' more reliable right-handed relievers, posting a 1.93 ERA and 10.3 K/9 in 14 innings since coming over from Cincinnati on July 4. The 27-year-old could see his role elevated further following Kenley Jansen's placement on the disabled list with an irregular heartbeat. Scott Alexander is expected to lead a closing committee, but Floro has certainly made a case to be considered as a late-inning option if he is called upon.