MLB Player News

Strop allowed two earned runs on two hits and a walk but managed to record the save in Friday's 5-4 win over the Padres.

Strop came on with a 5-2 lead and quickly made things interesting, allowing a single, a walk and a double to start the ninth inning. The 33-year-old settled down from there to nab his sixth save of the year and, despite the hiccup, he still has a solid 2.86 ERA. Strop should continue to see save chances while regular closer Brandon Morrow (biceps) is on the disabled list.

Gage inked a minor-league deal with the Mets on Friday, Mike Ashmore of The Trentonian reports.

Gage was cut loose by the Giants in July, so he'll hope for a better outcome with his new team. He'll report to Double-A Binghamton and he figures to add organizational depth moving forward.

Chafin was reinstated from the paternity list Friday.

Chafin missed three days while on paternity leave. To make room for him on the roster, Chris Owings was optioned to Triple-A Reno.

Castillo fired a clean inning with three strikeouts while picking up a hold in Thursday's victory over the Cubs.

The 22-year-old has fired 3.2 scoreless innings with two walks and four strikeouts since being activated from the disabled list July 28. The Padres didn't move veteran relievers Kirby Yates or Craig Stammen at the deadline, so Castillo will resume his role as a middle reliever. The rookie has looked impressive in the majors so far, posting a 2.20 ERA and 12.1 K/9 over 16.1 innings this season.

Fields' (shoulder) timetable to return from the disabled list is still unclear.

Fields landed on the disabled list with shoulder inflammation June 28, and the Dodgers have yet to announce a projected rehab stint or an expected return date. The 32-year-old posted a 2.36 ERA and 0.93 WHIP over 34.1 innings prior to landing on the DL. Pedro Baez continues to serve as the club's primary right-handed setup man in his stead.

Pivetta gave up two runs on four hits and zero walks while striking out seven in six innings Thursday against the Marlins. He did not factor in the decision.

Pivetta was fairly efficient by his standards, needing 89 pitches (65 strikes) to get the quality start. The only runs he allowed came on a two-run homer by Justin Bour. He now ranks 14th in the majors with 141 strikeouts (in 113.2 innings) on the season. His next start will come Tuesday in Arizona, but with the Phillies off next Thursday, he won't have a two-start week.

Barraclough gave up four runs on two hits and two walks, including a walk-off three-run home run against the Phillies on Thursday to log his sixth blown save of the season.

He came on to start the ninth inning, charged with protecting a one-run lead. Barraclough quickly allowed the tying run to score and then gave up a three-run bomb to Maikel Franco, which ended the game. He has now given up 11 runs over his last 4.1 innings (five appearances), blowing three saves and serving up three home runs over that span. His ERA has risen from 0.99 at the start of July to 3.28 after this outing. Drew Steckenrider, who pitched a perfect eighth inning Thursday and owns a 3.19 ERA on the season would be next in line if Barraclough loses the closer's job amid these struggles.

Chavez (3-2) took his first loss in a Cubs uniform Thursday against the Padres, as he allowed two earned runs while retiring two batters.

Chavez relieved Chicago starter Mike Montgomery with one on and one out in the top of the sixth inning, and proceeded to allow a single followed by a decisive three-run home run that put the Padres up 3-1. This was the veteran righty's first misstep with the Cubs, as he entered the night having recorded nine scoreless innings over his first six appearances with his new team. Chavez still holds a solid 3.27 ERA and should remain a trusted option in the Chicago bullpen.

Minter picked up his seventh save Thursday, striking out two and issuing one walk in the 4-2 win over the Mets.

Minter is now a perfect 7-for-7 in save opportunities this season, earning his fifth save since the start of July. His ERA dropped to a 2.91 alongside a 51:16 K:BB for the 2018 season. With Arodys Vizcaino still on the disabled list, Minter should continue seeing the bulk of the save chances in Atlanta.

Bracho was sent back down to Triple-A Reno on Thursday.

Bracho was moved off the active roster in order to make room for Brad Ziegler. Through 18 appearances with the Diamondbacks this year, Bracho has logged an impressive 2.04 ERA and 0.79 WHIP with an 11.7 K/9. Look for him to return to the majors when replenishments in the bullpen are needed.