MLB Player News

Beede, 23, has a 2.92 ERA and 64:28 K:BB over his last 10 starts for Double-A Richmond, a span of 61.2 innings.

The uptick in strikeouts from the beginning of the season is worth noting. Beede has fanned at least six batters in four-straight starts, compiling a 30:14 K:BB in 24.2 innings during that time period. The walks remain a concern, but the former first round selection is finally flashing his strikeout potential.

Lopez is expected to be recalled to start Saturday's game against the Braves, the Washington Post's Chelsea Janes reports.

It was unclear when the Nationals would call on a fifth starter, and it was unclear which pitcher they would summon from Triple-A. Both of those questions appear to have been answered, as the hard throwing Dominican will make his third big league start Saturday against a mediocre Braves lineup. Lopez has a 3.12 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 22 strikeouts in 26 innings with Triple-A Syracuse but his 9.35 ERA and 2.31 WHIP in two big league starts should be enough to scare away some prospective owners. The one thing he should be able to provide is strikeouts -- he has 13 over nine innings in The Show this year. With Joe Ross shut down with shoulder soreness, Lopez could stick in the big league rotation for the foreseeable future if he performs better this time around. Otherwise Lucas Giolito will likely get another shot.

With pitched a scoreless eighth inning Wednesday to bring his scoreless appearance streak up to 17.

Law has been untouchable of late, lowering his ERA to 2.05 (lowest among San Francisco relievers) after Wednesday's outing. Manager Bruce Bochy has been more willing to turn to him in high-leverage situations, as evidenced by his usage in the eighth inning of today's 1-0 game. During his scoreless streak Law has allowed just nine baserunners while striking out 14. He has also racked up five holds over that span.

Chapman struck out the side in order Wednesday against the Angels for his fourth save as a Cub.

So far, Chapman's been every bit as good in Chicago as he was in New York and Cincinnati -- better, even. The electric lefty is sure to see plenty of save chances down the stretch as the Cubs march toward the playoffs.

Smith picked up his first hold with his new club, striking out both batters he faced in Wednesday's 1-0 win over Miami.

Smith has struggled since coming over from Milwaukee at the trade deadline, surrendering four runs in two innings of work prior to Wednesday. If he strings together a couple more solid outings, then the Giants can deploy him as their left-handed setup man, the role they envision for Smith when they acquired him.

Strop exited Wednesday's game with a left knee injury and will undergo an MRI on Thursday, Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Strop faced just one batter (allowed a hit) before exiting the contest in favor of Travis Wood. The team should update his status after receiving the results of the test, but Joe Smith is expected to take on a bigger role should Strop miss extended time.

Strop left Wednesday's game against the Angels with a left leg injury, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Strop took over for Jason Hammel in the eighth inning, but was forced out early. He was replaced by Travis Wood. Strop had given up one hit, and had yet to record an out prior to his exit. Expect an update on his status when more information is made available.

Melancon struck out one in a perfect frame to earn his 32nd save of the year, and second as a member of the Nationals, Wednesday against the Indians.

Melancon has been practically unhittable since be acquired from the Pirates at the trade deadline. In five appearances (five innings) as a member of the Nationals, Melancon has allowed just one hit while striking out seven without issuing a walk. His 32 saves are good for fourth-best in the majors.

Reyes made his major league debut Tuesday, throwing a perfect ninth inning against the Reds with one strikeout.

Called upon to handle the ninth with the Cardinals down 7-4, Reyes retired the side in order on 11 pitches, eight of which went for strikes. The 21-year-old flashed the electric stuff that has made him one of the game's top pitching prospects, hitting 101 mph on the radar gun and pulling the string on a devastating curveball. Luke Weaver is reportedly in line to start Saturday -- he will replace Michael Wacha (shoulder) in the rotation -- and it's not clear when Reyes will make his first start, but it seems likely he'll get a chance to start at least a game or two before the end of the season.

Iglesias picked up his first save with a clean ninth inning in Tuesday's win over St. Louis.

The Reds have largely been using Iglesias as a multiple-inning reliever since jettisoning him from the starting rotation, a role in which he has thrived (0.44 ERA, 20.1 innings entering Tuesday night). He held up just fine in a single inning performance Tuesday, as he induced two swinging strikes and picked up a strikeout as he needed just 13 pitches to finish the inning. Given his success in the bullpen and the struggles of the other Reds, it may be worth Cincinnati's time to give him a shot at the closer's role as 2016 winds down.