MLB Player News

Lopez will start Tuesday's game against the Dodgers, Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post reports.

One of the Nationals' better pitching prospects, the 22-year-old Lopez struck out 100 batters in 76.2 innings for Double-A Harrisburg earlier this season, eventually earning a recent promotion to Triple-A Syracuse for his past two starts. He'll make his MLB debut Tuesday against Los Angeles, but his stint in the majors probably won't last long, as Joe Ross (shoulder) should return within the next 2-to-3 weeks, and top prospect Lucas Giolito is also an option in the meantime.

Lopez is expected to make his Major League debut for the Nationals this week, MLB.com's Jesse Sanchez reports.

Lopez would presumably start for the Nationals on Tuesday, as that was the day that was in limbo in the team's probable pitchers for the week. Some had speculated that Lucas Giolito would return to the big league rotation, while Joe Ross (shoulder) was another name that was tossed around. It now appears the job is reserved for Lopez, who is already with the team in DC. The 22-year-old right-hander has made just two starts at the Triple-A level this year, but sported a 3.18 ERA and 4.0 K:BB ratio over 76.1 innings for Double-A Harrisburg. Should the team ultimately confirm this preliminary report either Sunday evening or Monday, Lopez would still likely be only a short-term option.

Jansen blew his fourth save of the season Saturday versus the Diamondbacks, allowing a run on two hits and one walk in an inning of work. He struck out one.

The blown save was Jansen's first in five weeks, and it broke a streak of 14 consecutive scoreless innings for the All-Star. He still has a stellar 1.36 ERA and 0.71 WHIP on the season and should bounce back in his next appearance.

Gomez shut down the Mets in order to record his 25th save of 2016.

He only needed 11 pitches, seven of which were strikes, to retire the side in the ninth. He struck out one batter. Gomez hasn't allowed a run in his last 8.2 innings. He is 25-for-27 in save opportunities with a 2.53 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 27 strikeouts in 42.2 innings.

Estevez pitched a perfect ninth inning with one strikeout to earn his fifth save Saturday at the Braves.

Estevez was protecting a one-run lead, and closed the door on the Braves while throwing 15 pitches. This was his first save since June 20, and his first opportunity since blowing his third save of the year on June 24. He now has a 4.18 ERA to go along with a 1.18 WHIP.

Nelson (6-7) allowed no runs on six hits and two walks while striking out seven to earn the win Saturday against the Reds.

Nelson had a 4-0 lead in the first inning and easily cruised through seven innings to pick up his sixth win of the season. He's now held opponents to two or fewer runs in four of his last five starts to lower his ERA to 3.39. He'll make his next start Friday against the Cubs.

Vizcaino (side) was placed on the DL on Saturday with a right oblique strain, Kevin McAlpin of 680 The Fan in Atlanta reports.

The writing was on the wall Friday, when manager Brian Snitker intimated that Vizcaino's injury would likely require a DL stint. The move was made official Saturday, and the Braves opted to activate Eric O'Flaherty from the DL to fill his spot on the 25-man roster.

Rodney picked up the win Friday, pitching a perfect eighth inning against the Cardinals.

Rodney shut down the Cardinals in the bottom of the eighth after his team grabbed a one-run lead in the top of the frame. Though his Marlins career started off with a couple of rocky outings, Rodney has picked up two holds and a win in his last three appearances while allowing just one hit over three scoreless innings. He'll continue to combine with A.J. Ramos to give the Marlins a strong late-inning combination.

Maurer struck out one during a perfect ninth inning to earn his second save of the season Friday versus the Giants.

Maurer saw just his second save opportunity since the departure of Fernando Rodney, but he entered with a three-run lead and preserved it with ease. Maurer still has an unsightly 5.40 ERA on the season, but he has been scored upon just once in the last 11 appearances and appears to be first in line for save chances for the Padres at this point.

Vizcaino is dealing with an oblique injury, and manager Brian Snitker indicated the setback will land Vizcaino on the disabled list, MLB.com's Mark Bowman reports.

The Braves will not know the full extent of Vizcaino's setback until Saturday, but he has been diagnosed with an oblique injury, and that type of setback typically requires several weeks to come back from. Jim Johnson would be the favorite to serve as the Braves' closer if Vizcaino lands on the disabled list as expected.