MLB Player News

Mets pitcher Hansel Robles has been suspended for three games for intentionally throwing at Phillies catcher Cameron Rupp on Wednesday, per Joel Sherman of MLB.com.

This suspension will not affect his eligibility for the postseason, but if Robles chooses to appeal the decision the punishment would extend into next season. While the 25 year old has pitched well this season, he's given up seven runs in the past two weeks, so it could be a benefit to get a few games off before gearing up for the playoffs.

Braves reliever Arodys Vizcaino retired the side in order in the ninth inning Wednesday against the Nationals en route to his ninth save of the season.

All Vizcaino needed was 12 pitches to nail down the win for starter Williams Perez. The 24-year-old Vizcaino has turned in eight straight scoreless appearances, with 11 strikeouts against just one walk over that span. He is 9 for 10 in save opportunities this season and is making a strong case to keep the role to begin 2016.

Diamondbacks pitcher Daniel Hudson locked down his fourth save of the year Wednesday, allowing one hit and striking out one over a scoreless inning in a 3-1 win over the Rockies.

With regular closer Brad Ziegler away from the team following the birth of his daughter, Hudson was first in line for a save opportunity Wednesday.

Hudson's fantasy value remains difficult to project; the hard throwing right-hander has been effective out of the bullpen after returning from Tommy John surgery, but has stated a desire to return to starting in 2016. While he certainly has the stuff to hold down a late innings role, he may make a bid for a rotation spot in spring training next season.

Mets reliever Dario Alvarez (groin) will rejoin the Mets on Wednesday, per Mike Vorkunov of NJ.com.

Alvarez, who hasn't been able to pitch since Sept. 15, was thought to be done for the season with a groin injury. However a successful rehab stint with High-A Port St. Lucie seemed to change minds as the playoff-bound team is desperate for a lefty arm out of the bullpen.

It's unclear how many innings he will throw with the season nearing an end considering New York will want to preserve his health for the playoffs.

Phillies reliever Luis Garcia earned his 16th hold of the season with a scoreless inning against the Mets on Tuesday.

Garcia struck out one and walked one. He is 3-6 with a 3.58 ERA and a 62:37 K:BB ratio in 65 1/3 innings this season.

Brewers pitcher Jorge Lopez earned the win in his first major league start Tuesday against the Padres as he allowed three runs on eight hits and two walks over five innings. He also struck out seven.

Lopez was a strikeout artist in the minors, as he struck out 137 batters in 143 1/3 innings at Double-A Biloxi this year before his call-up. He rode those strikeouts to a 2.26 ERA, and 11 swinging strikes in his first major league starts is a good sign it can translate.

He also induced seven ground balls, and just two of the eight hits he allowed were extra-base hits, a recipe for a successful debut.

Phillies closer Ken Giles picked up his 14th save in a 4-3 win over the Mets on Tuesday, surrendering a hit, two earned runs and a walk in one inning. He struck out two.

Giles made things interesting by surrendering a 378-foot shot to Lucas Duda with David Murphy on in the ninth, but was then able to whiff Travis d'Arnaud for the final out. Prior to Tuesday's contest, the 25-year-old had not surrendered an earned run since an Aug. 9 outing against the Padres, a string of 16 innings. The gopher ball was also only the second given up by Giles all season, with the only other round-tripper having come way back on May 16 against Arizona. Giles has turned in impressive work overall after replacing the departed Jonathan Papelbon as closer, and would appear to have the inside track on the job heading into 2016.

Braves closer Arodys Vizcaino recorded his eighth save in Tuesday's 2-1 victory over the Nationals, pitching a scoreless ninth while surrendering two hits and striking out a batter.

Vizcaino made things interesting in the ninth by surrendering consecutive singles to Jayson Werth and Clint Robinson to open the inning, but ultimately was able to strike out the red-hot Matt den Dekker to secure the victory. It was the fourth consecutive successful save opportunity for Vizcaino, and his seventh straight scoreless outing.

Pirates closer Mark Melancon (3-2) absorbed the loss Monday night, giving up three earned runs on three hits while striking out two in a 3-0 defeat to the Cardinals.

Melancon endured a rough outing in a non-save situation, giving up a two-run homer to Mark Reynolds after a Gregory Polanco fielding error allowed the game's first run to score. The right-hander's ERA jumped to 2.29 with Monday's performance, but Melancon has been otherwise spotless this season -- leading the majors with 51 saves.

Rockies starting pitcher Chris Rusin (6-9) picked up the victory Sunday, giving up four runs (three earned) on eight hits and three walks, while striking out three batters in a 12-5 victory over the Dodgers.

Rusin didn't need to be stellar as his team cobbled together six runs through the first four innings. However, he's now allowed at least three runs in his last seven appearances dating back to Aug. 22.

The 28-year-old has had a rough season this year, posting a 5.37 ERA and 1.62 WHIP through 125 2/3 innings.