MLB Player News

Lopez (2-3) allowed four runs on four hits across an inning of relief to take the loss Monday against the Pirates. He struck out two.

After starter Jameson Taillon cruised through seven innings to stake Chicago to a 3-0 lead, Lopez let things slip away in the eighth. The veteran righty allowed two home runs, including a three-run shot by Bryan Reynolds, to get charged with his first blown save of the season and third loss. Lopez has still been effective overall with a 3.00 ERA across 51 innings this year, but after struggling mightily in 2023, it's fair to wonder if the 31-year-old is due for some regression down the stretch. Lopez's poor outing Monday should also strengthen Porter Hodge's grip on the closer role, at least for now.

Suarez earned the save in Monday's 3-0 win over the Tigers, allowing one hit in a scoreless ninth inning.

Suarez was called upon for the second straight day and ended the game on just eight pitches. The closer has allowed runs in four of his past 10 outings but has still managed to convert all six of his save chances during that stretch. On the year, he owns a 1.96 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 51:11 K:BB across 55 innings while ranking fourth in the majors with 31 saves.

The Reds outrighted Kravetz to Triple-A Louisville on Monday, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Kravetz cleared waivers after being removed from the 40-man roster and will remain in the organization. The 27-year-old retired the only two batters he faced in his lone appearance with Cincinnati.

The Dodgers recalled Petersen from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Monday, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Petersen will provide the bullpen with a fresh arm. He's allowed six runs over 12 relief innings during his time with the Dodgers this season.

The Nationals activated Law (elbow) from the 15-day injured list Monday, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

Law has been shelved since mid-August with ulnar nerve irritation in his pitching elbow but recently faced hitters with no issues, clearing the way for his return. The veteran reliever will return to a middle-relief role for the Nationals.

McCaughan allowed four runs (three earned) on five hits and a walk over four-plus innings in a no-decision Sunday against the Giants. He struck out two.

McCaughan gave up two runs through four frames, including a leadoff shot by Mike Yastrzemski. McCaughan was pulled after putting the first two batters on base to begin the fifth inning and was charged with both runs. It was his first MLB appearance since Aug. 8 and third since the start of August. In those three outings, he's posted a 4.00 ERA with a 7:1 K:BB over nine frames. It's unclear if he'll get another turn through the rotation, but McCaughan is tentatively lined up for a home start against the Phillies this weekend.

Faucher struck out all three batters he faced to earn a save over San Francisco on Sunday.

Faucher needed just 13 pitches (10 strikes) to roll through the Giants and close out the 7-5 win. He converted both save chances while striking out five in two perfect innings during the weekend series against San Francisco, and he's now tossed four straight scoreless innings. Since taking over the closer role in Miami after the trade deadline, Faucher has converted six of seven save chances while registering a 4.15 ERA and a 19:6 K:BB through 13 frames. On the year, he owns a 3.25 ERA over 52.2 innings.

Bender (shoulder) struck out two batters and gave up one earned run on three hits and no walks over one inning in a rehab appearance Saturday with Triple-A Jacksonville.

Bender threw 20 pitches in the rehab outing, his first since landing on the injured list Aug. 15 with a right shoulder impingement. He'll likely need to get in another appearance or two in the minors before rejoining the Miami bullpen, likely as a setup option in front of new closer Calvin Faucher.

Brewer (hand) began a rehab assignment Saturday at Triple-A Iowa and struck out one batter over a perfect inning.

After tossing 17 pitches in a game at the Cubs' complex in Arizona on Tuesday, Brewer got his rehab assignment formally underway over the weekend. The 31-year-old has been on the injured list since July 7 due to a fractured left hand, so he'll likely need at least a couple more outings in the minors to get back up to speed before the Cubs activate him.

Romero (6-2) allowed a hit and a walk while striking out three over 1.1 scoreless innings to earn the win over the Yankees on Sunday.

Romero became the pitcher of record after the Cardinals rallied for five runs in the top of the seventh inning. He allowed four runs over 9.1 innings in August, adding four holds and two blown saves in a setup role. For the year, Romero has a 2.67 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 49:13 K:BB with 30 holds over 54 innings as the Cardinals' top lefty reliever.