MLB Player News

Martinez allowed one hit and no walks while striking out seven batters over seven scoreless innings in a no-decision against Milwaukee on Saturday.

Martinez allowed just two batters to reach base over his seven innings, yielding a single to Gary Sanchez in the fourth frame and hitting Sanchez with a pitch in the seventh. His brilliance didn't earn him a victory, though, as Brewers starter Tobias Myers went toe-to-toe with Martinez, recording 7.1 scoreless innings of his own. Martinez had been working primarily as a reliever until recently, and over two starts since rejoining the rotation Aug. 5, he's tossed 12 scoreless frames while giving up five hits and posting a 12:0 K:BB. Given that success, it's logical that he'll stick in the rotation, and he's tentatively slated to face the Royals at home next week.

Fernandez (1-4) allowed three runs on four hits over one-third of an inning, taking the loss Saturday versus the Royals.

Fernandez got the Cardinals out of trouble with two outs in the sixth inning, but he was on the hook for three of the four runs the Royals scored in the seventh. The right-hander had pitched well for most of June and into July, but he's now given up 11 runs (10 earned) over his last 10 innings dating back to July 10. He's at a 3.38 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 48:21 K:BB through 50.2 innings this season. While he has a save and 10 holds, it's unlikely he sees much high-leverage work as long as his struggles persist.

Williams earned a save against the Reds on Saturday, striking out all three batters he faced in the ninth inning.

Williams was activated from the injured list July 28 and had to wait nearly two weeks to get his first save chance. The right-hander's opportunity Saturday wasn't an easy one, as he faced the heart of Cincinnati's order with just a one-run lead. Williams wasn't phased by any pressure, as he struck out the side on 18 pitches. Trevor Megill was excellent as Milwaukee's closer during most of the time Williams was out and is approaching a return from a back injury, but he's going to slide back into a setup role upon his activation. Williams has already shown that he's back in fine form, allowing just one run over four innings while posting an 8:1 K:BB through four outings.

Walker earned a save in Saturday's 3-1 win over the Tigers, allowing one hit and one walk with two strikeouts in a scoreless ninth inning.

Walker was named the Giants' closer Friday night and immediately found himself in his new role. He put two runners on with one out but responded with two strikeouts to register his first save of the year. The 28-year-old owns an impressive 2.20 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and 73:14 K:BB across 61.1 innings this season and should be rostered in nearly all fantasy formats now that he has the potential for saves.

Neris struck out two over a hitless and scoreless inning to earn the save in Saturday's 3-1 win over the White Sox.

Neris' own error led to the leadoff batter in the ninth inning getting aboard, but he was sharp after that to preserve the lead. It was a more confident outing than his shaky performance Friday, though he was able to keep runs off the board in that game as well. Neris has allowed two runs and posted a 19:6 K:BB over his last 15.1 innings, collecting seven saves in that span. For the season, he has a 3.43 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 43:26 K:BB with 17 saves and three holds across 42 innings.

Nunez (forearm) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Sunday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

Nunez hasn't thrown a bullpen since going on the shelf July 26, so Sunday's session marks a significant step in the 28-year-old's recovery from a strained right forearm. Nunez became eligible for reinstatement Thursday and was initially expected to be back shortly after the minimum 15 days. However, he's behind schedule and will likely require multiple bullpens before being activated.

The Rockies designated Shreve for assignment Saturday.

In the span of just five days, Shreve has signed a minor-league deal with the Rockies, been selected to the MLB roster, and lost his spot on the 40-man after making one appearance with Colorado. The 34-year-old owns a 2.65 ERA and 0.85 WHIP through 34 Triple-A innings, which could potentially help him draw interest on the waiver wire from bullpen-needy teams.

The Reds optioned Zulueta to Triple-A Louisville on Saturday.

The move makes room on the 26-man roster for the reinstatement of right-hander Emilio Pagan (lat) from the 60-day injured list. Zulueta made five major-league outings since being recalled from Louisville on July 30, posting a 4.05 ERA and 1.50 WHIP across 6.2 innings. Across 29 outings in Triple-A this season, Zulueta has recorded two saves with a 2.18 ERA and 1.41 WHIP over 41.1 innings.

The Reds reinstated Pagan (lat) from the 60-day injured list Saturday.

After three rehab outings, Pagan was given the green light to rejoin Cincinnati's bullpen. To make room for Pagan on the 26-man active roster, the Reds optioned right-hander Yosver Zulueta to Triple-A Louisville. Pagan turned in a 4.43 ERA and 1.38 WHIP while striking out 26 over 20.1 innings in 22 appearances before landing on the IL on June 9 with a right lat strain.

The Nationals reinstated Weems (lower leg) from the 15-day injured list Saturday, Spencer Nusbaum of The Washington Post reports.

Weems landed on the IL on July 26 due to shin splints in his right leg. He didn't end up needing a rehab stint, and the 31-year-old right-hander will return to the Nationals' bullpen for their weekend series against the Angels. Right-hander Joan Adon was optioned to Triple-A Rochester in a corresponding move.