MLB Player News

Diaz struck out four while allowing a hit and two walks over two scoreless innings Sunday to pick up his 20th save of the season in a 2-1 win over the Phillies.

Hanging onto a slim lead over Atlanta for the final wild-card spot, manager Carlos Mendoza did not hesitate to put Diaz in for another save opportunity just one day after throwing 17 pitches to get four outs. Diaz left Bryce Harper stranded on third in the eighth and then worked around a pair of walks in the ninth to shut the door on the Phillies. Diaz has given up just one run while owning a 21:3 K:BB in 11.1 innings during September and also reached 20 saves in a season for the sixth time in his career. He owns a 3.35 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 79:18 K:BB in 51 innings on the year.

Helsley threw a perfect inning and earned a save against Cleveland on Sunday.

Helsley retired Cleveland's 1-2-3 hitters in order on 11 pitches to close out the 2-1 victory. He moved back ahead of Emmanuel Clase for the solo MLB lead with 47 saves. Helsley has converted five save chances in a row since blowing one in Milwaukee on Sept. 3, and he has not allowed an earned run since Aug. 6. He owns a 2.09 ERA with a 77:23 K:BB through 64.2 innings. Helsley could become the first closer to reach 50 saves since Edwin Diaz in 2018.

Suarez earned the save Sunday against the White Sox, allowing one hit and striking out two during a scoreless ninth inning.

Suarez allowed just a two-out single before striking out Gavin Sheets to end the game. Sunday was just his second outing with multiple strikeouts since Aug. 10, and he's converted just three of his past six save chances and has given up seven runs in that span. Suarez has still been elite in his first season as a closer overall, as he owns a 2.71 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 58:15 K:BB in 63 innings while racking up 34 saves.

Pearson is slated to serve as the Cubs' opening pitcher for Monday's game against the Phillies, Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Pearson will be making his major-league start since 2021, when he was a member of the Blue Jays. He made the full-time conversion to the bullpen in 2022 and hasn't covered more than two innings in any appearance since being acquired by the Cubs in late July, so Pearson likely won't cover more than the opening frame or two before giving way to the bullpen. Hayden Wesneski, who was activated from the 15-day injured list Friday, is a candidate to be used in bulk relief once Pearson is done for the day.

Chapman struck out two in a flawless ninth inning to pick up his 11th save of the season Sunday against the Reds.

Called upon with a two-run lead in the ninth, Chapman quickly dispatched the heart of the Reds order to earn his 11th save of the season. Chapman has been outstanding since taking over the closer role from David Bednar in late August, collecting a save in each of his last five appearances. The veteran enters the last week of the season with a 3.97 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 94:39 K:BB with 22 holds while converting 11 of 16 saves.

Walker struck out one batter in a scoreless inning and earned a save over the Royals on Sunday.

Walker made his first appearance since coughing up two runs against Baltimore on Thursday. He hit MJ Melendez to start his outing Sunday but retired the next three batters to finish off the 2-0 win. Walker has converted each of his nine save chances since Camilo Doval was briefly sent to Triple-A Sacramento on Aug. 9. Walker owns an impressive 1.96 ERA with a 99:17 K:BB through 78 innings this season.

Payamps (forearm) made relief appearances Tuesday, Friday and Sunday, covering a scoreless inning in each outing while racking up six strikeouts and allowing one hit and one walk.

Payamps exited a relief appearance Sept. 15 against the Diamondbacks due to right forearm tightness, but he quickly dispelled any concern about his health by playing catch a day later. He's since gone on to deliver three dominant appearances in a row and has yet to allow an earned run in any of his last nine outings out of the Milwaukee bullpen. Payamps will be locked into a key setup role in front of closer Devin Williams heading into the postseason.

Turnbull (lat) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Sunday.

Sidelined since late June with a right lat strain, Turnbull is finally ready to return to a live setting. He'll be cutting it close, but it appears he'll get a chance to bolster his case for a postseason roster spot with an appearance or two during the final week of the regular season. Turnbull has posted a stellar 2.65 ERA and 1.05 WHIP in 54.1 innings with Philadelphia this season.

The Padres recalled Brito from Triple-A El Paso on Sunday and placed him on the 60-day injured list with a right elbow strain.

Brito landed on the IL at El Paso earlier this month, and the Padres have since clarified that he's dealing with a right elbow strain. Part of the Padres' return in the offseason trade that sent Juan Soto to the Yankees, Brito will end the season with a 4.12 ERA and 1.35 WHIP over 43.2 innings (26 appearances) with San Diego. His move to the 60-day IL frees up a spot on the 40-man roster for infielder Nick Ahmed, whose contract was selected in a corresponding move.

Halvorsen picked up the save over the Dodgers on Saturday, allowing one hit and two walks in a scoreless ninth inning.

Halvorsen entered the contest with a three-run lead in the bottom of the ninth and allowed two of the first three batters to reach before getting Teoscar Hernandez to fly out for the second out. The rookie right-hander then issued a walk to Tommy Edman to load the bases but managed to escape the jam by recording a strikeout for the final out. It marked the first save of Halvorsen's major-league career, as well as the first time in nine appearances this season that he's allowed any walks. He's also yet to allow an earned run on the campaign.