MLB Player News

Beck allowed two runs on four hits and struck out three over 4.1 innings in a no-decision versus the Dodgers on Sunday.

Beck handled bulk-relief duties behind opener Ryan Walker in this contest. This was Beck's third outing in September, and he's allowed 10 runs (eight earned) over 8.1 innings in that span. Overall, he's maintained a 4.05 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 65:20 K:BB through 80 innings across 32 appearances (two starts). Assuming Beck stays in the majors to close out the year, he'd likely be available for one more appearance in the final series of the season at home against the Dodgers.

Merryweather worked around two walks to pitch a scoreless ninth inning and secure the save in Sunday's 4-3 win over the Rockies. He struck out one.

Merryweather is now 2-for-3 in save opportunities this season, with both of his conversions coming in the last two weeks. The righty has apparently stepped in as Chicago's top option to close with Adbert Alzolay (forearm) out, and Mark Leiter has stayed in a setup role. Alzolay could return as soon as Tuesday, however, which would push Merryweather down the bullpen pecking order.

Finnegan allowed a run on one hit over one inning and earned the save in a 3-2 win over Atlanta in the first game of Sunday's doubleheader.

Finnegan added a little drama by allowing a solo home run to Sean Murphy, but he was able to preserve the Nationals' lead. This was Finnegan's second save in a row, and he's allowed 10 runs (nine earned) over 8.2 innings in a shaky September. He's at a 3.74 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 61:24 K:BB through 67.1 innings while adding 27 saves, eight holds and eight blown saves this season.

Gibaut tossed a perfect ninth inning to pick up the save in Sunday's 4-2 victory over Pittsburgh.

Despite having already worked both Friday and Saturday, Gibaut was called upon Sunday to close out the game in favor of closer Alexis Diaz, who worked the eighth after he had allowed seven runs over his previous two appearances. The save was Gibaut's third of the season. With the Reds' playoff hopes now hanging by a thread and considering the recent struggles by Diaz, it will be interesting to see if Gibaut or another reliever can pose as a threat for the closer role the rest of the way.

Scott struck out two in a perfect ninth inning Saturday to record his 10th save of the season in a 5-4 win over the Brewers.

The lefty fired nine of 12 pitches for strikes while breezing through Milwaukee's 8-9-1 hitters. Scott has been mostly outstanding since taking over the closer role in late August, converting eight of 10 save chances over his last 13 appearances while posting a 1.72 ERA, 0.83 WHIP and 15:1 K:BB through 15.2 innings.

Diaz (9-6) suffered Saturday's loss, allowing four runs on five hits over two-thirds of an inning against Pittsburgh.

Diaz, who has allowed multiple runs in four of his last 11 appearances, was tagged with a second consecutive loss. The 26-year-old made his career-high 68th appearance, which may be part of the reason for a recent falloff -- he has a 7.45 ERA over his last 9.2 innings. Cincinnati's bullpen, which has saved the team throughout the season, has blown the lead in three straight games, and the Reds have fallen 2.5 games back in the wild-card race with six games remaining.

Alvarado struck out one in a perfect ninth inning Saturday to record his 10th save of the season in a 7-5 win over the Mets.

The lefty fired 11 of his 14 pitches for strikes and topped out at 98.3 mph in another impressive performance. Alvarado appears to have supplanted Craig Kimbrel in the pecking order for saves in the Phillies' bullpen -- he has three saves since Kimbrel recorded his last one Sept. 11, with the right-hander blowing his most recent opportunity Friday. Since returning from elbow inflammation in late August, Alvarado has a 2.70 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 21:9 K:BB through 13.1 innings with four saves and five holds over 14 appearances.

Mlodzinski picked up a save against the Reds on Saturday, allowing one run on two hits while striking out one batter over one inning.

In a wild contest during which Pittsburgh overcame a 9-0 deficit and put up four eighth-inning runs against All-Star closer Alexis Diaz, Mlodzinski -- not usual closer David Bednar -- was called upon to hold a two-run Pirates lead in the ninth. That was likely due to Bednar pitching each of the previous two days, but regardless it was a prime opportunity for Mlodzinski to shine. Things didn't begin well for the rookie right-hander, as he gave up two straight hits to begin the frame and saw the tying run move to third base with just one out. However, Mlodzinski bounced back with an epic 11-pitch faceoff against Elly De La Cruz that ended with a punchout before also striking out Jonathan India to end the contest. Mlodzinski thus earned the first save of his career and made another positive impression in a strong first season during which he has posted a 2.14 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 32:16 K:BB and nine holds over 33.2 innings.

Martinez allowed two hits and three walks while striking out three over four scoreless innings in a no-decision versus the Cardinals on Saturday.

Martinez and Pedro Avila again worked in tandem, though Martinez threw 62 pitches to Avila's 47 and enjoyed better results. Through 14 innings in September, Martinez has allowed just one run while posting a 15:4 K:BB. He's at a 3.59 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 98:38 K:BB through 105.1 innings overall, and he's added a save and 15 holds while primarily working as a long reliever this season. If the Padres opt to stick with the tandem strategy for their fifth-starter spot, Martinez would be projected for a road outing versus the White Sox during the final series of the regular season.

Lawrence (1-0) allowed two walks and struck out one over two scoreless and hitless innings to earn the extra-innings win over the Padres on Saturday.

Lawrence got the ball in the 10th inning and stayed in for the 11th after the Cardinals pulled ahead. This was just his fourth scoreless appearance in 11 outings since he joined the Cardinals in mid-August, though he has been better in shorter assignments. Lawrence has a mediocre 5.64 ERA, 1.61 WHIP and 17:10 K:BB through 22.1 innings while adding four holds.