MLB Player News

Helsley allowed a run on three walks and struck out two over 1.1 innings, taking a blown save in Saturday's 5-2 extra-innings win over the Padres.

Helsley was called upon for a four-out save opportunity, but he faltered in a wild ninth inning. He threw 15 of 30 pitches for strikes and set a season high with three free passes. Helsley is now 12-for-17 in save chances this season while posting a 2.60 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 47:17 K:BB over 34.2 innings. He had pitched 8.1 scoreless innings and converted five saves since returning from a forearm injury before Saturday's sloppy outing.

Woodford allowed a run on four hits and two walks while striking out one over 3.2 innings in Saturday's 5-2 win over the Padres in 11 innings. He didn't factor into the decision.

Woodford worked up to 78 pitches (46 strikes) and limited the damage to a Manny Machado RBI single in the first inning. This was Woodford's seventh start in 14 appearances, but his first major-league start since April, as shoulder injuries and stints in the bullpen and minors have kept him out of a starting role. He's now at a 5.09 ERA, 1.65 WHIP and 29:21 K:BB through 46 innings this season. It's uncertain if Woodford will start again in 2023 -- he was filling in for Adam Wainwright, who could make his final career start at home versus the Reds next weekend.

Brebbia (3-2) allowed a run on a hit and a walk while striking out one over 1.1 innings, taking the loss Saturday versus the Dodgers.

Brebbia surrendered a solo home run to J.D. Martinez in the second inning, and that was ultimately all the Dodgers needed for the win. This was Brebbia's second loss in as many outings, and he's given up four runs (three earned) over his last 2.2 innings. The right-hander is at a 3.53 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 44:12 K:BB through 35.2 innings across 37 appearances (nine starts). He may see another opening assignment or two before the end of the regular season.

Walker will be the opening pitcher Sunday against the Dodgers, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

This will be the 13th opener assignment of the year for Walker, who has posted a 3.20 ERA and 71:22 K:BB across 56.1 total innings for San Francisco. Alex Wood looks poised to follow him Sunday as the Giants' bulk pitcher.

Junis was lifted from Saturday's game against the Dodgers with neck tightness, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports.

Junis was supposed to work in bulk relief for the Giants, but he covered just 1.1 innings before departing with the neck issue. Ross Stripling, another bulk relief option, replaced him to begin the bottom of the fifth. It's unclear what Junis' availability will be leading into the final week of the regular season.

Cuas picked up the save Saturday against Colorado. He issued one walk and notched one strikeout over a scoreless ninth inning.

The 29-year-old Cuas was called upon to preserve Chicago's three-run, ninth-inning lead and successfully earned his first save of the campaign by retiring three of the four batters he faced on 18 pitches. The righty was simply filling in and is not expected to receive regular save opportunities in the final week of the regular season with Adbert Alzolay (forearm) soon expected back from the injured list.

Assad (5-3) earned the win in Saturday's 6-3 victory over Colorado, allowing two hits and a hit batsman over four scoreless innings out of the bullpen. He struck out six without issuing any walks.

It didn't take long for the 26-year-old to be used in his new role, tossing four scoreless frames in relief after Marcus Stroman lasted just three innings in his return to the rotation. Assad scattered two hits -- a bunt single and a double -- while throwing 36 of 49 pitches for strikes and earned his fifth win thanks to Chicago's late rally. If the righty is deployed in a similar fashion in his next appearance, it could come Thursday in Atlanta with Stroman again set to take the mound.

The Giants placed Alexander on the 15-day injured list Saturday with a left hamstring strain.

It's an early shutdown for Alexander, who finishes with a 4.66 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 31:11 K:BB in 48.1 innings of work for San Francisco. The 34-year-old lefty reliever is scheduled to become a free agent this winter.

The Marlins selected Lindgren's contract from Triple-A Jacksonville on Saturday, Daniel Alvarez-Montes of ElExtraBase.com reports.

Lindgren has put up a 4.29 ERA and 1.33 WHIP across 21 innings with Jacksonville since being sent outright to Triple-A. With Eury Perez (hip) on the injured list, he'll return to the big leagues to give the Marlins another piece in the bullpen who is capable of pitching multiple innings.

Antone (elbow) is not expected to return from the injured list in 2023, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Manager David Bell did technically leave the door open by calling Antone's chances of a return "remote," but the writing seems to be on the wall for the righty. Antone returned from his second career Tommy John surgery at the start of September but made just five appearances before being shut down with elbow tendinitis.