MLB Player News

Junis allowed two runs (one earned) on four hits and one walk while striking out five batters over four innings in bulk relief against the Rockies in Game 2 of a doubleheader Saturday.

Scott Alexander started for San Francisco and got two outs before Junis entered in the first frame with a runner on second base. Junis surrendered a single to allow the inherited runner to score, and he yielded two runs of his own in the third inning before departing with two outs in the fifth. The right-hander has bounced between opening and pitching in bulk relief lately, tossing more than one frame in each of his past five outings. However, he hasn't pitched more than four innings in any appearance this season, and he's recorded just one decision -- a win -- over his past 22 games despite pitching to a solid 3.47 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 51:5 K:BB over 49.1 frames during that span.

Kinley earned a save against the Giants in the nightcap of a doubleheader Saturday, allowing two hits and one walk while striking out one batter over one scoreless inning.

Kinley got the call with the Rockies up three runs in the ninth inning and made things interesting, loading the bases on a pair of singles and a walk. However, he was able to get Blake Sabol to pop out to end the contest and nail down the save. Kinley has moved into the primary closer role for Colorado in September, notching four saves in five chances while allowing two runs on six hits and posting a 4:3 K:BB over seven frames.

Hollowell earned a save in Game 1 of Saturday's doubleheader against the Giants, allowing two runs on two hits and one walk while striking out two batters over 2.2 innings.

Hollowell took over with one out and two runners on base with Colorado leading 7-3 in the seventh. He induced an inning-ending double play, and the Rockies opted to ride him the rest of the way rather than call upon other bullpen arms with the nightcap looming. Hollowell surrendered a run in the eighth and another in the ninth but had a nice cushion to work with and cruised to his first career save. He's posted a 25:15 K:BB over 26.2 frames and has been used as more of a low-leverage option this season, so it's unlikely that he sees many more save chances down the stretch.

Winn allowed three runs on three hits and two walks, striking out five batters over four innings while notching a no-decision in Game 1 of a doubleheader against Colorado on Saturday.

All three runs Winn allowed scored on a third-inning, bases-clearing triple by Ezequiel Tovar. Though Winn has bounced between pitching as a traditional starter and a bulk reliever, his workload has been fairly consistent, as he's completed between four and six innings in seven of his eight appearances. The rookie right-hander has held his own in the majors thus far, posting a 3.89 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 30:8 K:BB over 37 frames.

Alzolay (forearm) played catch Saturday, Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Alzolay hit the injured list Monday with a right forearm strain, an injury that's potentially quite worrisome for a pitcher. The righty, who's saved 22 games for the Cubs this season, certainly isn't out of the woods yet, but the fact that he's already throwing again so soon after the injury is an encouraging sign. Julian Merryweather and Michael Fulmer have each earned a save in Alzolay's absence, but Fulmer is now on the injured list with a forearm strain of his own.

Kauffmann was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque after the Rockies' 9-5 win over the Giants in Game 1 of Saturday's doubleheader.

Kauffmann was called up ahead of the day game, pitching four innings in relief of opener Brent Suter. The right-hander earned the win, allowing one unearned run on two hits and three walks while striking out four. Matt Carasiti was recalled from Albuquerque to replace Kauffmann in Colorado's bullpen prior to the nightcap.

Carasiti was called up from Triple-A Albuquerque prior to Game 2 of the Rockies' doubleheader with the Giants.

Carasiti will join Colorado after they defeated San Francisco 9-5 in the day game. The right-hander will replace Karl Kauffmann in the bullpen as the latter heads to Albuquerque in a corresponding move. Carasiti has produced an inflated 7.06 ERA over 21.2 innings in 14 appearances with the Rockies this year.

Romero (knee) is still dealing with weakness and instability in his left knee but will throw a bullpen session Sunday, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Romero hit the injured list with left patellar tendinitis in early September. The fact that he's ready to throw a bullpen session suggests he has plenty of time to return before the end of the year, though the Cardinals have no incentive to rush him given that they've long since fallen out of the playoff picture.

Palencia was recalled from Triple-A Iowa on Saturday.

Palencia was optioned to Iowa on Friday but will return due to Michael Fulmer (forearm) landing back on the injured list. Palencia posted a 4.09 ERA and 1.23 WHIP across 22 innings in his first big-league stint.

Fulmer was placed on the 15-day injured list Saturday with a right forearm strain.

Fulmer suffered an apparent setback, as he returned from the same issue on Monday. This will almost certainly end his regular season, though it's possible he could return for the postseason if he can get healthy.