MLB Player News

Hatch will serve as the Pirates' opening pitcher for Monday's game against the Cardinals, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.

Hatch has pitched exclusively out of the bullpen so far this season and tossed a scoreless inning against the Twins on Saturday, so his appearance Monday will likely be a brief one. Assuming that's the case, Bailey Falter seems to be the most likely option to operate as the primary pitcher behind Hatch.

Alzolay allowed two runs on two hits but managed to secure the save in Sunday's 4-3 win over the Royals.

Alzolay got the benefit of working with a three-run lead but he wasn't particularly sharp, allowing the two hits and also hitting a batter. The righty was still able to escape with his 18th save in 19 chances, and his ERA remains a tidy 2.75. Alzolay was pitching in back-to-back games, so fatigue could have been a factor. He should still have a strong hold on the closer role in Chicago due to his performance so far this season.

Williams recorded one out and earned a save against Texas on Sunday.

Williams entered the game with two on and two outs in the ninth inning and finished off the 6-2 victory. He's converted three straight save chances, giving him 30 in 33 opportunities on the year. The 28-year-old is sporting a 1.52 ERA with a 70:22 K:BB through 47.1 frames.

Strzelecki was optioned to Triple-A Reno on Sunday, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports.

Strzelecki served as the 27th man during Saturday's doubleheader against the Padres and allowed a hit and two walks during 1.1 scoreless relief innings. He'll head back to the minors but could rejoin the Diamondbacks at some point if they need additional bullpen help.

Manaea is expected to serve as the bulk pitcher behind opener Scott Alexander against the Phillies on Monday, Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic reports.

Manaea last pitched Tuesday against the Rays and delivered 3.1 scoreless frames as he picked up his fourth win of the season. The veteran left-hander has pitched well over his past six appearances with just one run allowed and a 19:4 K:BB across 15 innings.

Alexander will serve as the Giants' opening pitcher for Sunday's game against the Phillies, Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic reports.

Alexander has opened six times for the Giants this season and hasn't covered more than 1.2 frames in any of those outings. The left-hander has a 4.06 ERA through 44 appearances on the campaign and is likely good for a handful of outs Monday before giving way to bulk option Sean Manaea.

The Nationals optioned Abbott to Triple-A Rochester on Sunday.

Abbott was sent back to Triple-A to make room on the 26-man active roster for right-hander Mason Thompson (knee), who was reinstated from the 15-day injured list in a corresponding move. During his latest stint with the Nationals, Abbott made 14 appearances out of the bullpen and compiled an 8.37 ERA and 1.94 WHIP over 23.2 innings.

Thompson (knee) was reinstated from the 15-day injured list Sunday, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

Thompson landed on the injured list Aug. 5 with a left knee contusion, but he's ready to rejoin the Nationals after a one-outing rehab assignment. The right-hander has 10 holds while working as part of the bridge to the late innings for the Nationals, but he has a 4.56 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 40:19 K:BB across 47.1 innings.

The Rockies recalled Doyle from Triple-A Albuquerque on Sunday, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

Doyle was optioned to Albuquerque a week and a half ago, but he'll be eligible to rejoin the Rockies bullpen after Colorado placed reliever Tyler Kinley (elbow) on the 15-day injured list in a corresponding move. In six appearances with Colorado this season, Doyle has pitched mostly in lower-leverage spots while giving up five earned runs on nine hits and five walks in 11.1 innings.

The Rockies placed Kinley on the 15-day injured list Sunday with right elbow inflammation, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

After undergoing flexor tendon surgery last June, Kinley spent more than a year recovering and rehabbing before the Rockies brought him back from the 60-day injured list Aug. 1. Upon being activated, Kinley worked his way back into the setup ranks but largely struggled over his seven appearances, giving up six runs on 10 hits and two walks while striking out eight over 5.2 innings. Now that Kinley is back on the IL with another injury in his surgically repaired elbow, the Rockies are likely to proceed cautiously with bringing him back. Colorado called up right-hander Tommy Doyle from Triple-A Albuquerque to replace Kinley in the bullpen.