MLB Player News

Williams walked two and hit one batter in a scoreless and hitless inning, adding two strikeouts to earn the save in Saturday's 5-4 win over the Reds.

Williams has allowed multiple baserunners in three of his last five outings, but he was able to escape a bases-loaded jam of his own making in Saturday's win. The right-hander is now 8-for-9 in save chances this year. He's pitched to a 2.31 ERA, but a 1.20 WHIP and eight walks over 11.2 innings show he's not quite all the way back from a command standpoint. Williams has also logged 20 strikeouts and doesn't appear to be at much risk of ceding closing duties back to Trevor Megill.

Estevez allowed a hit and struck out two over a scoreless inning to earn the save in Saturday's 3-0 win over Atlanta.

Estevez didn't receive Philadelphia's last save chance, which went to Jeff Hoffman on Thursday. Hoffman handled the eighth inning Saturday against the top of Atlanta's lineup while Estevez worked through the heart of the lineup in the ninth. Estevez has allowed five runs (three earned) over 12.2 innings while earning three saves across 12 appearances since he was traded from the Angels. He now has a 2.31 ERA, 0.81 WHIP and 44:8 K:BB with 23 saves in 27 chances this year. Manager Rob Thomson looks to be sticking with a committee approach to closing, with Estevez, Hoffman and Jose Alvarado all in the mix for high-leverage spots.

The Phillies optioned Marte to Triple-A Lehigh Valley following Saturday's 3-0 win over Atlanta.

After being called up from Triple-A on Thursday, Marte made his lone appearance for the Phillies in Friday's 7-2 loss to Atlanta, covering two innings while allowing one run on two hits and one walk over two innings. He'll head back to Triple-A to make room for Jose Alvarado's (personal) return from the restricted list.

The Phillies activated Alvarado (personal) from the restricted list following Saturday's 3-0 win over Atlanta.

Alvarado has been away from the club since Monday due to a personal matter. The left-handed reliever will be available out of the bullpen for the series finale Sunday. Across 56 outings this season, Alvarado has recorded 13 saves and eight holds with a 4.30 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 52:25 K:BB over 52.1 innings.

The Padres are expected to recall Cosgrove from Triple-A El Paso on Sunday, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Cosgrove is expected to provide coverage for the Padres bullpen while Wandy Peralta (thigh) and Stephen Kolek (forearm) continue to work through their respective injuries. Cosgrove has an 11.66 ERA and 1.98 WHIP across 14.2 major-league innings this season.

Pennington will serve as the Rangers' opening pitcher for Sunday's series finale against the Athletics, Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Despite having just four minor-league starts under his belt over the past three seasons, Pennington will get his first major-league start Sunday. He's pitched more than one inning twice across his seven outings with the Rangers this season, with the last instance coming Aug. 23 against the Guardians, when he threw three innings and allowed two runs (one earned) on four hits and two walks while striking out three. Jose Urena and Chase Anderson are the top candidates to serve in bulk relief, though the former tossed four scoreless innings Wednesday against the White Sox and may not be available to provide much length.

Borucki (wrist) joined the Pirates in Cleveland on Saturday and could be activated from the 60-day injured list Sunday, Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Borucki has been dealing with carpal tunnel syndrome in his left wrist since early April. He began his rehab assignment Aug. 17 and has given up a run while striking out eight in five innings across five appearances.

Holder (wrist) joined the Pirates in Cleveland on Saturday and is expected to be activated from the 60-day injured list Sunday, Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Holderman has been on the injured list since Aug. 8 due to a sprained right wrist. He began his rehab assignment with Triple-A Indianapolis on Aug. 20, and in his five outings, he's allowed two runs on three hits and one walk while striking out eight over five innings.

Herrin left Saturday's game against the Pirates in the eighth inning of due to a left arm injury, Chris Assenheimer of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.

Herrin was hit in the arm by a liner from Oneil Cruz, and the 27-year-old reliever was replaced by Eli Morgan shortly thereafter. Across his 19 outings since the All-Star break, Herrin has a 3.63 ERA and 1.04 WHIP across 17.1 innings.

Hodge earned the save in Saturday's 5-3 win over the Nationals, allowing one hit and one walk with two strikeouts in a scoreless ninth inning.

Hodge put two runners on with one out but registered back-to-back punchouts to earn his third save of the season. He has recorded either a win or a save in four of his past five outings and has not allowed a run in 11 consecutive appearances. On the season, the rookie has been impressive across the board with a 1.80 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 45:15 K:BB over 35 innings and figures to lead the Cubs in save chances down the stretch.