MLB Player News

Thompson struck out the only batter he faced to earn a save over the Nationals on Friday.

Thompson struck out Dylan Crews with two runners on base to finish off the 7-6 win. It was Thompson's second save of the year and first since June 18. He's currently riding a 6.2-inning scoreless streak at the MLB level, lowering his season ERA to 3.26. Thompson took over the ninth inning after Tyson Miller and Drew Smyly each recorded one out, while Porter Hodge hasn't been called upon since a 36-pitch appearance Wednesday.

Holmes earned the save in Friday's 6-3 victory over St. Louis, pitching a scoreless inning with no strikeouts.

The 31-year-old reliever made quick work of the Cardinals in the ninth, working around an inning-opening error by Anthony Volpe to retire the side on just eight pitches. Despite suffering two blown saves in August, he has pitched to a 1.93 ERA, 0.75 WHIP and 15:4 K:BB with seven saves across 9.1 innings this month. He continues to lead MLB in blown saves (10), but his 29 saves puts him in the top five.

Gose cleared waivers Friday and elected to become a free agent.

After being DFA'd by the Guardians for the third time in three weeks Wednesday, Gose has now elected to explore his options on the open market. He entered free agency the last time he was dropped from Cleveland's 40-man roster before re-signing with the club a day later, so there's still a chance he sticks around with the Guardians.

Manager Dave Roberts said Friday that Graterol (hamstring) will throw to live hitters Saturday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

After throwing a pair of bullpen sessions, Graterol has been cleared to face live hitters Saturday. The right-hander got up to 30 pitches in a bullpen Wednesday, and doesn't seem far off from returning. It's unclear if the Dodgers plan on restarting Graterol's rehab assignment after it was paused at the beginning of August, or if he'll come straight back to the big-league bullpen when ready.

The Giants released Matzek (elbow) on Friday, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

No team was interested in claiming Matzek after the Giants placed him on waivers Wednesday, so the 33-year-old lefty will now get to choose where he plays next -- likely on a minor-league deal. He has been out since May due to elbow inflammation but is expected to be ready to pitch again at some point in September.

The Angels placed Fulmer on the 15-day injured list Friday due to right elbow inflammation, retroactive to Aug. 27.

Fulmer allowed two runs and struck out eight batters over six innings during his last start Saturday, but he appears to have come away from the outing with elbow problems. He'll be forced to sit out until at least Sept. 11, and the 30-year-old may not have a rotation spot waiting for him when he returns -- the Angels are calling up top prospects Samuel Aldegheri and Caden Dana from Double-A Rocket City to bolster their rotation.

The Angels transferred Marte (illness) to the 60-day injured list Friday.

Marte was placed on the 15-day injured list Aug. 10 due to a viral infection, and with Friday's shift to the 60-day IL, he won't be eligible to return during the 2024 regular season. The right-hander logged a 2.33 ERA in 19.1 big-league innings this season, a huge improvement on the 8.14 ERA he generated in 24.1 innings over the prior three years. The 28-year-old should be healthy in time for spring training.

The Rockies optioned Davis to Triple-A Albuquerque on Friday.

Since coming up from Triple-A in late July, Davis has posted a 5.19 ERA and 1.90 WHIP alongside a 13:7 K:BB through 17.1 innings. He'll now head back to the minors in order to get back on track, and the Rockies will promote Seth Halvorsen from Albuquerque to fill the open bullpen spot.

Manager Derek Shelton said Friday that Bednar will be temporarily removed from the closer role and pitch in lower-leverage situations, Alex Stumpf of MLB.com reports.

The decision to relieve Bednar of his duties as closer comes two days after he allowed five earned runs on three hits and two walks in just two-thirds of an inning during Wednesday's loss to the Cubs. The Pirates will now use a closer-by-committee approach, making Aroldis Chapman and Jalen Beeks likely candidates to see increased opportunities in the ninth inning.

The Cubs claimed Armstrong off waivers Friday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Armstrong was acquired by the Cardinals from the Rays in late July as part of the trade package for Dylan Carlson. Armstrong posted a 2.84 ERA and 1.03 WHIP over 12.2 innings with St. Louis, but he was designated for assignment Tuesday. He'll stay in the NL Central and give the Cubs much-needed bullpen depth after Julian Merryweather was placed on the 15-day injured list Tuesday due to right knee tendinitis.