MLB Player News

Hodge pitched a clean ninth inning in Wednesday's 12-0 win over the Pirates to wrap up a combined no-hitter for the Cubs.

It wasn't a save situation for Hodge, though he still faced plenty of pressure after starter Shota Imanaga and Nate Pearson kept Pittsburgh without a hit through eight innings. Hodge didn't flinch and breezed through the frame on just nine pitches, which has been customary for the young righty all season as he's now sporting a sparkling 1.75 ERA and 0.89 WHIP. Hodge looks locked in as the Cubs' closer for the rest of 2024, and the 23-year-old appears ready to be a fantasy contributor for years to come as well.

Francis (8-4) took the loss Wednesday against the Phillies, allowing three runs on six hits over six innings. He struck out six.

While Francis ultimately took his first loss since Aug. 4, the right-hander turned in another strong effort against the Phillies. Francis allowed a solo home run to Kyle Schwarber in the first inning and a two-run shot to Kody Clemens in the second before holding Philadelphia scoreless over his final four frames. The 28-year-old Francis had allowed just four runs over his previous five starts (34 innings) while posting a stellar 0.38 WHIP in that span. Overall, his ERA sits at 3.72 on the year with a 0.99 WHIP and 81:19 K:BB across 84.2 innings this year. Francis is currently slated to face the Mets at home in his next outing.

Estevez earned the save in Wednesday's 4-2 win over Toronto. He issued one walk while striking out a pair in a scoreless ninth inning.

It's the sixth straight scoreless appearance for Estevez, who's allowed just two hits while striking out six in that span (seven innings). Estevez's ERA is down to a pristine 2.17 with a 0.79 WHIP and 48:9 K:BB across 49.2 innings between the Phillies and Angels this season. He's converted 24 of 28 save chances.

Weaver could be a candidate to receive save chances after Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Wednesday that the team will get "creative" with the closer role going forward, Jack Curry of YES Network reports.

Clay Holmes blew his 11th save of the season Tuesday, prompting the Yankees to shake up the ninth-inning situation. Boone didn't officially demote Holmes or name replacement options, but Weaver is an obvious candidate since he leads the team with 22 holds. He's been effective with a 3.33 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 79:23 K:BB across 73 innings. Mark Leiter and Tommy Kahnle could also be in the mix.

Cosgrove was optioned to Triple-A El Paso on Wednesday.

The left-hander was called up from El Paso on Sunday and will return there without taking the mound for San Diego. Cosgrove has appeared in 18 games for the Padres this season and has a 11.66 ERA, 1.98 WHIP and 15:6 K:BB over 14.2 innings.

The Cubs recalled Neely from Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday, Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Neely allowed six earned runs over just four innings during his first stint in the big leagues, but he'll now return to the majors to serve as extra bullpen depth while Justin Steele (elbow) heads to the injured list.

Leiter could be in the mix for save chances after Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Wednesday that the team will get "creative" with the closer role going forward, Jack Curry of YES Network reports.

The skipper didn't officially demote closer Clay Holmes or name specific relievers for the "creative" approach, but Leiter should be one of the top candidates to see save chances. However, the right-hander hasn't pitched particularly well since being acquired from the Cubs at the summer trade deadline, as he has a 6.08 ERA, 1.95 WHIP and 19:6 K:BB across 13.1 innings with the Yankees. That could give a leg up to Luke Weaver and/or Tommy Kahnle, who both have been reliable high-leverage options for Boone this year.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Wednesday the team will get "creative" with the closer role going forward, which could still include Holmes depending on matchups, Jack Curry of YES Network reports.

Boone avoided explicitly saying that Holmes has been demoted from the closer role, but that's the clear indication even if the right-hander is still somewhat involved. The 31-year-old surrendered a grand slam Tuesday against Texas as he blew his league-leading 11th save of the season, which finally prompted the Yankees to change their approach. Holmes has been fairly effective overall with a 3.27 ERA across 55 innings, but he's allowed a lot of traffic with a 1.33 WHIP and 3.1 BB/9. Boone didn't name any alternative relievers, but Mark Leiter, Luke Weaver and Tommy Kahnle could all be in the mix for saves.

The Athletics reinstated Alexander (shoulder) from the 15-day injured list Wednesday.

Left rotator cuff tendinitis sent Alexander to the injured list Aug. 20, and rather than heading to the minors for a rehab assignment, he'll now rejoin Oakland's bullpen following a minimum-length stay. The 35-year-old southpaw has been strong all season, and he's given up just two earned runs over 10 innings since the All-Star break. Joe Boyle was optioned to Triple-A in a corresponding move.

The Marlins optioned Soriano to Triple-A Jacksonville on Wednesday.

Soriano has managed just a 6.26 ERA in 19 appearances out of Miami's bullpen this season. He'll be replaced by Anthony Veneziano, who was claimed off waivers earlier this week and has now been officially added to the active roster.