MLB Player News

Keller elected free agency Tuesday, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

Keller's tenure in the big leagues afforded him the ability to decline an option to Triple-A Worcester and elect free agency, and the veteran right-hander has exercised that right and will move on from the Red Sox. He holds a 5.30 ERA and 30:13 K:BB over 37.1 innings at the big-league level in 2024.

Blalock allowed three runs on six hits and no walks while striking out four batters over 5.2 innings in a no-decision against Arizona on Monday.

This was just the second major-league appearance for Blalock -- his first came was a one-inning relief cameo June 20 while he was still with Milwaukee. The righty fared pretty well in his first MLB start, holding the Diamondbacks to one run through five innings before consecutive two-out hits in the sixth resulted in two more runs crossing the plate against him. Blalock promisingly didn't walk any batters, and he induced 10 whiffs on 96 pitches. The Rockies' rotation has been hit hard by injuries of late, so Blalock figures to have earned himself at least another start, which tentatively lines up to come at home against San Diego.

Martinez earned a save against the Rockies on Monday, allowing one hit in a scoreless inning.

Martinez came on in the ninth frame to protect a one-run lead and gave up a single to leadoff batter Michael Toglia. However, the righty reliever then got Jake Cave to ground into a double play before retiring Elias Diaz on a groundout to end the game. Martinez extended his scoreless streak to seven outings and notched his third save in his past four appearances. With each successful outing, he's tightening his grip on the team's closer role.

Woodford (0-4) took the loss against San Diego on Monday, allowing one run on three hits and no walks while striking out two batters over six innings.

If this was an audition to reclaim a rotation spot, Woodford made a strong case, as he tossed his first quality start of the campaign while holding the Padres to a single run. The right-hander was given a chance to start as a result of Marco Gonzales moving to the injured list due to a forearm strain Monday, and with Gonzales now out for the season, Woodford could take his place in the rotation. Such a move may be temporary, however, as Jared Jones (lat) has begun a rehab assignment and could be back with the Pirates within the next 10 days.

Suarez allowed one run on two hits over one inning to earn a save against the Pirates on Monday.

Suarez entered in the ninth inning with San Diego up 2-0 and made things interesting, allowing a pair of singles that resulted in one run. However, he was able to get Bryan Reynolds to line out to end the game. The run Suarez allowed was just his second over his past 11 outings, and he's recorded three wins and four saves (in five tries) while posting a 1.54 ERA and 13:2 K:BB across 11.2 frames during that span.

Hudson picked up the save Monday against Milwaukee, tossing a perfect ninth inning with no strikeouts.

Hudson has handled the Dodgers' last two save opportunities and has turned in a pair of scoreless innings, boosting his save total to nine. While Evan Phillips and Michael Kopech could see occasional ninth-inning work, the closing job seems to be tilting in favor of Hudson. The 37-year-old Hudson has a 2.02 ERA through 49.0 innings this season.

Green picked up the save Monday against the Angels, allowing a solo homer with no strikeouts in the ninth inning.

Green gave up a home run to Jo Adell to start the bottom of the ninth but recovered by downing Nolan Schanuel, Zach Neto and Matt Thaiss to earn his 12th save of 2024. Green has landed a league-leading five saves in August, allowing two runs across 6.1 innings during the month. He has a 1.86 ERA on the year.

Francis (5-3) picked up the win Monday against the Angels, allowing one run on one hit and no walks across seven innings. He struck out eight.

Francis only allowed one runner to reach safely Monday, with Mickey Moniak lifting a solo homer in the third inning and spoiling what would have otherwise been a perfect outing. Still, it was another strong start for the 28-year-old, who's bounced between the rotation and the bullpen this season. In his last three starts, Francis has allowed five runs on 10 hits and two walks with 17 strikeouts across 17.2 innings. He's expected to remain in the rotation for the final stretch of the regular season, with a start against the Cubs in Chicago tentatively scheduled for Sunday.

Merryweather (1-1) allowed one run on three hits and a walk over an inning of relief to take the loss Monday against the Guardians. He struck out one.

Merryweather worked a quick seventh inning but he couldn't keep things going in the eighth, when he allowed three straight hits to start the frame, with the final one bringing in the go-ahead run before he got the hook. The righty missed most of this season with a rib stress fracture, as this was just his 10th appearance of the year. Merryweather was much more heavily used in 2023, when he posted a 3.38 ERA and 98 strikeouts across 72 innings out of the bullpen. If the 32-year-old is healthy heading into next season, he should be able to secure a middle-relief role again for the Cubs or another team based on his ability to miss bats.

The Pirates selected Ryan's contract from Triple-A Indianapolis on Monday, Alex Stumpf of MLB.com reports.

Ryan was designated for assignment by Pittsburgh at the end of July and reported to Triple-A after failing to draw interest on waivers. However, he'll get another crack at big-league action following the placement of Marco Gonzales (forearm) on the 60-day injured list. Ryan has made 13 relief appearances for the Pirates in 2024, posting a 5.29 ERA and 1.41 WHIP with 16 strikeouts over 17.0 innings.