MLB Player News

Diaz (5-2) took the loss Sunday against the Padres, allowing one run on one hit while striking out a batter for the only out he recorded.

Diaz came into the bottom of ninth trying to send the game to extra innings with the score tied 2-2. He struck out Jake Cronenworth to begin things, but Jackson Merrill connected on a slider and took it over the wall to walk it off for the Padres. It was Diaz's first loss since coming back from the injured list in June and the second run he's given up in 6.1 innings in August. He's only picked up one save in seven appearances this month but does have an 11:1 K:BB over that span. For the year, Diaz owns a 3.62 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 54:13 K:BB in 37.1 innings to go along with 14 saves.

Hjelle (3-4) allowed three runs on four hits and struck out one over 2.2 innings to take the loss versus the Mariners on Sunday.

Hjelle was called on for a long-relief assignment after Robbie Ray left the game with a hamstring injury. Over nine appearances this month, Hjelle has allowed six runs on 12 hits and two walks while striking out eight across 14.1 innings. He's at a 3.99 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 60:9 K:BB through 65.1 innings overall, and he's added four holds. Hjelle has lost his last three decisions and hasn't picked up a win since June 5.

Munoz picked up the save Sunday, walking two and striking out two during a scoreless ninth inning against the Giants.

Munoz finished off the Giants for his 19th save of the season, though it was his first save in four weeks. It was not a perfect outing for Munoz, who struggled with his command, tossing just 10 of 21 pitches for strikes while walking two. However, he also struck out two, including Mark Canha with a runner on third to end the game. Munoz has allowed four earned runs and nine total baserunners over his last four appearances but still maintains a dominant 1.80 ERA and 1.00 WHIP with 63 strikeouts over 50 innings this season.

McArthur has not allowed a run over his last seven appearances, allowing just five hits while striking out eight and walking none across 6.2 innings in that span.

McArthur surrendered 11 runs (nine earned) over 5.2 innings through his first six outings following the All-Star break, converting just one of three save chances in that span. He hasn't had the opportunity to close since, with Lucas Erceg moving into the closer role since he was acquired from the Athletics via trade. McArthur has just one hold since he lost the closer job, and he's more frequently been deployed in the seventh and eighth innings in recent weeks. McArthur has a 4.62 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 40:9 K:BB over 50.2 innings while going 18-for-24 in save chances this year, and he'll likely be a second or third option for closing duties when Erceg is unavailable.

Armstrong (3-2) earned the win Sunday over the Twins, retiring both batters he faced.

Armstrong has been moderately effective in a middle-relief role since joining the Cardinals, allowing four runs over 11.1 innings across 10 appearances. He's added an 11:2 K:BB in that span. For the year, Armstrong has a 4.97 ERA, 1.48 WHIP, 61:21 K:BB, one save and three holds over 58 innings between the Cardinals and the Rays. Given the success of St. Louis' high-leverage relievers, Armstrong is unlikely to move up the hierarchy.

Miller struck out one while tossing 1.1 perfect innings to pick up the save Sunday against the Brewers.

Miller collected four outs to pick up his fourth multi-inning save of the season. Miller has not been scored upon in 17 of his last 18 outings since June 14, tossing 20 innings with a 0.90 ERA, 0.60 WHIP, 27 strikeouts and nine saves over that stretch.

Topa (knee) has resumed playing catch, Bobby Nightengale of the Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

Topa missed the first four months of the season due to a tear in the patellar tendon of his left knee. He began a rehab assignment July 23 but was shut down Aug. 10 due to right elbow inflammation. Topa remains optimistic that he can return this season, but he still likely has several weeks of building up his throwing before he could start a rehab assignment.

Funderburk (left oblique strain) threw a bullpen session Sunday, Bobby Nightengale of the Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

Funderburk went on the 15-day injured list July 21. He's still likely a week or two away before he could start a rehab assignment, so it's not clear if he'll be able to return before the end of the regular season.

Sandlin is scheduled to serve as the Guardians' opening pitcher for the first game of Monday's doubleheader against the Royals, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

The 27-year-old right-hander will be making his first career MLB start Monday, but because he hasn't been recorded more than five outs in any of his 57 appearances between the majors and Triple-A Columbus this season, he shouldn't be expected to work more than an inning or two. The Guardians are designating lefty Joey Cantillo as their 27th man for the twin bill, and he's expected to be recalled from Triple-A in advance of the early game to serve as a bulk reliever behind Sandlin.

Helsley picked up the save Sunday, allowing one hit over a scoreless ninth inning against the Twins.

Helsley worked around a leadoff single in the ninth to secure his major-league leading 40th save. Helsley has seen a bit of a decline in his peripherals this season, posting his lowest K/BB and K/9 rates along with his highest ERA and WHIP since 2021. That said, he remains one of the best relievers in the game and has been lights-out in the ninth, closing the door on all but three save chances this season.