MLB Player News

Clase picked up the save Wednesday against Cincinnati. He allowed one hit over a scoreless inning while not recording any strikeouts or walks.

Clase allowed a hit to Noelvi Marte in the second at-bat after entering the contest with a one-run lead in the top of the ninth, but lucked out when Marte was thrown out trying to stretch it to a double. The right-handed reliever was then able to retire the next batter and secure his league-leading 43rd save of the season, needing only seven pitches in total to get through the frame. Clase has now converted four of his last five save attempts but he's also allowed at least one hit in five straight appearances.

Chapman struck one over a scoreless inning in Wednesday's 5-0 win over the Angels.

It was a 2-0 game in the eighth inning when manager Bruce Bochy had Chapman enter the game. Bochy had Jose Leclerc in mind for the save, which never materialized after the Rangers scored three times in the top of the ninth. Chapman is having a shaky September and appears to be sharing the closer duty with Leclerc.

Leclerc allowed one walk and struck out two over one inning in Wednesday's 5-0 win over the Angels.

It was 2-0 game entering the eighth inning, when manager Bruce Bochy sent Aroldis Chapman into the game with the thought of Leclerc closing out the ninth. After the Rangers scored three runs in the top of the ninth, Leclerc's save opportunity went away. Nevertheless, Leclerc is back in the mix for saves after recording two in the last week and was in position for a third Wednesday. Over the last seven outings, Leclerc has three holds and two saves while striking out 11 over 7.1 innings.

Ginkel was not used in the eighth inning of Wednesday's 3-0 win over the White Sox.

Ginkel has been the go-to reliever for the eighth inning of close games, but manager Torey Lovullo went with Ryan Thompson to shepherd the lead to closer Paul Sewald. The decision to not use Ginkel could be related to the reliever's most recent outing Monday, when he told the manager he was ready to pitch after throwing 28 pitches the previous day, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports. What ensued was a blown eighth-inning lead and a loss in the middle of a playoff chase. "I'll take accountability for it," Ginkel said. "I was wanting to pitch; there's no question about it. I wasn't feeling great, for sure. After [Sunday], I threw quite a few pitches, and then again [Monday]." Ginkel has been stellar over the second half -- that's why Lovullo entrusts him with the eighth inning -- and will likely continue to pitch in that role, but Thompson may have entered the picture as a trusted high-leverage arm.

Thompson allowed one hit while striking out two over a scoreless inning in Wednesday's 3-0 win over the White Sox.

Thompson pitched the eighth inning, preserving the lead for Paul Sewald who converted the save. Kevin Ginkel is normally the choice to pitch the eighth inning of close games, but manager Torey Lovullo went another way after Ginkel's most recent outing Monday when he was tagged with the loss. The manager rewarded Thompson, who has been effective since being added to the Diamondbacks' bullpen in late August. The reliever has a 0.75 ERA and 0.50 WHIP over 12 innings.

Barnes (0-1) allowed one run on one hit over two-thirds of an inning, taking the loss Wednesday versus the Brewers.

Barnes got the last two outs of the sixth inning with no trouble but put a runner on in the seventh, and Matthew Liberatore couldn't prevent the go-ahead run from scoring. Barnes has worked in a low-leverage role with the Cardinals, pitching to a 7.15 ERA, 1.68 WHIP and 6:3 K:BB over 11.1 innings across 11 appearances this season after he was called up Aug. 22.

Jax picked up a save against the Athletics on Wednesday by striking out the only batter he faced.

Jhoan Duran worked the seventh inning Wednesday, giving Dallas Keuchel and Jax an opportunity to cover the final two frames. Keuchel pitched a scoreless eighth but put two runners on base in the ninth to bring the winning run to the plate, prompting Jax's entrance. Jax answered the call, striking out rookie phenom Zack Gelof to end the threat and notch his fourth save of the season. Two of those saves have come over his past three outings, but Duran's closer role is secure, so Jax should work primarily as a high-leverage setup option in the playoffs.

Thompson pitched 5.1 innings against Milwaukee on Wednesday, allowing two runs (one earned) on five hits and one walk while striking out five batters over 5.1 innings. He did not factor in the decision.

Thompson carried a 2-0 lead into the bottom of the sixth frame but couldn't make the advantage stand up. He gave up consecutive doubles to begin the inning, resulting in the Brewers' first run, then saw the game-tying run cross the plate on a one-out fielder's choice. That tally was unearned due to a previous throwing error behind him, but it was nonetheless enough to move Thompson out of position for a win. His last victory came Sept. 9. This was presumably Thompson's final appearance of the campaign, and he finishes with a 4.34 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 72:25 K:BB over 66.1 frames, with nine of his 25 appearances coming as a starter.

Williams recorded a save against the Cardinals on Wednesday, walking two batters and striking out one in a scoreless and hitless inning.

Williams had some trouble with his control, throwing just nine of 19 pitches for strikes and walking a pair of batters while tasked with protecting a one-run lead. Both of the free passes came with two outs, but the right-handed reliever was able to steer around the danger by getting Jordan Walker to fly out to end the contest. This was Williams' first appearance in 10 days and his first save since Sept. 15. With six straight scoreless outings during which he's 4-for-4 in save opportunities, Williams looks primed for the postseason.

Brebbia (3-4) took the extra-inning loss Wednesday versus the Padres, allowing three unearned runs on one hit and one walk over one inning.

Brebbia's ugly end to the campaign continued -- he's given up eight runs (four earned) over his last five outings, taking losses in each of the last four. He got two outs to start the 10th inning, but a sacrifice fly brought in a run before an error allowed the Padres to extend their rally. Brebbia is at a 3.55 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 46:13 K:BB through 38 innings this season. With the Giants having three games left against the Dodgers, Brebbia's struggles are unlikely to go away before the season ends.