MLB Player News

La Sorsa was optioned to Triple-A Rochester on Thursday, Bobby Blanco of MASNSports.com reports.

La Sorsa holds a 5.02 ERA and 24:8 K:BB over 28.2 innings this season for the Rays and Nationals. He's being sent out to make room for Thaddeus Ward's (shoulder) return from the injured list.

Helsley picked up the save Wednesday against the Orioles. He allowed one hit while striking out two over a scoreless inning.

After striking out the first two batters in the ninth, Helsley gave up a two-out triple to Gunnar Henderson before getting Aaron Hicks to pop out, preserving a 1-0 shutout victory. Henderson's triple was the first hit surrendered by Helsley since he returned from the IL on Sep. 1. He's been dominant in that span, earning three saves over six scoreless innings while striking out eight. Overall, Helsley improved to 10-for-14 in save opportunities with a 2.61 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 41:13 K:BB across 31 innings this season.

Stephenson struck out the only batter he faced to earn the save Wednesday against the Twins.

Colin Poche was called upon to protect a one-run lead in the ninth inning and got the first two outs while also allowing a walk. Stephenson followed and struck out Christian Vazquez on three pitches to end the game and tally his first save of the season. Stephenson has been excellent since joining the Rays by maintaining a 2.43 ERA and 0.69 WHIP with a 53:8 K:BB across 33.1 innings. However, he isn't likely to see more save chances with Pete Fairbanks -- who was likely unavailable Wednesday due to a heavy recent workload -- locked in as the team's closer.

Cosgrove allowed one run on one hit with two strikeouts across one inning in Wednesday's 6-1 win over the Dodgers.

Cosgrove spoiled the shutout by serving up a solo shot to Kolten Wong to lead off the ninth inning but managed to work through the next three batters to finish out the game. The southpaw has been a steady member of the bullpen in September, pitching to a 1.50 ERA and 0.33 WHIP across six innings with seven strikeouts.

Pressly allowed two earned runs on two hits and a walk while striking out one Wednesday against the Athletics.

Pressly was called upon to pitch in the ninth inning with a six-run lead, as he had not taken the mound since Saturday. After retiring the first batter he faced, he allowed three straight batters to reach base, which ultimately accounted for the two earned runs surrendered. Pressly has a 5.23 ERA and 1.35 WHIP since the All-Star break while allowing at least one earned run in six of his 21 appearances, but there's no indication that his role as closer is in jeopardy.

Kelly (forearm) gave up two runs on two hits and two walks while striking out two over two-thirds of an inning in Wednesday's 6-1 loss to the Padres.

Kelly had some trouble in the seventh inning after relieving starter Ryan Pepiot. Kelly walked the first two batters he faced, and both came around to score later on a Fernando Tatis single. After missing five weeks, a little rust could be expected from Kelly, who was eased into action in a low-leverage assignment. He's posted a 4.15 ERA, 1.85 WHIP and 50:17 K:BB through 33.1 innings while picking up a save, 12 holds and six blown saves this season. Evan Phillips and Brusdar Graterol figure to handle most of the save chances down the stretch and into the postseason.

Pepiot (2-1) allowed four runs on six hits and struck out five without walking a batter over six innings, taking the loss Wednesday versus the Padres.

Pepiot had allowed just two runs across his first 21 innings this season. That changed Wednesday when he allowed a solo home run to Juan Soto and a three-run blast to Luis Campusano. Despite the mediocre start, Pepiot is at a 2.00 ERA, 0.63 WHIP and 22:2 K:BB through 27 innings over five appearances (three starts). The right-hander hasn't looked out of place in the majors, and he should be penciled in for a home start versus the Tigers next week.

Law will serve as the Reds' opening pitcher for Thursday's game against the Tigers, Gordon Wittenmyer of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Thursday's game will mark the third start of the season for Law, who probably won't more more than an inning or two before turning the game over to Ben Lively (illness), who is expected to operate as a primary pitcher out of the bullpen in his return from the COVID-19-related injured list. The 32-year-old righty has pitched to a 3.83 ERA and 1.44 WHIP across 49.1 innings for Cincinnati this season.

Scott did not allow a hit or a walk and struck out one in a scoreless inning to earn the save in Wednesday's 2-0 win over the Brewers.

An error put a runner on base, but Scott easily pitched around that to earn his eighth save of the season. He's converted five straight save chances since a blown save Sept. 1 versus the Nationals. He's also gone 18.2 innings without allowing an earned run, though he gave up two unearned runs in that aforementioned blown save. The 29-year-old has a 2.21 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 93:24 K:BB through 69.1 innings on the year. Given Scott's good performance, he should close the year as Miami's primary closer.

Bednar picked up the save Wednesday against the Nationals. He allowed one run on two hits and two walks while striking out one over an inning.

It certainly wasn't Bednar's cleanest outing -- he was charged with a run after allowing the first three batters to reach safely in the ninth, though he'd ultimately strike out CJ Abrams before coaxing a flyout from Lane Thomas to strand the bases loaded and seal a 7-6 victory. Bednar's now allowed just two earned runs in his last 10 outings (10 innings) while converting 11 straight save opportunities. He's up to 34 saves on the year, tied for fourth most in the majors, with a 1.92 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 69:18 K:BB through 61 innings this season.