MLB Player News

Ottavino struck out one over 1.2 perfect innings Tuesday to record his 10th save of the season in a 7-4 win over the Diamondbacks.

Entering the game with the bases loaded and one out in the eighth inning, Ottavino got Corbin Carroll to ground into a double play to escape the jam, then breezed through the heart of the Arizona order in the ninth. The veteran righty has the Mets' last three saves, with Drew Smith being the last pitcher other than Ottavino to collect one back on Sept. 1, and barring a late-season cameo from Edwin Diaz (knee), he'll likely remain the team's closer the rest of the way.

Helsley picked up the save in Tuesday's win over Baltimore, tossing a perfect inning.

Helsley needed just seven pitches to set down the top of Baltimore's lineup in order, securing a 5-2 victory. The 29-year-old flamethrower has successfully converted the Cardinals' last two save opportunities, posting five consecutive scoreless appearances since his return from injury Sept. 1. As of now, Helsley seems to have returned to primary closing duties for the Cardinals.

Pivetta (9-9) took the loss Tuesday in the first game of a doubleheader against the Yankees, giving up three runs on four hits and a walk over 5.1 innings. He struck out 10.

The right-hander was dominant through five frames in his return to the rotation, retiring the first eight batters he faced and not allowing a runner past first base, but he faded late and got the hook after five of the first six New York batters reached base in the sixth. It marks the third time this season Pivetta has fanned double-digit batters but the first time since July 31, as he'd spent the last month working out of the bullpen. He earned his punchouts Wednesday with 31 called or swinging strikes among his 90 pitches. With James Paxton (knee) done for the year, Pivetta figures to remain a starter the rest of the way.

Ramirez struck out one in a perfect ninth inning Tuesday to record his first career save in the second game of a doubleheader against the Red Sox.

Clay Holmes, Tommy Kahnle and Wandy Peralta had all worked the matinee, so manager Aaron Boone had to get a bit creative in the nightcap with his bullpen. Ramirez was up to the task in the ninth, needing only 13 pitches (eight strikes) to breeze through Boston's 2-3-4 hitters. The 34-year-old lefty has bounced between the majors and Triple-A in the second half but has been effective when called upon, posting a 1.84 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 11:2 K:BB through 14.2 big-league innings since the All-Star break.

Holmes walked three batters in a scoreless ninth inning Tuesday to record his 19th save of the season in the first game of a doubleheader against the Red Sox.

The right-hander lost the plate after getting Wilyer Abreu to ground out to begin the inning, issuing three straight free passes, but a double-play grounder on his first pitch to Alex Verdugo bailed Holmes out. After going most of August without a save and posting a 7.84 ERA on the month, the right-hander is 3-for-3 on save chances in September and has yet to allow a run. Tuesday's outing was also the first time he'd walked multiple batters in an appearance since May 28, so there may not be much cause for concern with his sudden control issues.

Hand picked up the save in Tuesday's 7-6 victory over Philadelphia. He notched one strikeout in a perfect 10th inning.

After Atlanta's closer, Raisel Iglesias, blew a save in the ninth inning, Hand successfully shut the door on Philadelphia's comeback effort with a perfect 10th inning. It was the 33-year-old's first save of the year after amassing 129 over the previous six seasons. Despite Iglesias blowing back-to-back chances, there is little doubt that he will remain the top option to close out games down the stretch.

Kimbrel (7-6) took the loss in Tuesday's contest with Atlanta. He allowed an unearned run on one hit in one inning.

Kimbrel took an unfortunate loss in the 10th inning, allowing just one single that got past Philadelphia's drawn-in infield to score the automatic runner. Despite the loss, it marked his fifth straight appearance without allowing an earned run. Kimbrel is 23-for-26 in save opportunities this season with a 3.34 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 11.9 K/9 across 62 innings.

Lawrence picked up the save Tuesday against the Cubs. He allowed one walk while striking out two over a scoreless inning.

Lawrence earned his first save since Aug. 14, taking over the ninth-inning role for the night with Tyler Kinley having pitched on back-to-back days and blowing a save opportunity Monday. The save was Lawrence's 11th of the campaign in 17 opportunities. Regardless, expect Kinley to remain ahead of Lawrence in the pecking order for now.

Assad did not factor into the decision Tuesday, allowing four runs on five hits and four walks over 3.1 innings against the Rockies. He struck out four.

After lasting at least five innings in six consecutive starts, Assad fell short of the mark Tuesday. Despite allowing just five hits, he set a season high in runs and walks allowed. Assad is set up for a potential bounce-back opportunity next time out, however, as he's lined up to take on the Pirates at Wrigley early next week.

Manaea (5-6) allowed three runs (one earned) on two hits, two walks and a hit batsman while striking out five over 5.2 innings to take the loss Tuesday versus the Guardians.

Manaea had a decent performance, throwing 56 of 80 pitches for strikes. He faltered in the sixth inning, though a two-out error by LaMonte Wade allowed the Guardians to load the bases. Ryan Walker relieved Manaea and promptly gave up a two-run single. Manaea has often featured as a long reliever this season, pitching to a 4.80 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 115:42 K:BB through 99.1 innings across 34 appearances (seven starts). The southpaw's role going forward is unclear, but he should be available to make his next appearance over the weekend in Colorado, whether that's as a starter or bulk reliever.