MLB Player News

Leone will be the first pitcher on the mound for what's expected to be a bullpen game Friday against the Cubs, Kerry Crowley of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Leone made the first start of his eight-year career Sunday as part of a similar setup. He threw just a single inning in that game and has recorded more than three outs in just one of his 44 appearances this season, so don't expect him to throw much more than one frame Friday.

Smith allowed one run on one hit and one walk while striking out two in the ninth inning to blow the save against the Nationals on Thursday.

Lane Thomas tripled right away against Smith to open the inning, and the Nationals cashed in after a throwing error by Ozzie Albies as Albies tried to turn two. Smith has given up four runs in his last eight appearances, but his last blown save prior to Thursday was Aug. 11, and he's 31-for-36 in save situations with a 3.79 ERA this season.

Estevez allowed a run on two hits in the ninth inning of Thursday's game against the Phillies, but he escaped with the save. He struck out one batter.

Estevez was close to giving the game back after the Rockies took the lead against Phillies closer Ian Kennedy the prior half inning. He ultimately pitched out of a second-and-third, one-out situation with the lead still intact. Estevez has now given up at least one run in each of his last three appearances, but with only one blown save in that span and saves in three of his last four appearances, he's been getting the job done more often than not since Daniel Bard was removed from the closer picture.

Hernandez (6-1) allowed three hits and three walks with one strikeout in six innings to earn the win over Baltimore on Thursday.

While the strikeout total was low, Hernandez managed to throw 55 of 89 pitches for strikes in the contest. The 24-year-old was excellent in recording his fourth quality start in his last six appearances (five starts). For the year, Hernandez has a 3.29 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 70:34 K:BB in 76.2 innings. He's allowed more than two runs in just two of 10 outings since the All-Star break, emerging as a reliable option in Kansas City's rotation. He lines up for a home start against Oakland next week.

Chargois (5-1) took the loss and was charged with a blown save in a defeat at the hands of the Red Sox on Wednesday, allowing an earned run on two hits and a walk over one inning.

Chargois served up a go-ahead two-run home run to Hunter Renfroe in the eighth inning after the Rays' Nelson Cruz had snapped a scoreless tie with an RBI single in the visitor's half of the frame. Chargois has now allowed an earned run in back-to-back appearances, only the second such time he's done so this season.

Clase pitched a clean ninth inning Thursday to earn the save against Minnesota.

The 23-year-old was tasked with preserving a 4-1 lead and needed only 11 pitches to retire Jorge Polanco, Josh Donaldson and Max Kepler. It was the 22nd save of the year for Clase, who has been scored upon just once in his last 23 appearances dating back to mid-July. He's issued only one walk during that stretch against 22 strikeouts.

Rainey (side) returned to the mound for Triple-A Rochester on Thursday, walking one batter in a scoreless inning, Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports.

Rainey hadn't pitched because of side pain since being demoted to Rochester in mid-August. While he's now returned to game action, he's likely a ways away from being considered for a big-league roster spot. The right-hander was sent down to work on his command after posting a 7.62 ERA and 31:21 K:BB across 26 major-league innings.

Chafin picked up the save against the White Sox on Thursday after tossing a scoreless inning while allowing one hit.

Chafin worked around a two-out double by Romy Gonzalez to finish off a close lead for the A's. The left-hander didn't induce any strikeouts, but he did throw 10 of his 13 pitches for strikes. The save was just the third of the year for Chafin, who is seeing more ninth-inning opportunities of late given Lou Trivino's recent struggles. Chafin has an excellent 0.86 ERA and 0.76 WHIP across 21 innings since his trade from the Cubs.

Lopez (3-2) was charged with the loss Thursday against the A's after allowing three runs (one earned) on six hits and three walks while striking out two across five innings.

It wasn't his best outing, but Lopez held things in check enough to give the White Sox a chance. Unfortunately, he failed to receive run support from his teammates while also dealing with defensive woes. The right-hander may not receive another chance in the rotation next week with Lucas Giolito (hamstring) and Lance Lynn (knee) nearing their returns from the injured list. Across 16 appearances (six starts) this season, Lopez is sporting a 2.05 ERA and 0.84 WHIP.

Manaea (9-9) earned the win Thursday after holding the White Sox to one run on five hits and a walk while striking out nine across seven innings.

The southpaw displayed strong command en route to his ninth win, recording nine punchouts for the second straight game to earn his 14th quality start of the year. Manaea's only blemish of the day came from an RBI single by Jose Abreu in the third inning. The 29-year-old will look to continue his success during his next projected start Wednesday at Kansas City.