MLB Player News

Stephan (3-0) allowed one run on two hits and struck out four in 2.2 innings, earning the win Thursday over Texas.

The 25-year-old once again worked as a long reliever behind starter Sam Hentges. It's been a fruitful role for Stephan, who has earned wins in each of his last two appearances. The right-hander has a 4.50 ERA, 1.48 WHIP and 53:25 K:BB across 48 innings this year. Cleveland hasn't announced this as an official piggyback situation, but it's worth keeping an eye on, as Stephan's fantasy value would receive a boost if he can continue to vulture some wins.

Chapman saved Thursday's 7-6 triumph over the Athletics, allowing one hit with one strikeout in the ninth.

Manager Aaron Boone trusted Chapman to protect a one-run lead and the flamethrower delivered with his first save since returning from the IL, inducing a Matt Olson groundout with a runner on second to end the game. The lefty now owns a 3.77 ERA will look to build on the solid performance moving forward after allowing two runs on four hits and three walks over his previous three outings.

Loaisiga (9-4) earned the win during Thursday's 7-6 victory against Oakland, allowing one walk with two strikeouts in two innings.

Loaisiga pitched the seventh and eighth innings for New York and became the pitcher of record when it took the lead in the top of the ninth. The 26-year-old is enjoying a blistering August that features a 0.67 ERA in 13.1 innings, and he should remain a key cog in the bullpen down the stretch for manager Aaron Boone.

Kimbrel allowed one hit and struck out one in a scoreless ninth inning to earn save Thursday against the Blue Jays.

Kimbrel returned to the closer role, with Liam Hendriks likely unavailable for the game after throwing 39 pitches Tuesday. Kimbrel took advantage of the opportunity, as the only baserunner he allowed came on a two-out single. He now has 24 saves on the season, though this was his first since joining the White Sox. Kimbrel will likely return to a setup role moving forward, though Hendriks has a 7.00 ERA and 1.33 WHIP -- albeit with a 17:2 K:BB -- across nine innings in August.

Akin (1-8) allowed one earned run on three hits and two walks while striking out six across seven innings to earn the win Thursday against the Angels.

Akin allowed a leadoff home run to Shohei Ohtani, but he otherwise dominated the Angels. It was his longest start of the season and only the second time he's surpassed five innings in any of his 12 starts. The effort also ended a run of bad starts for Akin, as he entered this outing having allowed 12 earned runs across his last 12 innings. For the season, Akin has a 7.26 ERA with a 63:29 K:BB across 70.2 frames.

Barria allowed one earned run on five hits and two walks while striking out two across 3.1 innings Thursday against the Orioles. He did not factor into the decision.

Barria was hardly sharp, but he did manage to limit the damage before he was pulled from the game. He was bailed out by the bullpen, as he exited with the bases loaded and one out in the fourth inning -- yet no additional runs scored. Barria has worked a combined 8.1 innings while allowing nine earned runs across his last three starts. Overall, he has a 5.56 ERA with a 19:13 K:BB in 34 innings this season.

Moore (2-4) picked up the loss Thursday against Arizona, pitching four innings while allowing four runs on seven hits with two walks and two strikeouts.

Moore ran into trouble early Thursday and allowed four consecutive singles in the second inning to plate two runs, while also later surrendering a two-run home run to Nick Ahmed. The southpaw only threw 70 pitches total in the contest, and has surpassed five innings in a start once across his last six outings. Moore lines up take the mound next week in Washington if Zach Eflin (knee) remains sidelined after being scratched Thursday.

Hentges allowed four runs (two earned) on five hits and a pair of walks while striking out three across four innings against the Rangers on Thursday. He did not factor into the decision.

It was another subpar performance for Hentges, who lasted only four innings for his second straight start. The 25-year-old just hasn't had the distance, pitching a maximum of five innings twice in 12 starts. Overall, Hentges has compiled a 7.31 ERA and 1.94 WHIP across 21 appearances. If he remains in the rotation, the southpaw tentatively aligns for a Wednesday start at Kansas City.

Otto will start Friday's game against Houston, John Blake, Executive Vice President of Communications for the Rangers reports.

The Rangers are missing Dane Dunning and Mike Foltynewicz, both of whom are on the COVID-19 injured list. That opens up opportunity for Otto, who was traded from the Yankees to the Rangers at the trade deadline. Otto has maintained a 2.70 ERA to go along with a 1.00 WHIP with a 19:7 K:BB across 20 innings at Triple-A Round Rock.

Hernandez (1-1) allowed two runs (one earned) on six hits and a walk over five innings in Thursday's win over Washington. He struck out four and picked up the victory.

Hernandez put together a nice performance after being roughed up in his previous start against the Reds, holding the Nationals off the board until the fifth inning. Alcides Escobar reached on an error and Juan Soto followed with a two-run homer, but Hernandez responded by inducing groundball outs from Josh Bell and Yadiel Hernandez to get through the frame. The 26-year-old hurler owns a 3.63 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 23:4 K:BB in 22.1 innings and is tentatively lined up to make his next start on the road against the struggling Mets.