MLB Player News

Littell got the save in Friday's 5-4 win over the Rockies, recording the final out of the ninth inning via strikeout.

San Francisco entered the ninth with a 5-2 lead but closer Jake McGee served up a two-run home run and two more baserunners before Littell was called upon by manager Gabe Kapler. The 25-year-old needed just four pitches to dismiss C.J. Cron for his second save in three appearances, with a win sandwiched between them. Since being recalled Aug. 7, Littell is 1-0 with two saves and four strikeouts in 3.2 innings.

Smith allowed no hits and a walk while striking out two in a scoreless ninth inning to earn the save in Friday's win over the Nationals.

Smith was charged with the blown save when he allowed two runs in one inning during his last outing, and he encountered some trouble Friday by hitting the leadoff batter in the ninth inning before issuing a walk to bring the go-ahead run to the plate. The southpaw has now converted three of five save chances across six appearances in August, and he's recorded a 7.50 ERA and 1.50 WHIP in six innings during that time.

Phillips allowed a run on three hits over three innings in Friday's win over the Twins, striking out two and picking up a save.

Phillips was able to finish the final three innings of a 10-4 win in his season debut after he was promoted from Triple-A Durham on Thursday. The lone run he allowed came via Brent Rooker's solo shot in the seventh. The 26-year-old righty entered Friday's game with a career 7.50 ERA through 48 MLB appearances and he likely won't see too many save chances down the stretch.

Alexander (2-2) allowed four runs across five innings to take the loss Friday against Cleveland. He gave up six hits and struck out four without walking a batter.

Alexander pitched reasonably well, though three of the six hits he allowed went for extra bases, including a home run by Ernie Clement. The lefty has held his own as a starter for the Tigers recently, registering a 3.77 ERA across his last three outings (14.1 innings). He's currently penciled in to make his next start Aug. 20 against the Blue Jays and should remain in the rotation for the foreseeable future with Jose Urena (groin), Matthew Boyd (triceps) and Spencer Turnbull (forearm) all on the injured list.

Barlow walked one batter in a scoreless ninth inning in Friday's win over Oakland. He struck out one and earned the save.

Barlow worked around a one-out walk to secure the 8-6 win and pick up his first big-league save. The 25-year-old righty has been tremendous since debuting in June, allowing just one run through 13.2 innings (0.66 ERA) with an 18:6 K:BB. Barlow tallied seven saves with a 2.57 ERA this season with Triple-A Round Rock this season and he could force his way into more ninth-inning looks down the stretch.

Pivetta (9-5) allowed one run on three hits and two walks while striking out eight in six innings to earn the win over Baltimore on Friday.

The only run on Pivetta's ledger was a short third-inning homer from Richie Martin. The right-hander was otherwise excellent for the second straight start, although the quality of competition likely played a factor Friday. The 28-year-old has a 4.20 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 139:52 K:BB through 124.1 innings in 23 starts. He's projected to make a road start versus the Yankees next week.

Alzolay was diagnosed with left hamstring tightness after he was removed from Friday's start against the Marlins, Russell Dorsey of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Alzolay exited Friday's contest with a trainer in the bottom of the second inning, but it's not yet clear whether the hamstring issue will force him to miss additional time. If the right-hander is able to make his next turn through the rotation, he tentatively lines up to start on the road against Cincinnati on Wednesday.

Alzolay was removed from Friday's start against the Marlins in the second inning with an apparent injury, Russell Dorsey of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Alzolay allowed a run in the first inning Friday then gave up a grand slam in the second before he was visited by a trainer and immediately removed from the game. In total, the right-hander gave up six runs on five hits and a walk while striking out one in 1.1 innings. The nature and severity of the injury aren't yet clear.

Doval was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento on Friday.

Doval was called up Tuesday, and he allowed a hit and no walks while striking out four in two scoreless innings Thursday against the Rockies. He's recorded a 5.33 ERA in 25.1 relief innings in the minors and will head back to Triple-A after Anthony DeSclafani (shoulder) was reinstated from the 10-day injured list.

Anderson (elbow) will pitch again Sunday for Triple-A Durham and will require a "fairly lengthy buildup" according to manager Kevin Cash, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

He made a couple appearances in the Florida Complex League in late July and made his first appearance at Triple-A on Thursday, logging a clean inning with zero strikeouts. It sounds like Anderson could be ready to be activated in late August.