MLB Player News

Megill (9-8) picked up the win in the first game of Saturday's doubleheader sweep of the Phillies, allowing one run on four hits and two walks over 7.1 innings. He struck out seven.

The right-hander saved his best performance of the season for last, as he hadn't worked more than six innings in any start this season. The quality start was Megill's sixth of 2023, but half of them have come in his last six outings -- a stretch in which he posted a 2.55 ERA and 31:12 K:BB through 35.1 innings. The impressive finish to the campaign should make the 28-year-old a favorite to secure an Opening Day rotation spot with the Mets in 2024, provided the team doesn't engage in another winter spending spree.

Plassmeyer (0-1) took the loss in the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Mets, surrendering 10 runs (nine earned) on eight hits -- including three home runs -- over 3.2 innings. He struck out four without walking a batter.

With the Phillies already locked into the No. 4 seed in the National League playoffs, Plassmeyer got called up for his season debut and first career big-league start so the team could avoid using any arms it might need in the wild-card round, which starts Tuesday. The 26-year-old southpaw got through the first inning unscathed but quickly fell apart after that, serving up a pair of homers to Francisco Alvarez and another to Francisco Lindor before getting the hook. Plassmeyer posted a 5.05 ERA over 67.2 innings at Triple-A this season, and he's unlikely to be a factor for Philly in the postseason.

Dodd will be recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett to start Sunday's game against the Nationals, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

Dodd's last big-league start dates back to Sept. 9 against the Pirates, when he surrendered four runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out two across four innings. He'll be tasked with eating innings for Atlanta with little left to play for before the postseason begins.

Walker (15-6) took the loss Saturday in the first game of a doubleheader against the Mets, giving up four runs on four hits and four walks over seven innings as the Phillies fell 4-3. He struck out three.

A three-run first inning nearly led to a quick exit for Walker, but he gutted out the early offense and helped preserve the Phillies' bullpen ahead of Tuesday's playoff opener in the wild-card round. The veteran righty tossed 106 pitches (64 strikes) in his final regular-season trip to the mound, and while Walker was able to give the Phillies innings in September, they weren't very effective ones -- he got tagged for at least four runs in four of his final five outings, posting a 5.93 ERA and 19:12 K:BB through 30.1 innings on the month.

France (personal) is back with the Astros and is available out of the bullpen, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.

France was scratched from his scheduled start against Arizona on Friday due to a family emergency. While his absence lasted just one day, he won't get another chance to start.

The Dodgers placed Lynn on the bereavement list Saturday, Matthew Moreno of DodgerBlue.com reports.

Lynn will be held out for three-to-seven games as he tend to more important matters. Victor Gonzalez was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City to fill Lynn's roster spot.

The Rangers optioned Latz to Triple-A Round Rock on Saturday.

In order to make room for Matt Bush, who was selected from Triple-A on Saturday, the Rangers will push Latz off the active roster and back to the minor leagues. The 27-year-old lefty has made three appearances for the Rangers this season and has yet to surrender a run through 6.1 frames.

The Padres transferred Musgrove (shoulder) to the 60-day injured list Saturday.

Musgrove has been on the injured list since early August due to inflammation in his right shoulder. He was able to resume throwing last Friday, but with the Padres officially eliminated from playoff contention, his focus has shifted to getting ready for 2024. Musgrove's spot on the 40-man roster will be filled by Chandler Seagle, who was selected from Triple-A El Paso on Saturday.

The Brewers recalled Lauer from Triple-A Nashville to start Saturday against the Cubs.

Lauer will be making his first start in the majors since May 20, when he gave up six earned runs over three innings against the Rays. The 28-year-old southpaw put up a 5.48 ERA and 1.52 WHIP with the Brewers before being sent down to Nashville, where he recorded similar numbers. Though his numbers may not warrant a promotion, Lauer's arrival will help the Brewers keep Brandon Woodruff and Freddy Peralta fresh for the postseason. Clayton Andrews and Caleb Boushley were both optioned to the Arizona Complex League in corresponding moves.

Heaney is scheduled to start Saturday's game against the Mariners in Seattle, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

The veteran southpaw has made his last six appearances in relief, with the most recent outing coming in the series opener Thursday, when he tossed a 17-pitch scoreless inning. Given that he hasn't covered more than five innings in a game since late August, Heaney could end up serving as more of an opener or piggyback starter rather than a traditional starter Saturday. The Rangers will have Martin Perez (five days' rest) and Cody Bradford (three days' rest) available as potential bulk-relief options to work behind Heaney.