MLB Player News

Boyd (1-0) picked up the victory in an extra-innings win over the Guardians on Sunday, firing a scoreless 10th inning during which he issued three walks (two intentional).

It was quite the eventful frame for Boyd, who intentionally put Jose Ramirez on to start the inning and then got Josh Naylor to hit into a double play that moved phantom runner Amed Rosario over to third base. After another intentional free pass to Oscar Gonzalez, Boyd then loaded the bases by legitimately walking Andres Gimenez before finally retiring Mike Freeman on a flyout with the bases juiced. The appearance was the southpaw's second since being activated from the injured list Thursday, with the first also a scoreless one-inning effort that unfolded that same day.

Nelson, who will make his MLB debut for Arizona on Monday, implemented two mechanical adjustments late in May that improved his results going forward, Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic reports.

Nelson was sitting on a 7.36 ERA through nine starts for Triple-A Reno in the Pacific Coast League, notoriously known as a hitters league. That's when the Diamondbacks spotted his arm path was long, meaning he was reaching too far back on each pitch. The right-hander was given exercises designed to shorten the path, and the results were immediate. "The carry came back," pitching coordinator Dan Carlson said. "The command came back. And also the breaking ball got much, much sharper and then with the slider and change, he was able to keep those things in the strike zone." Around that same time, Nelson ditched an adjustment to his lower mechanics, a shorter leg kick he implemented during the offseason. In 17 starts since, Nelson pitched to a 4.61 ERA, lower than the league average 5.43 ERA for the PCL.

Keller and the Pirates won't face the Mets on Monday after the game was postponed due to inclement weather in Pittsburgh, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports.

The two teams are set to make up the contest as part of a split doubleheader Wednesday. Because the Pirates have an open date in the schedule Thursday, the team isn't expected to add a temporary seventh starter to the rotation, so Keller should stay on schedule to make a start against the Mets either Tuesday or Wednesday. Bryse Wilson and Johan Oviedo are in line to start the other two contests of the series.

Walker and the Mets won't face the Pirates on Monday after the game was postponed due to inclement weather in Pittsburgh, Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic reports.

The two teams are set to make up the contest as part of a split doubleheader Wednesday. Because the Mets have an open date in the schedule Thursday, the team isn't expected to add a temporary sixth starter to the rotation, so Walker should stay on schedule to make a start against the Pirates either Tuesday or Wednesday. Jacob deGrom and Chris Bassitt are in line to start the other two contests of the series.

Quantrill allowed three runs (two earned) on five hits and a walk with three strikeouts over three-plus innings in a no-decision versus the Mariners on Sunday.

Quantrill was charged with individual runs in the first, third and fourth innings, the last of those coming after he was out of the game following a lengthy rain delay. He left in line for his first loss in 11 outings, but the Guardians rallied to tie the game in the eighth inning to get him off the hook. He's allowed multiple runs just twice in his last six starts, and he now has a 3.55 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 101:42 K:BB through 152 innings across 26 outings. The 27-year-old righty is projected for a road start in Minnesota next weekend.

Watkins (4-6) allowed four runs on nine hits and a walk while failing to strike out a batter in six innings to take the loss during Sunday's game against the Athletics.

Watkins has had his fair share of struggles over the last month, and he matched his highest total of the season by allowing 10 baserunners during Sunday's start. He was unable to strike out any batters and was charged with his fifth loss in his last six outings. Across that span, he's posted a 5.58 ERA in 30.2 innings. The right-hander tentatively lines up to make his next start at home against the Red Sox next weekend.

Flexen struck out one in a perfect 11th inning to earn the save in Sunday's 6-3 win over the Guardians.

Flexen was the last reliever available after the Mariners drained the 'pen following a rain delay in the fourth inning. He slammed the door with ease, needing just six pitches to retire Luke Maile, Myles Straw and Steven Kwan in order. This was Flexen's second straight appearance with a save, though his effort Aug. 30 versus the Tigers was a four-inning assignment in a lopsided game. He's allowed four runs (three earned) through eight innings across four appearances since moving to the bullpen. For the season, the right-hander has a 3.89 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 87:47 K:BB through 125 innings.

Kirby allowed a run on three hits and struck out two without issuing a walk over three innings in a no-decision versus the Guardians on Sunday.

Kirby was cruising through three innings, but a massive rain delay ended his outing early. He ended up throwing 27 of 39 pitches for strikes in the abbreviated start, and he's still yet to walk multiple batters in any of his 20 outings this season. The rookie right-hander has a 3.15 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 109:16 K:BB through 105.2 innings, with the short start Sunday potentially helping his cause as some unplanned workload management. He's projected for a tough home start versus Atlanta next weekend.

Brubaker allowed three runs (two earned) on five hits and two walks while striking out five in 5.1 innings during Sunday's loss to the Blue Jays. He didn't factor into the decision.

Brubaker had a lengthy layoff after his last start since he recently spent time on the paternity list, but he showed improvement Sunday after giving up six runs in 6.2 innings during his last outing Aug. 23. The right-hander allowed runners to cross the plate in the second, third and fourth innings but was able to settle for the no-decision since Pittsburgh's offense put up three runs between the fourth and fifth innings. Brubaker has held his opponents to three or fewer runs in four of his last five starts, posting a 4.18 ERA in 28 innings over that stretch. He tentatively lines up to make his next start at home against the Cardinals next weekend.

Cortes (groin) appears in line to return from the 15-day injured list to start Thursday's series finale with the Twins in New York, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Cortes looks like he'll be ready to rejoin the rotation without requiring a rehab start, as the Yankees seem to be comfortable with activating him after he completed a 45-pitch live batting practice session over the weekend. Before the Yankees confirm his return from the IL, the southpaw will likely throw a bullpen session Monday or Tuesday as one final test to prove that he's moved past the left groin strain. Cortes could be on a restricted pitch count if he ends up starting Thursday as anticipated, with Clarke Schmidt potentially piggybacking him.