MLB Player News

Serven went 2-for-4 with two doubles and a run scored in Thursday's win over the Red Sox.

The backstop scored what proved to be the game-winning run in the third inning as he guided Bowden Francis and the bullpen to a 2-0 victory. Serven is emerging as Francis' personal catcher, working with him in each of the right-hander's last three starts, and it's hard to argue with the results -- Francis has a 0.41 ERA, 0.36 WHIP and 24:3 K:BB over 22 innings in those outings. Serven's been adding a little offense as well, batting .280 (7-for-25) in August with three doubles, three RBI and three runs over 10 games.

Brown went 2-for-5 with three RBI in a loss to the Reds on Thursday.

Brown bookended the Athletics' offensive output in a wild 10-9 loss, opening the scoring with a first-inning knock that plated Brent Rooker and closing it out by driving in Rooker and JJ Bleday in the ninth to snap a 7-7 tie. The Reds will be glad to be rid of Brown, who pummeled their pitching staff for four hits, including two home runs, and seven total RBI over the final two games of the series. It's been a resurgent month for Brown overall, as Thursday's production pushed his August slash line to a stellar .305/.379/.475 across 66 plate appearances.

Pasquantino will miss the next 6-8 weeks after being diagnosed with a fractured right thumb.

Pasquantino suffered the injury during Thursday's game in Houston on a collision at first base. While he could potentially return if the Royals make a deep postseason run, it's likelier that the 26-year-old won't be seen again until spring training. It's a devastating blow to a Royals team that's fighting for a division title, and a major hit for Pasquantino's fantasy managers as well. Nick Pratto or Nick Loftin are options to be called up from Triple-A Omaha to fill in at first base, and Kansas City might also give Salvador Perez more action at the position while Freddy Fermin catches.

Cowser went 1-for-3 with a three-run homer and two walks in Thursday's loss to the Dodgers.

Cowser jumped on a four-seamer from Bobby Miller with two outs in the top of the fifth inning and crushed it into the stands in center field for his 20th home run of the campaign and his fourth this month. The outfielder also drew two walks in the contest -- something he hadn't done since July 20 against Texas. Despite his recent success at the plate, Cowser is still batting just .243 in August with 13 RBI and 18 runs scored. He's also struck out multiple times in eight of his last 13 games.

Devers (shoulders) is expected to return to the lineup Friday, MLB.com reports. "Raffy should DH [Friday], DH [on] Saturday and play the field on Sunday," Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Thursday.

Devers had been playing through discomfort in both shoulders before sitting out the last three games. It's been a recurring issue since he first tweaked his left shoulder while swinging in a game during spring training. He also hurt his right shoulder in July while diving for a grounder during a game in Colorado. It hasn't impacted his performance at the plate though, and through 517 plate appearances he's posted a career-high .940 OPS with 28 homers and 80 RBI.

Hill struck out two over 1.1 scoreless relief innings in Thursday's 2-0 loss to Toronto.

Hill closed out the seventh inning by striking out Daulton Varsho with a runner on base, then threw a 1-2-3 eighth. He agreed to a minor-league deal with Boston earlier this month and worked his way back to the big leagues. Thursday's appearance made 2024 the 20th consecutive year in which the left-hander has appeared in an MLB game. While he's been mainly a starter throughout his career, Hill is expected to work out of the Red Sox bullpen.

Povich (1-7) took the loss against the Dodgers on Thursday, allowing five runs on 10 hits and one walk over 3.1 innings while striking out three.

Povich got knocked around early and often, allowing at least two hits in each of his four innings. The southpaw generated just four whiffs over that stretch while allowing five runs for the second consecutive start. Povich has now lost his last five decisions, allowing three or more runs in five of six outings over that stretch. He'll finish up the month of August with a 7.36 ERA to go along with a 12:3 K:BB.

Yates allowed a run on one hit while striking out one over one inning to earn the save in Thursday's 2-1 win over the White Sox.

Yates allowed a home run -- just his third in 51.1 innings -- but managed to convert his 25th save in 26 opportunities. The closer has thrown 40 pitches over the last two days and may not be available if a save situation arises for the Rangers on Friday.

Garcia went 2-for-2 with a stolen base, a walk and a run scored in Thursday's loss to the Astros.

Garcia singled and stole second in his first trip to the plate, and he was later thrown out while attempting to swipe a second bag after drawing a walk in the fifth. The third baseman has hit safely in four straight games, batting .500 (7-for-14) with three RBI, four runs and three stolen bases. Garcia has also logged multiple hits in three of his last six games.

Hader picked up the save in a win over the Royals on Thursday, striking out one over a perfect ninth inning.

Hader took over in the top of the ninth after the Astros had just taken a three-run lead on a four-run rally in the eighth. He then needed just 10 pitches to retire the side and secure his 29th save of the campaign, putting the veteran lefty on the cusp of his fifth consecutive 30-save season. Hader hasn't allowed an earned run in August while posting a 15:5 K:BB for the month.