MLB Player News

Ferguson threw two perfect innings, striking out two and earning a hold in Tuesday's 5-1 victory over the Astros.

Ferguson was sharp, retiring all six batters he faced in his first two-inning outing since May 21. The right-hander has been solid in September, posting a 2.89 ERA and 0.75 WHIP across eight appearances and 9.1 innings. His season line of a 4.79 ERA and 1.33 WHIP in 54 outings and 56.1 innings looks rougher, but those numbers are heavily skewed by two blowup appearances on May 14 and June 18, when Ferguson allowed a total of 11 runs.

Helman entered Tuesday's game in sixth inning as a pinch hitter for Wyatt Langford (side) and finished 0-for-2 in a 4-1 loss to the Twins.

Helman, who had started in center field the previous three games while Langford battled a side injury, opened the contest on the bench. Langford attempted to play while Texas still had faint playoff hopes, but the pain became too much, and he was eventually removed from the game. The loss eliminated the Rangers from the postseason, which might prompt the team to shut down Langford for the rest of the season. In that event, Helman could have steady role in the center field over the final five games.

Smith came away with a no-decision in Tuesday's 3-2 loss to the Yankees, allowing one run on five hits and four walks over five innings. He struck out eight.

The right-hander only tossed 60 of 93 pitches for strikes, with his inefficiency preventing him from working deeper into the game, but his eight strikeouts tied his season high. Smith hasn't been able to complete six innings in any of his four September starts, posting a 4.95 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 25:8 K:BB over 20 innings as he alternates bad outings with good ones. He'll try to break that pattern to close out the campaign, as he lines up for one more start on the final day of 2025 on the road against the Nationals.

Ellard will be the White Sox's opening pitcher in Wednesday's game against the Yankees, Brooke Fletcher of Chicago Sports Network reports.

Ellard has gone more than one inning in just four of 16 appearances this season, so it will be a true opener assignment for the lefty. Tyler Alexander and Wikelman Gonzalez should be available to cover multiple innings out of Chicago's bullpen.

Pederson went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in Tuesday's loss to the Twins.

Pederson began his night with a solo home run off Zebby Matthews on Matthews' second pitch of the game. It was Pederson's first homer since Aug. 31 and just his second extra-base hit over that span. Pederson remained in the leadoff spot and could stay there the rest of the week when there's a right-hander on the mound. The Rangers are currently slated to face four more righties this week.

Corbin (7-11) took the loss Tuesday against the Twins, allowing two runs on four hits and two walks while striking out two in 3.2 innings.

Corbin got through two innings unscathed, but the Twins were able to get to him in the third with two runs on four hits. Corbin's day was done at 65 pitches after a walk in the fourth and he's now failed to reach five innings in four of his last seven starts. The Rangers have officially fallen out of playoff contention and presumably will roll Corbin out once more this weekend for a start against the red-hot Guardians. Corbin's now at a 4.34 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 126:49 K:BB in 151.1 innings.

Valera entered Tuesday's 5-2 win over the Tigers in the sixth inning after David Fry (face) was injured by a foul ball. Valera went 0-for-1 and finished the game as the designated hitter.

Fry suffered the injury when he fouled off an attempted bunt and was struck in the face. He was eventually carted off the field, and Valera inherited a 2-2 count and was called out on strikes. The strikeout was charged to Fry. Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt typically rotates bodies at DH -- Valera typically starts against right-handers when the manager isn't using that spot for a regular position player. The Guardians are scheduled to face right-hander Jack Flaherty on Wednesday.

Sands tossed a perfect ninth frame to earn a save Tuesday over the Rangers.

Sands needed just nine pitches to retire the side for his third save of the season and his first since May 16. Sands had blown his previous two save opportunities and Tuesday marked only his second scoreless outing in his last seven appearances. Saves are far and few between for the Twins, but it seems Sands is in the mix for more in the final week along with Kody Funderburk.

Vazquez went 1-for-1 with two walks and a stolen base in Tuesday's win over the Rangers. He was also hit by a pitch.

Vazquez had a productive evening on offense, reaching base four times and even swiping his first bag of the year. Both Vazquez and Ryan Jeffers returned from the injured list on consecutive days to begin the week and the two will likely end up splitting duties once again to close out the season.

Matthews (5-6) got the win Tuesday against the Rangers, allowing one run on four hits while striking out six in seven innings. He did not issue a walk.

Matthews allowed a solo home run to Joc Pederson on just his second pitch of the game but shut down the Rangers from there. Tuesday's performance was an excellent bounce-back effort from Matthews after he was shelled his last time out, tying his career worst in runs allowed (nine) while setting a new career worst in hits allowed (11). The quality start was Matthews' third in his last five outings in what's been a strong finish to an up-and-down season for the 25-year-old. Matthews lines up for one additional road start this weekend against the Phillies.