MLB Player News

Snelling allowed four hits and three walks over six scoreless innings for Triple-A Jacksonville on Thursday. He struck out eight.

The 21-year-old southpaw hasn't given up an earned run in 21 straight innings for the Jumbo Shrimp, and he's worked at least six innings in five straight starts, delivering a stunning 0.88 ERA, 0.78 WHIP and 46:6 K:BB over 30.2 innings during that dominant stretch. Ryan Gusto is getting called up Friday to take the open spot in the Marlins' rotation created when Cal Quantrill was waived, but Snelling has done everything he can to demonstrate he's ready for a big-league audition over the final weeks of the season.

Alvarez will be Atlanta's starting third baseman for the rest of the season after Austin Riley (abdomen) underwent season-ending surgery, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

While manager Brian Snitker suggested that in the long run Alvarez might be better suited to a utility role, the 22-year-old will get a chance to change that impression over the final month-plus of the season. Through 91 plate appearances in the majors this year, Alvarez is slashing .247/.330/.309 with zero homers or steals, but he did hit 10 home runs and steal 10 bags with an .861 OPS over 64 Triple-A contests in 2024.

Sasaki (shoulder) threw 3.1 innings in a rehab start with Triple-A Oklahoma City on Wednesday, allowing two runs (one earned) on three hits and three walks while striking out two batters.

Sasaki struggled with his control Wednesday, throwing a modest 39 of his 60 pitches for strikes. However, he had better results than in his previous appearance with OKC, when he allowed three runs over two-plus frames. The rookie right-hander's fastball averaged 96 mph Wednesday after it sat in the 93-94 mph range in his first rehab start. Despite the step forward, it doesn't seem like Sasaki is ready to return to the big-league roster. The Dodgers' rotation has gotten mostly healthy since he's been shelved, and Emmet Sheehan has filled in capably as the sixth starter, so Sasaki doesn't have a clear role available once he's physically ready to return.

Kim (shoulder) went 2-for-3 with a run in a rehab appearance with Triple-A Oklahoma City on Thursday. He started in left field and played five innings, per Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register.

Thursday marked Kim's first game action since July 28 as the rookie utility player progresses toward a return from left shoulder bursitis. Kim hadn't played left field prior to Thursday, but the Dodgers have gotten poor production from Michael Conforto (.618 OPS) as the primary option at the position. Los Angeles acquired Alex Call at the trade deadline and has been giving him some starts in left, but if Kim can handle the position defensively, he could get opportunities there after he's activated from the IL.

Edman (ankle) has been able to run straight ahead without pain, and manager Dave Roberts recently said the infielder/outfielder will next be "doing some curves," per MLB.com.

Edman appears to making progress in his recovery from a right ankle sprain, though the Dodgers intend to allow his ankle to fully heal before activating him off the IL. The expectation remains that Edman will remain sidelined until at least early September. A rehab stint will likely be in play before Edman returns to the big-league club, but for the time being, it's unclear when that will take place.

King (knee) threw bullpen sessions Monday and Thursday, per MLB.com.

King landed on the IL due to left knee inflammation Aug. 14. However, the move was backdated to Aug. 11, so the righty hurler is eligible to be activated this coming Tuesday. The hope has been that King will be able to return to the roster after a minimum-length IL stay, and his ability to throw two bullpens this week suggests that such a scenario remains feasible, though the Padres may opt to give him a few more days to keep the team's other starters on their usual schedule. For the time being, JP Sears is in line to get at least one more start while King remains out of action.

Contreras went 2-for-5 with a solo home run in Thursday's 7-4 win over the Rays.

Contreras went deep in the seventh inning for his second homer in as many games. The 33-year-old has bounced back well after missing time with a bruised right foot, going 7-for-18 (.389) over four contests since he returned to the lineup. On the year, he has a .261/.345/.455 slash line with 18 homers, 68 RBI, 60 runs scored, four stolen bases and 29 doubles over 118 games.

Romero allowed a hit and struck out three over two scoreless innings to earn the save in Thursday's 7-4 win over the Rays.

Romero was brought in for the eighth inning and threw 15 pitches in that frame. He stayed in for the ninth and added 11 more pitches to secure his fourth save of the season. It's encouraging usage for Romero, who had two losses, one blown save and two holds over hos previous four appearances, which made it look like his time as closer was over just weeks after it started. The lefty reliever has a 2.31 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 45:21 K:BB while adding 18 holds over 46.2 innings this season. Riley O'Brien has had a fairly stable August compared to Romero, which has pushed the Cardinals' late-inning situation into more of a committee approach.

Gray (12-6) allowed three runs on six hits and a walk while striking out six over five innings to earn the win over the Rays on Thursday.

Gray wasn't dominant, but this was a much better effort than his last start, when he allowed six runs over five innings in a loss to the Yankees. Gray has given up 12 runs (11 earned) across 24 innings over his four starts in August, numbers right in line with his overall performance this year. He's at a 4.33 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 161:25 K:BB in 145.1 innings through 26 starts. The right-hander has a favorable matchup coming next week, as he's projected for a home start versus the Pirates.

Wood went 1-for-5 with a three-run home run in Thursday's 9-3 win over the Mets.

Wood socked his 26th homer of the season and piled up at least three RBI for the ninth time this year. Fantasy managers are hoping Thursday's showing will get the dynamic outfielder back on track, considering it's been an icy stretch at the plate since the start of July for Wood. Across his last 41 contests, Wood is slashing .203/.280/.329 with four homers, eight doubles, 19 RBI and four stolen bases.