MLB Player News

Vasquez (3-5) was charged with the loss against the Cardinals on Saturday after surrendering five runs on eight hits and no walks across four-plus innings. He struck out three.

The right-hander was staked a 4-0 lead after three innings, but he allowed five runs across the fourth and fifth frames before being pulled. The performance ended a run of four straight starts allowing two runs or fewer, though Vasquez hasn't lasted five innings since July 4 and is without a victory in his past 13 outings. The right-hander's next start lines up for next weekend versus Boston, though he could be replaced in the rotation by Nestor Cortes (elbow).

The Reds optioned Benson to Triple-A Louisville on Sunday.

After Saturday's MLB Speedway Classic was suspended in the first inning due to rain, the Reds will be in need of an extra arm for the continuation of the contest Sunday. Having two minor-league options appears to have worked against Benson, who will head to the minors as Cincinnati brings right-hander Lyon Richardson aboard as its 27th man for the Speedway Classic. Benson should be back with the big club later this month.

McGreevy (3-2) earned the win Saturday in San Diego after giving up four runs on seven hits and one walk over six innings. He struck out four.

The right-hander surrendered runs in each of the first three frames to put St. Louis in a 4-0 hole, but he bounced back with three scoreless innings while the Cardinals offense rallied for six runs across the fifth and sixth innings. It was the third straight turn through the rotation for McGreevy, who should continue to get an extended look with the Cardinals down the stretch. In seven appearances (six starts) this season, he has a 5.08 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 23:6 K:BB over 39 innings.

Romero allowed one run on two hits and one walk over 1.1 innings to earn the save Saturday against the Padres. He did not record a strikeout.

The left-hander recorded the final out of the eighth inning and returned for the ninth to notch St. Louis' first save since trading former closer Ryan Helsley, though Romero didn't have his cleanest performance. Still, the 29-year-old has been a reliable high-leverage option this season, with Saturday's earned run being the first he's given up since June 26. Riley O'Brien and Gordon Graceffo could also be in the mix for saves, but it's notable that Romero received the first opportunity.

Castro went 2-for-4 with a triple and two runs scored in Saturday's 4-3 loss to the Orioles.

After getting traded over from Minnesota on Thursday, Castro made his Chicago debut Saturday, starting at second base and batting sixth. The 28-year-old figures to move around the field for the Cubs, picking up starts at multiple positions and allowing other regulars to get some rest. Castro is slashing .248/.337/.415 with 50 runs scored across 87 games this season, and despite not having an everyday spot, he should play often enough in Chicago to maintain fantasy value.

Atlanta returned Ornelas to Triple-A Gwinnett on Sunday.

Ornelas was added to the big-league roster Saturday for Atlanta's matchup with the Reds in the MLB Speedway Classic in Bristol, Tenn., which was ultimately suspended in the first inning after a couple rain delays. With Atlanta needing an extra arm for the continuation of the game Sunday, right-hander Hurston Waldrep was called up from Triple-A to replace Ornelas as the team's 27th man.

Thielbar (2-3) allowed two runs on two hits and a walk while retiring only two batters to take the loss in Saturday's 4-3 defeat to the Orioles.

After seven scoreless innings from starter Matthew Boyd, relievers Ryan Brasier and Thielbar coughed up the lead in the eighth. The key play was a three-run home run by Gunnar Henderson off Thielbar, which saddled the veteran lefty with the loss. Thielbar still has a strong 2.36 ERA and 0.86 WHIP across 42 innings this season, and he should remain a key piece of Chicago's bullpen despite the hiccup.

Atlanta recalled Waldrep from Triple-A Gwinnett to serve as the 27th man for the continuation of the MLB Speedway Classic against the Reds on Sunday in Bristol, Tenn.

Saturday's game was marred by two rain delays before being suspended during the first inning, and Waldrep will join Atlanta to potentially provide some length. The 23-year-old was scheduled to start Sunday for Triple-A Gwinnett and should be available for a full workload. Waldrep surrendered 13 earned runs across his first two MLB appearances last season and has a 4.42 ERA, 1.48 WHIP and 92:50 K:BB over 91.2 innings this season with Gwinnett.

Irvin (8-6) took the loss against the Brewers on Saturday, allowing five runs on eight hits and two walks while striking out two across four innings.

Irvin put the Nationals on the back foot right out of the gate after yielding three runs in the first inning, before giving up a run in each of the next two frames. He has given up five runs in two of his last three starts and has just five strikeouts over that span, which has Irvin at a 4.89 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 88:43 K:BB across 130.2 innings this season. He'll look to bounce back in his next start, tentatively slated for next weekend on the road against the Giants.

Hassell went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run during Saturday's 8-2 loss to Milwaukee.

In a game that saw the Nationals limited to two hits (a season low), Hassell made his one knock count in the third inning, when he took Brandon Woodruff deep to right field. It was the first major-league homer of Hassell's career, and the 23-year-old has a .547 OPS with one steal and 10 RBI across 81 plate appearances this season. He should see regular playing time in the outfield as long as Dylan Crews (oblique) is sidelined.