MLB Player News

Cosgrove picked up the save Monday against Colorado. He did not record a strikeout over two perfect innings.

Cosgrove entered with a three-run cushion in the eighth inning and fired off two perfect frames for his first save of the season, with Washington pushing its lead to four runs in the ninth.Since having his contract selected July 10, the southpaw has logged 4.2 scoreless innings with a 4:1 K:BB across four appearances. In a shaky Nationals bullpen, Cosgrove could continue to earn high-leverage opportunities if he maintains this strong form.

Steer was sent for X-rays following Monday's game against the Mariners after being struck by a pitch in the ribs, Charlie Goldsmith of Fox 19 Now Cincinnati reports.

Steer managed to remain in the game after being drilled in the top of the seventh inning, but the team is proceeding with caution by sending him for imaging. Manager Terry Francona said Cincinnati's medical staff has yet to find anything concerning after an initial evaluation, but "the docs are still looking at him," per C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic. Steer can be considered day-to-day for the time being.

Freeland (2-9) took the loss Monday, allowing four runs on seven hits and two walks over six innings against the Nationals. He struck out four.

Freeland was tagged early, surrendering a three-run homer to Andres Chaparro before recording an out in the first inning. The southpaw was able to grind through six innings, though he couldn't avoid being charged with his ninth loss of the season. Freeland has allowed multiple runs in each of his past 15 starts dating back to April. The veteran hurler will take a 7.28 ERA, 1.56 WHIP and 83:20 K:BB across 94 innings (18 starts) into his next outing, tentatively scheduled for Sunday against the Brewers.

Alvarez did not factor into the decision Monday, allowing three runs on six hits and three walks over 4.1 innings against Colorado. He struck out two.

The southpaw ran into trouble in the third inning, loading the bases before Willi Castro cleared them with a double. Alvarez has been a steady part of Washington's rotation since the end of May, operating as both a starter and bulk reliever, but he has completed five-plus innings just once. Across 14 appearances spanning 53.1 innings, the 27-year-old owns a 2-3 record with a 4.22 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 55:25 K:BB this season. He's tentatively lined up to pitch Sunday against Arizona.

Hicks went 2-for-5 with a two-run home run in Monday's 8-5 loss to Houston.

Hicks crushed a hanging curveball from Ronel Blanco over the right-field fence for a two-run homer in the fourth inning. Hicks is hitting .322 through 15 games in July, though Monday's long ball marked just his third extra-base hit of the month and first homer since June 12. Overall, the 27-year-old is slashing .288/.360/.457 with 14 homers, 60 RBI, 53 runs and two stolen bases across 89 contests.

Mack went 1-for-2 with a two-run home run in Monday's 8-5 loss to Houston.

Mack scorched a two-run homer into the second deck in right field to open the scoring in the second inning. The rookie was lifted for Leo Jimenez in the seventh inning after left-hander Steven Okert entered the game for Houston. Mack has gone just 7-for-33 (.212) in 14 games this month, though three of the backstop's hits have gone for homers. Overall, he's slashing .242/.302/.424 with eight homers, 26 RBI and 25 runs scored.

Marsh went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Monday's 10-7 win over the Dodgers.

Marsh ended a lengthy homer drought, last leaving the yard July 1 versus Pittsburgh. Although he's gone just 9-for-55 (.164) with a pair of solo shots during the month of July, the outfielder is still maintaining strong season numbers. Through 380 plate appearances, Marsh is slashing .293/.332/.482 with 16 big flies, 47 RBI, eight stolen bases and 53 runs scored and should remain locked into the heart of Philadelphia's batting order.

Betts went 4-for-5 with two home runs, three RBI and an additional run scored in Monday's 10-7 loss to the Phillies.

It was Betts' 33rd career multi-homer game and his second of the year. The veteran shortstop responded in a big way after being dropped to fifth in the Dodgers' batting order Monday for the first time this season, as he last homered June 27 in San Diego. Betts still has career lows in batting average (.237) and on-base percentage (.300) for the campaign, collecting 13 homers, 34 RBI, 39 runs scored and one stolen base over 277 plate appearances.

Turner went 3-for-5 with two home runs, a double and five RBI in Monday's 10-7 win over the Dodgers.

It was the 20th career multi-homer game by Turner, who registered his first such effort of the year and also tallied career homer No. 200 in the process. The five RBI were a season high as well for the veteran shortstop, who's finally starting to pick up some steam at the dish. He's cranked four long balls during his five-game hitting streak, but Turner is still slashing just .246/.296/.396 with 14 big flies, 40 RBI, 17 stolen bases and 68 runs scored over 433 trips to the plate.

Junk (4-6) took the loss Monday, allowing six runs on five hits and three walks over four innings against Houston. He struck out three.

Junk was tagged in the second inning, surrendering all six of his runs in the frame, including a grand slam to Jeremy Pena. Monday marked Junk's second start since returning from a right shin injury, with his previous outing July 9 against Seattle going considerably better while he allowed one earned run across five innings to earn the win. The right-hander will take a 5.09 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 51:20 K:BB across 69 innings (13 starts) into his next outing, tentatively scheduled for Sunday against San Diego.