MLB Player News

Pagan gave up a hit and struck out two in a scoreless ninth inning Wednesday to record his 17th save of the season in a 10-9 win over the Giants.

It looked like the veteran right-hander would get the afternoon off as the Reds headed into the ninth down 9-3, but a shocking seven-run rally created a save situation for Pagan, which he breezed through on 16 pitches (11 strikes). Pagan has been scored upon just once in his last 14 appearances, posting a 1.29 ERA, 0.64 WHIP and 15:1 K:BB in 14 innings over that stretch while converting all 10 of his save opportunities and picking up three wins along the way.

Gasser (4-5) earned the win Wednesday against the Mets, allowing one run on six hits and two walks while striking out six over 5.1 innings of relief.

The left-hander was called into action after Dustin May took a line drive off the back of his shoulder and exited just one pitch into the game. Gasser responded with a strong outing, throwing 59 of his 82 pitches for strikes while picking up his first win since July 25. Gasser has pitched well since the All-Star break, posting a 3.75 ERA with a 35:11 K:BB across 36 innings over seven starts. Manager Pat Murphy said Tuesday that Gasser would be available out of the bullpen this week against the Mets while being tentatively scheduled to pitch this weekend versus the Rangers, but his emergency appearance Wednesday will mean that his next turn through the rotation won't come until at least early next week versus the Cubs.

Lodolo didn't factor into the decision in Wednesday's 10-9 win over the Giants, giving up four runs on six hits and two walks over four-plus innings. He struck out five.

Half of the hits off Lodolo went for extra bases, including two-run blasts by Jonah Cox in the second inning and Rafael Devers in the fifth. Lodolo has struggled to keep the ball in the yard since coming off the IL earlier this month and attempting to employ a new grip on his curveball to avoid blisters. Over his last four starts he's served up six homers in 16.1 innings en route to a 7.72 ERA, 1.84 WHIP and 14:6 K:BB. The southpaw will be a risky fantasy option in his next trip to the mound, which is set to come at home early next week against the Padres.

Banks (forearm) is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Wednesday, MLB.com reports.

Banks is ready to take the next step in his recovery from a strained left forearm. The Phillies will presumably have the southpaw make a handful of appearances in the minors before considering reinstating him from the injured list. Banks has been shelved since early July but is on track to rejoin Philadelphia's bullpen at some point in mid-to-late September.

Gusto (1-3) earned the win against the Red Sox on Wednesday, allowing no runs on four hits and three walks in 5.2 innings. He struck out two.

Gusto delivered one of his finest performances of the season Wednesday, scattering four singles in his second-longest outing of the campaign. The victory was the right-hander's first as a member of the Marlins, and he's now surrendered two runs or fewer in each of his past five starts. Gusto will carry a 3.98 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 53:18 K:BB over 63.1 innings into his next scheduled appearance in Kansas City.

Bichette was removed from Wednesday's game against the Brewers due to a left foot contusion.

Bichette fouled a ball off his foot during the third inning and was eventually replaced on defense in the fifth. The fact that the Mets are labeling his injury as a bruise suggests he avoided severe damage, though he could receive a day or two off as a precaution.

X-rays on May's shoulder came back negative following his removal from Wednesday's game against the Mets, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

May took a 106-mph line drive off the back of his shoulder and had to leave his start after throwing just one pitch. He seems to have escaped the incident with nothing more than a bruise, however, and because his outing Wednesday was so brief, he could be back on the mound for Milwaukee within a few days after his soreness fades.

Sasaki was removed from Wednesday's game against Atlanta due to a blister on his right middle finger.

It's unknown whether Sasaki's blister will delay his next start, but the Dodgers will likely monitor his status over the next few days before confirming the date of his next appearance. He exited Wednesday's game after giving up four earned runs on six hits and two walks while fanning three batters in 3.1 innings.

Fermin will start at second base and bat sixth in Wednesday's game against the Orioles.

Fermin will stick in the lineup for a fifth straight game after going 3-for-16 with a home run, a double and three RBI over the prior four contests. Three of those starts have come at second base, where Fermin could serve as the Cardinals' primary option while JJ Wetherholt is needed at shortstop as a replacement for Masyn Winn (thumb), who was moved to the injured list Tuesday.

Jordan is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Orioles.

The Cardinals will leave Jordan on the bench for a second straight matchup versus a right-handed starting pitcher (Kyle Bradish). Though Jordan should rank as the preferred option at third base versus lefties, the Cardinals could lean on a committee of players to cover the position when they play righties. Nolan Gorman will cover the hot corner Wednesday.