MLB Player News

Palencia gave up a hit in a scoreless ninth inning Friday to record his 15th save of the season in a 1-0 win over the Orioles.

The right-hander needed only nine pitches (six strikes) to get the job done, but he came close to blowing the save, as a two-out double by Adley Rutschman was followed by a deep fly from Tyler O'Neill that backed Ian Happ up to the ivy at Wrigley Field for the final out. Palencia hasn't given up an earned run since June 21, posting a 0.00 ERA, 0.60 WHIP and 12:1 K:BB in 11.2 innings over his last 12 appearances while converting eight save chances.

Horton (5-3) picked up the win in Friday's 1-0 victory over the Orioles, allowing two hits and three walks over five scoreless innings. He struck out three.

A Baltimore lineup that got depleted at the trade deadline was no match for Horton and the Cubs bullpen, with the rookie right-hander generating 24 called or swinging strikes in only 71 pitches (44 total strikes). Horton extended his scoreless streak to 17.2 innings with the performance, and on the season he sports a 3.42 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 53:25 K:BB through 73.2 innings. He'll look to produce more goose eggs in his next start, which is scheduled to come at home next week against the Reds.

DeSclafani will start Friday's game against the Athletics, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports.

DeSclafani has pitched well for Arizona since signing with the team in mid-June, posting a 3.86 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 24:6 K:BB in 23.1 innings, and he will be rewarded with his second start of the campaign in Friday's series opener. He could end up sticking in the rotation after the Diamondbacks traded Merrill Kelly to Texas on Thursday. DeSclafani has a long injury history, most recently battling a flexor tendon injury that cost him all of 2024.

The Mets optioned Acuna to Triple-A Syracuse on Friday.

To make room for trade acquisition Cedric Mullins, Acuna was sent packing. The 23-year-old Acuna was hardly playing and should benefit from more consistent at-bats in the minors. Acuna figures to be back up to provide bench depth when rosters expand to 28 players Sept. 1, if not sooner.

The Marlins designated Veneziano for assignment Friday.

The left-hander has been at Triple-A Jacksonville since mid-June and has now lost his place on the 40-man roster. Veneziano posted a 4.71 ERA in 24 appearances while up with the Marlins and has a 7.07 ERA with Jacksonville this year, so he seems unlikely to generate much interest on waivers.

Alvarez is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Giants.

Alvarez has passed the concussion protocol since being struck in the helmet by a foul tip Wednesday, but he'll still be held out of the lineup for Friday's series opener versus San Francisco. Luis Torrens is starting behind the plate and batting eighth for New York.

The Rockies recalled Palmquist from Triple-A Albuquerque on Friday.

With Colorado trading Jake Bird and Tyler Kinley prior to Thursday's deadline, Palmquist will come back up to reinforce the pitching staff. The left-handed Palmquist has worked exclusively as a starter at the big-league level so far in his career, but he has struggled to a 7.63 ERA and 1.73 WHIP, and it's possible he works as more of a swingman this time around.

The Marlins optioned Gusto to Triple-A Jacksonville on Friday.

Miami acquired Gusto from Houston on Thursday, but he won't immediately join the big-league club. The right-hander made 24 appearances (14 starts) with the Astros this year and had a 4.92 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 87:28 K:BB across 86 innings. It's likely only a matter of time before he receives his first look with the Marlins.

Benson went 2-for-3 with a two-run home run, a second run scored and a stolen base in Friday's 3-2 win over Atlanta.

He took reliever Dylan Dodd the other way in the seventh inning for his ninth long ball of the season, and his second off a left-handed pitcher. Benson remains a strong-side platoon player for the most part, but he's been struggling of late even in that role -- over 20 games since the beginning of July he's batting just .206 (13-for-63) with a 0:18 BB:K.

The Marlins selected Marsee's contract from Triple-A Jacksonville, and he's starting in center field and batting ninth Friday against the Yankees.

The 24-year-old is taking the roster spot of Jesus Sanchez, who was traded to the Astros on Thursday. Marsee will immediately make his MLB debut in center field and could receive regular playing time. It remains to be seen if he can get on base enough given his .243 average with Jacksonville, but Marsee could provide some value on the basepaths with 46 steals in 98 Triple-A games this season.