MLB Player News

Liberatore (5-11) took the loss against the Reds on Wednesday, allowing three runs on four hits and no walks in six innings. He struck out nine.

It was a bit of a hard-luck loss for Liberatore, who delivered a quality start and matched his second-highest strikeout total of the year. August has arguably been the southpaw's best month so far, as he's worked to a 4.03 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and 25:4 K:BB in 22.1 innings (four starts). Liberatore will take a season-long 5.04 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and 125:44 K:BB over 125 innings into his next scheduled outing against Baltimore.

Burns took a no-decision against the Cardinals on Wednesday, allowing two runs on six hits and two walks in five innings. He struck out eight.

Burns labored a bit Wednesday, needing 104 pitches to complete five innings, but he recorded at least six punchouts for a fourth consecutive start. The hard-throwing right-hander has been incredibly consistent to this point, working at least five frames in all 24 outings while conceding more than two runs just four times. Burns is set to take an outstanding 2.51 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 159:48 K:BB over 136 innings into a soft matchup with the lowly Giants.

Alcantara (13-8) took the loss Wednesday against Philadelphia, allowing three runs on eight hits and a walk across six innings. He struck out one.

Alcantara was solid overall Wednesday, logging a fifth straight quality start, though the Marlins mustered just one run against Aaron Nola in an eventual 4-1 defeat. Coming into the day, Alcantara had allowed only one run across 27 frames in his previous four outings. His ERA now sits at 3.46 with a 1.18 WHIP and 131:47 K:BB through 27 starts (176.2 innings) this season. Alcantara is currently in line to face the Red Sox at home his next time out.

Duran earned the save in Wednesday's 4-1 win over the Marlins, allowing a hit while striking out one in a scoreless ninth inning.

Duran worked around a leadoff single in the ninth to lock down his fourth consecutive save and 28th overall in 30 chances this season. Duran has held opponents to just one run over his last 10 innings, lowering his ERA to a sparkling 1.79 with a 1.04 WHIP and 63:8 K:BB across 45.1 innings this year.

Freeland was removed from Wednesday's game against the Dodgers due to an apparent injury, Kevin Henry of The Denver Gazette reports.

Freeland gave up four earned runs on six hits and a walk while fanning five batters in 3.2 innings before an injury ended his start abruptly. It's unknown what exactly caused the 33-year-old lefty to come out of the game, but the Rockies should provide more details in the near future.

Nola (5-9) earned the win Wednesday over the Marlins, allowing a run on five hits over seven innings. He struck out eight.

Nola was excellent Wednesday, as he logged eight or more strikeouts for a third straight outing en route to his second consecutive win. Nola has been pitching well of late -- he's posted a 2.51 ERA while striking out 34 across 28.2 innings in his last five starts. He's lowered his ERA to 5.12 across 26 starts (137 innings) this season with a 1.42 WHIP and 146:46 K:BB. Nola's currently lined up to face the Mariners on the road his next time out.

Madris signed a minor-league contract with the Cardinals on Wednesday.

Madris began the year with the Cardinals but was released in July to pursue an opportunity in Korea. After slashing .175/.278/.381 across 72 plate appearances while overseas, the 30-year-old will now reunite with St. Louis and figures to remain in Triple-A as organizational depth for the remainder of the year.

Houser (4-7) earned the win against the Guardians on Wednesday, allowing four hits and two walks while striking out three over five scoreless innings.

Houser entered the game in the third inning and kept the Guardians in check for five frames despite throwing 48 of 80 pitches for strikes with only four whiffs. The 33-year-old has now allowed just one earned run over three straight outings of five or more innings, and he owns a 1.61 ERA in seven second-half appearances (one start). He'll take a 4.08 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 73:34 K:BB across 108 frames this season and should pitch early next week against Cincinnati.

Pfaadt didn't factor into the decision Wednesday against the Red Sox, allowing five runs on seven hits over 5.2 innings. He struck out eight.

Pfaadt's eight strikeouts marked a new season high, though he was hurt by the home-run ball Wednesday -- the righty gave up solo shots to Nick Sogard and Jarren Duran before Mickey Gasper added a three-run blast in the sixth inning. Prior to Wednesday, Pfaadt had gone four straight outings without allowing an earned run, posting a 0.69 WHIP across 27.2 innings in that span. His ERA now sits at 3.39 across 98.1 innings this season with a 1.14 WHIP and 69:24 K:BB. Pfaadt's currently in line to face the Cubs at home his next time out.

Smith earned the save in Wednesday's 1-0 win over the Guardians, allowing one hit and no walks while striking out five over two scoreless innings.

Smith entered with a one-run lead in the eighth inning and was dominant, throwing 22 of 30 pitches for strikes to earn his third save of the campaign. The 26-year-old has now converted two of three save chances since taking over as the Giants' closer and has posted a 3.24 ERA through eight August appearances. On the season, he owns three saves and six holds while posting a 2.73 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 33:12 K:BB across 26.1 innings.