MLB Player News

Kopech picked up the save over the Cubs on Wednesday, allowing one run on three walks over one inning while striking out one.

Kopech entered the contest with a three-run lead in the ninth and proceeded to walk three consecutive batters before then allowing a sacrifice fly to Isaac Paredes. Fortunately for the right-hander, Seiya Suzuki would get thrown out trying to steal third before Kopech was then able to retire the final batter by way of strikeout. It marked the first time that Kopech has walked multiple batters in an appearance since July 7 against the Marlins after not allowing a free pass through his first three appearances in September. He's now converted each of his last four save opportunities, while Wednesday marked his 13th save overall on the campaign.

Donovan is not in the lineup for Thursday's contest versus the Reds.

Donovan returned from a brief absence with a foot infection to play the first two games of the series, but he'll sit out the rubber match. Thomas Saggese is at second base for the Cardinals.

Miller did not factor into the decision in a win over the Cubs on Wednesday, allowing six runs on five hits and four walks over 4.1 innings. He struck out two.

Miller got knocked around early, issuing back-to-back walks, followed by back-to-back singles with two outs in the first inning. He would surrender two runs in the frame before then going on to give up two long balls between the third and fifth innings. It marked Miller's second consecutive start in which he allowed at least six runs, and he's now given up multiple home runs in five of his last six outings. The right-hander's ERA now sits at an atrocious 8.17 for the season.

Castellanos went 1-for-2 with a walk, a two-run home run and a second run scored in Wednesday's 3-2 win over the Rays.

The 32-year-old outfielder put the Phillies in the lead early by taking Shane Baz deep in the first inning before coming home with the winning run in the sixth. Castellanos has had a somewhat disappointing season overall, but he's now reached 20 homers for the sixth time in his career, and 80 RBI for the fifth time.

Estevez gave up a hit in a scoreless ninth inning Wednesday to record his 25th save of the season in a 3-2 win over the Rays.

The right-hander bounced back from a blown save Monday, firing seven of 10 pitches for strikes to set down the bottom of Tampa Bay's order. Estevez has blown two of seven save chances since joining the Phillies at the trade deadline, but over 17.2 innings for his new squad he's posted a stellar 2.04 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 16:4 K:BB. He's the primary ninth-inning option for Rob Thomson, although the team's deep bullpen gives the manager plenty of alternatives against specific matchups, or when Estevez needs a breather.

Bednar allowed one unearned run on two hits while striking out two across two-thirds of an inning Wednesday against the Marlins.

Bednar started the ninth inning with a 3-0 lead. He had an inconsistent performance as he allowed a leadoff double and an RBI single, but he struck out two and would have stranded the runner successfully had there not been an error behind him. Bednar hasn't recorded a save since Aug. 23 and has since been removed from the closer role, though it appears the Pirates may be willing to give him more save chances before the close of the season.

Wheeler (15-6) picked up the win Wednesday, giving up two runs on four hits and three walks over six innings in a 3-2 victory over the Rays. He struck out nine.

The veteran right-hander delivered his eighth straight quality start on 103 pitches (69 strikes), a stretch in which he's gone 5-1 with a 1.76 ERA, 0.84 WHIP and 60:9 K:BB through 51 innings. With the Phillies closing in on clinching the NL East title, they could be tempted to give their ace some extra rest ahead of the playoffs, but his current form doesn't suggest he needs it. Wheeler lines up to make his next start on the road early next week in Milwaukee.

Blackmon is absent from the lineup for Thursday's contest in Detroit.

Southpaw Tarik Skubal will toe the slab for the Tigers, so the lefty-hitting Blackmon will grab a seat. Ryan McMahon will start in the designated-hitter spot in the series finale while Aaron Schunk plays third base.

Jones is not in the lineup for Thursday's game in Detroit.

The left-handed-hitting Jones will unsurprisingly take a seat against southpaw Tarik Skubal and has now been out of the lineup three times out of the last four games. Jordan Beck will start in left field for the Rockies on Thursday.

McMahon went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Wednesday's 7-4 loss to the Tigers.

The Rockies were in a 6-0 hole after the first inning, but McMahon got them on the board in the top of the second by taking Casey Mize deep. McMahon has emerged from his post-All-Star break malaise, and over his last 16 games he's slashing a respectable .262/.328/.426 with three homers, four runs and six RBI. His next long ball will give the 29-year-old his fourth straight 20-homer campaign.