MLB Player News

Johnson (4-2) picked up the win Wednesday over the Brewers, allowing one hit and one walk over 1.1 scoreless innings. He struck out two.

The right-hander recorded the final out of the sixth inning in relief of Chris Sale, just in time to watch Atlanta's offense break open a 2-2 tie in the top of the seventh. Johnson has given up only one earned run over his last 13 appearances dating back to June 15, posting a 0.67 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 18:4 K:BB through 13.1 innings over that stretch while pocketing two wins and two holds.

Doyle, who has been playing through a bruised right index finger, went 1-for-4 with a solo homer in Wednesday's win over the Angels.

Doyle put the Rockies on top with a solo shot off Hans Crouse in the top of the eighth, snapping an 0-for-13 skid at the plate. It was the outfielder's 18th home run of the campaign and his 11th in July, when he batted .333 with 27 RBI and 15 runs scored. On the downside, Doyle has also struck out twice in three of his last five games.

Webb earned the win over the Athletics on Wednesday, allowing five hits and one walk in a complete-game shutout while striking out six.

Webb stifled Oakland's lineup throughout the contest, inducing 12 swings-and-misses while allowing only three batters to advance beyond first base. It marked the first complete game of the campaign for the right-hander and the second shutout of his career. Webb had allowed multiple runs in 10 consecutive starts coming in, and at least four runs in each of his previous three. He finishes the month of July with a 2-2 record and a 4.78 ERA, though he's also surrendered just two long balls over that stretch (spanning five starts).

Vodnik picked up the save against the Angels on Wednesday, pitching a perfect ninth inning while striking out one.

Vodnik needed only eight pitches to run through the middle of the Angels lineup and secure his fourth save of the season, striking out Kevin Pillar with a 99 mph fastball before getting Logan O'Hoppe to ground out for the final out. The right-hander has now converted each of his last four save opportunities and has recorded at least one strikeout in 15 consecutive appearances. Vodnik also hasn't issued a walk in five straight outings.

Freeland (3-4) picked up the win over the Angels on Wednesday, allowing one run on six hits over seven innings while striking out six.

Freeland got off to a strong start, allowing just two singles over the first four innings before surrendering a solo homer to Logan O'Hoppe in the fifth. However, the lefty was able to get through the frame without taking any further damage, and went on to log his sixth quality start in his last seven outings. Freeland has also won three of his last four starts, posting six or more strikeouts three times over that stretch. Furthermore, Wednesday's performance marked the first outing this season in which Freeland didn't walk a batter.

Espinal started at third base and went 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored in Wednesday's 13-4 loss to the Cubs.

Espinal and his smoldering bat made a fourth consecutive start. He's hit in all four games, going 8-for-14 with three doubles, a home run, three RBI and two additional runs. The month of July was Espinal's best of the season; the utility infielder slashed .432/.457/.727 with three homers and eight RBI over 16 games.

France entered Wednesday's game in the eighth inning and went 0-for-1 in a 13-4 loss to the Cubs.

France made his debut for the Reds, playing the final two innings at first base. He was acquired by the Reds on Monday, presumably to be a starter at first base, but he was not used Tuesday or Wednesday despite being in the team's dugout.

Perdomo entered Wednesday's game as a pinch hitter and went 1-for-2 with an RBI, a stolen base and a run scored in a 5-4 win over Washington.

Perdomo pinch hit for Kevin Newman in the sixth inning against a right-hander and singled in a run. He then stole a base and scored on a single by Corbin Carroll. The steal was Perdomo's second of the season and first in 21 games. He remained in the game, playing the final three innings at shortstop.

Smith started at first base and went 0-for-4 with an RBI in Wednesday's 5-4 win over Washington.

Smith typically doesn't start against left-handers, but he got the call Wednesday with Christian Walker (oblique) on the 10-day injured list. Kevin Newman started there Tuesday against a lefty, but he spelled Geraldo Perdomo at shortstop Wednesday. Eventually, trade-acquisition Josh Bell is expected to take over at first base while Walker is out, and that absence is estimated to be about three weeks.

Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said Sewald is having issues with his delivery, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports. "There's something that's going on with his delivery," Lovullo said. "It's not allowing him to throw the ball where he wants to, have the finish on the ball and make the pitches that he's normally making."

Lovullo made those comments moments after Wednesday's win in which Sewald, tasked with closing out a two-run lead, allowed a run on three walks and a hit before being removed for Ryan Thompson, who picked up his first save of the season. Sewald has a 13.50 ERA over his last four appearances to finish out a rocky July (10.80 ERA, 10 innings, four blown saves). The manager plans to take time to review the situation and feels there are "really good candidates" in house to replace Sewald as the closer, if that's what Lovullo decides. The names under consideration are likely Thompson, Kevin Ginkel and A.J. Puk.