MLB Player News

Nola did not factor into the decision in Friday's 6-5 extra-innings loss to Atlanta, allowing two runs on six hits and three walks with three strikeouts over 6.1 innings.

Nola allowed two solo homers but still outdueled Chris Sale, departing with a 3-2 lead after throwing 68 strikes on 101 pitches. The 33-year-old has now delivered a quality start in four of his past five outings, and he owns a 3.08 ERA in 11 starts since the All-Star break. He'll take a 4.69 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 165:55 K:BB across 161.1 innings this season into a road matchup with the Mets next week.

Dotel (1-5) took the loss Friday, giving up three runs on four hits over two innings as the Pirates were routed 12-2 by the Cubs. He struck out one without walking a batter.

Pittsburgh went with a bullpen game to fill the spot of Braxton Ashcraft (arm) in the rotation, and Dotel was the first of three pitchers to work multiple innings at Wrigley Field as all three got tagged for at least three runs. Dotel has been relatively effective in a long-relief role since the All-Star break, posting a 3.86 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 16:5 K:BB over his last nine appearances and 16.1 innings.

Sale did not factor into the decision in Friday's 6-5 extra-innings win over the Phillies, allowing three runs on three hits and two walks with six strikeouts over seven innings.

Sale allowed a bases-loaded double in the second inning but settled in from there, throwing 59 of 94 pitches for strikes with 11 whiffs. The veteran southpaw has now recorded a quality start in each of his nine outings since the All-Star break, posting a 2.14 ERA during that stretch. He'll take a 2.18 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 190:31 K:BB across 157 innings this season into a road matchup with the Astros next weekend.

Steer (wrist) was cleared Friday to begin range-of-motion activity, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

Steer was examined in Arizona by a specialist, who cleared him to increase activity. "All is going really well," manager Terry Francona said. "He will begin more range of motion [exercises], start to get a bat in his hand." That's good news for Steer, but it doesn't guarantee he'll return before the end of the regular season. "The goal is we want him to have a normal offseason," Francona said. "We might be pushing it if we try to do it by the end of the season." The Reds are considering having Steer play in the Arizona Fall League, which is typically reserved for prospects.

Nelson (elbow) will make one more rehab appearance at Triple-A Reno before rejoining the Diamondbacks, MLB.com reports.

Nelson has thrown a pair of scoreless innings and struck out four over his first two rehab outings. The right-hander will pitch out of the bullpen as Arizona competes for a playoff spot.

Martinez struck out three over a perfect sixth inning in Friday's 9-1 win over the Rangers.

Martinez needed just nine pitches to strike out Wyatt Langford, Evan Carter and Jake Burger. Five of those nine pitches resulted in swinging strikes. Martinez has yet to allow an earned run over eight appearances since being activated from the 60-day injured list. He's struck out 11, walked five and allowed two hits over 7.2 innings.

Marte went 2-for-5 with two doubles, three RBI and two runs scored in Friday's 9-1 win over Texas.

The Diamondbacks scored all of their runs in the fourth and fifth innings, and Marte doubled home runs in both frames. The second baseman has hit safely in all nine games since coming off the injured list, going 10-for-35 with three doubles, one home run, six RBI and six runs scored during his streak.

Vargas started at first base and went 2-for-5 with a double, an RBI and a run scored in Friday's 9-1 win over the Rangers.

Vargas ignited a dormant offense in the fifth inning when the Diamondbacks scored four times. His ground-rule double produced the first of those four runs, and then Arizona went on to score another five times the following inning. It was his fifth consecutive start, four of which came at first base, as he and Tim Tawa share the position. Vargas is 6-for-20 (.300) over his five-start run.

Cox went 2-for-4 with a walk, a stolen base and two runs scored in Friday's 7-5 loss to the Padres.

Cox has gotten a decent run of playing time in September, and he's gone 10-for-35 (.286) over his 10 games this month. The outfielder's steal Friday was his 10th of the season. He's batting .286 with a .796 OPS, four home runs, 11 RBI, 21 runs scored, two doubles and two triples across 109 plate appearances.

Devers went 1-for-4 with a grand slam and a walk in Friday's 7-5 loss to the Padres.

Devers has racked up seven homers over his last 10 games while batting .351 (13-for-37) in that span. The first baseman ranks eighth in the majors with 36 homers through Friday's action, giving him his highest total since his career-high 38 in 2021. He's batting .258 with an .862 OPS, 96 RBI, 87 runs scored, 36 doubles and one triple over 147 contests.