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Marcus Stroman SP | NYY
Cubs' Marcus Stroman: Struggles in start
Stroman (10-9) allowed four runs (two earned) on four hits and struck out two without walking a batter over two innings, taking the loss versus Atlanta on Thursday.
Stroman has pitched eight innings over four appearances since returning from a stint on the injured list, allowing eight runs (five earned) in that span. The right-hander appears set to be a relief option if the Cubs are able to secure a wild-card spot. Stroman is at a 3.95 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 119:52 K:BB through 136.2 innings across 27 outings (25 starts) this season.
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Austin Riley 3B | ATL
Braves' Austin Riley: Tallies three hits in win
Riley went 3-for-4 with a triple, a double and two runs scored in Thursday's 5-3 win over the Cubs.
Riley has logged four multi-hit efforts over his last eight games, going 12-for-30 (.400) in that span. The third baseman is up to a .282/.346/.519 slash line with 37 home runs, 96 RBI, 116 runs scored, 30 doubles, three triples and three stolen bases through 156 games this season. He continues to hit in the heart of the order in a near-everyday role.
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Matt Olson 1B | ATL
Braves' Matt Olson: Goes yard in Thursday's win
Olson went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Thursday's 5-3 win over the Cubs.
Olson put Atlanta ahead in the first inning with his blast. He's up to 54 homers this year, 11 of which have come in September, a month in which he's batting .343 with 24 RBI over 26 games. For the year, the first baseman has a .281/.387/.605 slash line with 136 RBI, 126 runs scored and one stolen base through 159 contests. If he remains in the lineup each day for the three-game series versus the Nationals, he'll achieve his fourth campaign of playing in every contest.
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Raisel Iglesias RP | ATL
Braves' Raisel Iglesias: Converts 32nd save
Iglesias struck out one in a perfect inning to earn the save in Thursday's 5-3 win over the Cubs.
Iglesias has earned three saves over his last five outings while allowing one run in five innings in that span. He's settled down again after a shaky early half of September. The closer is up to 32 saves in 36 chances while maintaining a 2.80 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 67:15 K:BB through 54.2 innings this season.
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A.J. Smith-Shawver SP | ATL
Braves' AJ Smith-Shawver: Solid in short start
Smith-Shawver allowed one run on one walk and struck out two over 3.2 hitless innings in a no-decision versus the Cubs on Thursday.
Smith-Shawver was piggybacked by Kyle Wright. The only run Smith-Shawver allowed came in the first inning, as the Cubs were able to scrape together a scoring play with small ball. The 20-year-old right-hander lowered his ERA to 4.26 with a 1.11 WHIP and 20:11 K:BB over 25.1 innings across six big-league outings (five starts). He could be sent back to Triple-A Gwinnett if Atlanta wants to replenish its pitching depth for this weekend's series against the Nationals.
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Seiya Suzuki RF | CHC
Cubs' Seiya Suzuki: Tallies three hits in loss
Suzuki went 3-for-4 with a double and two RBI in Thursday's 5-3 loss to Atlanta.
Suzuki had a tough series in Atlanta due to a costly error in Tuesday's loss, though he did still manage to go 5-for-13 over the three games with four RBI. The outfielder has had a nice season overall with an .843 OPS, 20 home runs and 74 RBI, and the Cubs will need him to keep it up this weekend in Milwaukee as they fight for a playoff spot.
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Ethan Small RP | SF
Brewers' Ethan Small: Secures first career save
Small gave up two walks and no hits in a scoreless inning, en route to his first career save in Thursday's 3-0 win over the Cardinals.
Small has not traditionally been an option to close games in his limited work so far, however the team was willing to experiment with the rookie in a high-leverage spot given they are likely providing their regulars extra rest in advance of the playoffs. The southpaw made things tight by bringing the tying run to the plate in Masyn Winn after allowing two walks, but managed to close the door and preserve the team shutout. This was Small's first appearance since being recalled on Wednesday. He logged a 3.18 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 61 strikeouts in 51 innings while working as a reliever with Triple-A Nashville.
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Julio Teheran SP | BAL
Brewers' Julio Teheran: Earns win in scoreless outing
Teheran (3-5) allowed one hit across four scoreless innings, earning the win in Thursday's 3-0 win over the Cardinals. He struck out four.
Teheran took over to provide some long relief after Corbin Burnes pitched four innings, responding with four clean innings of his own to keep the team shutout intact. The right-hander has shown well in bulk relief this month, pitching to a 2.00 ERA and 1.11 WHIP with six strikeouts across nine innings.
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Corbin Burnes SP | ARI
Brewers' Corbin Burnes: Fires four scoreless in win
Burnes did not allow a run on five hits and one walk across four innings in Thursday's 3-0 win over the Cardinals. He struck out four.
Burnes earned some rest in advance of the playoffs, only throwing 66 pitches across four innings before turning the ball over to Julio Teheran. The right-hander has put together another excellent season, pitching to a 3.39 ERA and 1.07 WHIP across 193.2 innings. Notably, he reached the 200 strikeout milestone for the third season in a row, highlighting his consistency and reliability when taking the mound.
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Dakota Hudson SP | LAA
Cardinals' Dakota Hudson: Allows three runs in loss
Hudson (6-3) gave up three runs on seven hits and three walks across five innings in Thursday's 3-0 loss to the Brewers. He struck out three.
Hudson once again had trouble keeping traffic off the basepaths, allowing two of his runs on singles to William Contreras and Christian Yelich. His struggles with the free pass continued, as the right-hander has now allowed three walks in four of his last five games. He finishes the season with a 4.98 ERA and 1.50 WHIP across 81.1 innings, with 45 strikeouts.