MLB Player News

Hader struck out the only batter he faced to earn the save in Tuesday's 4-0 win over the Giants.

Seth Lugo ran out of gas in the ninth inning, exiting with 123 pitches. Hader entered with two on and two out and struck out Wilmer Flores to end the game. Hader has pitched 4.2 scoreless innings over his last six appearances while adding four saves and a win in that span. He's at 32 saves in 37 chances this season while posting an excellent 1.18 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 82:28 K:BB through 53.1 innings.

Lugo (8-7) allowed three hits and three walks while striking out seven over 8.2 shutout innings to earn the win Tuesday over the Giants.

Lugo nearly had a shutout, but he put two runners on in the ninth and exited with 123 pitches (80 strikes). Josh Hader was able to secure the one-out save. It appears Lugo saved his best for last this year, with this being his best appearance and his fourth scoreless outing over his last eight starts. The right-hander is at a 3.57 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 140:36 K:BB through 146.1 innings over 26 starts overall. With just four games left on the Padres' schedule, it's possible this was Lugo's last start of 2023.

Davies did not factor into the decision Tuesday, allowing four runs on eight hits and one walk over three innings against the White Sox. He struck out three.

Despite being 10 days removed from his last start due to a postponement, Davies failed to go deeper than three frames Tuesday. He was immediately tagged by Eloy Jimenez for a three-run homer in the first inning before also surrendering an RBI single to the slugger in the second frame. Davies has now lasted four or fewer innings in four consecutive outings, a stretch in which he's surrendered at least three runs in every start. The veteran is lined up to make one more start this season, which is expected to come Sunday against the Astros.

Steele did not factor into the decision Tuesday, allowing three runs on six hits and a walk over 5.1 innings against Atlanta. He struck out six.

Steele held Atlanta off the board through five innings Tuesday before surrendering three runs in the sixth. Chicago's bullpen would ultimately squander a three-run lead, leaving Steele with a no-decision. Despite a tough finish, it was a step in the right direction for the left-hander after he allowed six runs in each of his prior two outings. Steele will carry a 3.06 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 176 strikeouts into his final start of the regular season, currently scheduled for this weekend in Milwaukee.

Elder did not factor into the decision Tuesday, allowing five runs on seven hits and four walks over 3.2 innings against the Cubs. He struck out two.

Elder's rough stretch continued against the Cubs -- he's now allowed 13 runs in his last three starts (12.1 innings) while failing to make it through four innings in his last two outings, issuing nine walks in that span (7.1 innings). Overall, Elder's ERA is up to 3.81 with a 1.28 WHIP and 128:63 K:BB across 31 starts (174.2) innings this season. He'll look to bounce back and end his year on a high note as Elder's currently lined up to face the Nationals in Atlanta's final regular season game this weekend.

Nola did not factor into the decision Tuesday, allowing one run on four hits and no walks over 6.2 innings against the Pirates. He struck out eight.

Nola looked great Tuesday night against a feeble Pirates lineup, posting his third consecutive start with two or fewer earned runs allowed. Over that span, the free-agent-to-be has thrown 17.1 innings to the tune of a 2.07 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 17:1 K:BB. Nola looks to finish the season strong in his last start, currently scheduled to be against the Mets in New York on Sunday.

Davis exited Tuesday's game against San Diego with a strained left shoulder, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Davis' injury came on an awkward slide into third base after he hit a line drive into right field during the first inning. The Giants haven't provided any information that could help determine how long Davis' absence will be, but a trip to the injured list is possible and would put an early end to the 30-year-old's season. If Davis does end up missing an extended period of time, Tyler Fitzgerald would likely see an increase in reps at third base with Wilmer Flores (knee) also rehabbing an injury.

Keller did not factor into the decision Tuesday against the Phillies, allowing two runs on three hits and two walks over six innings. He struck out six.

September has been an inconsistent and bumpy ride for Keller so far. In five starts, he has two outings where he's allowed seven or more runs and three where he's conceded two runs or fewer. Overall this month, the 27-year-old pitcher sports a 5.28 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 31:7 K:BB over 30.2 innings. Keller is currently scheduled to start the last Pirates game of the season in Miami on Sunday.

Suzuki went 2-for-5 with a triple and two RBI in Tuesday's 7-6 loss to Atlanta.

Suzuki continued to contribute at the plate, though it was his costly error in the eighth inning that arguably stood out most on the night. The outfielder had a chance to end the bottom of the eighth inning but misplayed a routine flyball, allowing Atlanta to score twice on the play and pull ahead 7-6. Defensive mishaps don't generally impact fantasy, though Suzuki will need to shake off the blunder quickly and stay locked in offensively to help the Cubs secure a playoff spot.

Mastrobuoni went 3-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored in Tuesday's 7-6 loss to Atlanta.

Mastrobuoni had eight hits over four games before hitting the bench for Sunday's contest, though he did appear as a pinch hitter. He got the start Tuesday and picked up right where he left off, pushing his batting average to an even .500 for the month. With the Cubs scrapping for a playoff spot, they may need to keep Mastrobuoni in the lineup and ride his bat while it's hot.