MLB Player News

De La Cruz started at shortstop and walked twice before being removed for a pinch hitter in Thursday's 8-2 loss to the Tigers.

It's the first time since De La Cruz debuted in June that he was removed for a pinch hitter. A second-half downturn and a manager seeking any tactical edge in a playoff hunt has impacted the rookie's usage. He batted seventh against a left-hander Tuesday, was not in the starting lineup Wednesday, then batted eighth against a right-hander Thursday. Despite dropping De La Cruz in the order, Bell said he still has confidence in him, per Gordon Wittenmyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer. "Elly's going to continue to be a big part of our team, obviously," Bell said. "But where we are right now, every little tiny edge [is important]." Until this week, De La Cruz had been exempt from such tactics, but a .181 batting average and .606 OPS since the All-Star break has changed that.

Carroll went 1-for-5 with a run scored in Thursday's 11-1 loss to the Mets.

Carroll returned to the lineup after getting a breather Wednesday. The outfielder singled in the eighth inning and came home on Jake McCarthy's double. The single halted a string of 14 at-bats without a hit for Carroll. The run scored was his team-leading 104th, tying him for sixth in MLB.

McCarthy went 1-for-1 with a double and an RBI in Thursday's 11-1 loss to the Mets.

McCarthy didn't start the game but was one of three players to enter during the blowout loss, as manager Torey Lovullo wanted to preserve some regulars for this weekend's series against the Cubs. McCarthy was making his second appearance since being recalled from Triple-A Reno on Tuesday.

Suwinski went 2-for-3 with a solo home run in Thursday's victory over Washington.

Suwinski jumped on the first pitch he saw from Josiah Gray in the second inning and launched it into the stands in right field for his 25th home run of the season. The center fielder also added a single on the day, giving him his fifth multi-hit game this month, and he's now hit safely in seven straight. Suwinski has been very productive in September, batting .324 with three homers, nine RBI and five runs scored. He's also recorded at least one RBI in six of his last seven games.

Bednar picked up the save Thursday against the Nationals, pitching a perfect inning while not recording any strikeouts.

Bednar needed just 10 pitches to get through the top of the Nationals' lineup and secure his 35th save of the season. The 28-year-old reliever has now converted his last 12 save opportunities and has yet to allow an earned run in September. It was also the fourth time this month he didn't allow any hits or walks in an appearance.

Gray (7-12) took the loss Thursday, allowing two runs on five hits over 6.1 innings against the Pirates. He struck out 10 and did not walk a batter.

The right-hander struck out six of the first 10 batters he faced but was victimized twice by long balls, while Washington's offense was getting shut down by Mitch Keller. It was just the second time in Gray's last seven starts that he made it through six frames, while the 10 strikeouts marked his season high. However, he has lost his last four decisions and six of his last seven overall (spanning 11 starts).

Keller (12-9) earned the win Thursday, allowing two hits and one walk over eight scoreless innings against Washington while striking out seven.

Keller was spectacular, allowing only two singles all night -- and one of those came in the first at-bat of the game. It was a great bounce-back performance after the right-hander had matched his season high with eight runs allowed in his previous outing, and Thursday's start marked the third time this season he's gone at least eight innings. Keller has won three of his last four decisions (spanning five starts), posting a 37:6 K:BB over that stretch.

Castano cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Jacksonville on Thursday.

Castano was designated for assignment Tuesday and has cleared waivers for the second time this season. He can opt for free agency or choose to finish the season with Jacksonville.

Anderson will start Friday's game against the Giants, Patrick Lyons of TheDNVR.com reports.

Anderson was originally slated to start Thursday, but the game was rained out, so he'll ultimately be pushed back one day. He's made two starts since being activated from the injured list and has given up eight earned runs across 7.1 innings while posting a 6:4 K:BB.

Kelly (11-7) took the loss Thursday, allowing seven runs on six hits and four walks over five innings against the Mets. He struck out seven.

Kelly set down the first six Mets in short order before walking the bases loaded to start the third inning, and he allowed two runs to score in the frame. The 34-year-old hurler surrendered five more runs in the fifth, headlined by Jeff McNeil's two-run homer. Kelly allowed just one run in each of his previous two outings; however, those starts are bookended by a pair of seven-run disasters. In those four starts since Aug. 29, the righty's season-long ERA has gone from an impressive 2.97 to a still-respectable 3.45. Kelly is currently slated to face the Giants at home next week.