MLB Player News

Akin earned the save in Thursday's 3-2 win over the Pirates, allowing one hit while striking out one in a scoreless ninth inning.

Akin is up to five saves this season, with two coming since the start of September. The left-hander has pitched well of late, working to a 1.88 ERA in his last 12 appearances (14.1 innings). Akin and Yennier Cano should continue to share closing duties down the stretch. Through 57.1 innings this season, Akin sports a 3.14 ERA with a 1.34 WHIP and 54 strikeouts.

Povich did not factor into the decision Thursday against the Pirates, allowing two runs on five hits and two walks over 5.2 innings. He struck out six.

After giving up a two-out run in the first inning, Povich managed to hold Pittsburgh to just one additional tally over his final 4.2 frames, which came on an Alexander Canario homer in the third. It's been an up-and-down year overall for Povich, though he's posted a respectable 4.43 ERA in his last eight appearances (40.2 innings) while striking out 45 in that span. Povich is tentatively in line to face the White Sox on the road his next time out.

The Tigers optioned Sommers to Triple-A Toledo on Thursday, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

The 25-year-old lefty joined the big-league bullpen Tuesday when Bailey Horn went on the paternity list and will now head back to the minors following the latter's return. Sommers has given up six earned runs in just three MLB innings this year, but he's put himself in a position to audition for next year's Opening Day bullpen by turning in a 3.03 ERA and 1.08 WHIP through 35.2 frames in Triple-A.

Oviedo did not factor into the decision Thursday against the Orioles, allowing two runs on five hits and three walks across 5.2 innings. He struck out five.

Oviedo's 5.2 innings marked a season high in five starts since rejoining the Pirates in August. The right-hander has yet to allow more than two runs in an outing, posting a 2.81 ERA with a 1.17 WHIP and 29:14 K:BB across 25.2 innings overall. Oviedo's currently lined up to face the Cubs at home in his next outing.

The Tigers reinstated Horn from the paternity list Thursday, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Horn will reclaim a middle-relief role in the Tigers' bullpen after spending two days away from the team for the birth of his child. Drew Sommers was sent back to Triple-A Toledo in a corresponding move.

Garcia is not in the lineup for Thursday's game in Miami.

The left-handed-swinging Garcia will often sit out against lefty hurlers, and that will be the case here as the Marlins start southpaw Ryan Weathers. Nasim Nunez will get the call at second base for the Nationals.

McKinstry (back) isn't in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Yankees.

McKinstry will miss a third consecutive start due to a back issue that flared up shortly before Tuesday's contest. Javier Baez will pick up a start at shortstop and bat ninth while McKinstry recovers.

Bell is not in the lineup for Thursday's contest in Miami.

Bell is one of the hottest hitters in baseball, having gone 8-for-15 with four home runs and 13 RBI over his last four games. However, the switch hitter often doesn't start against left-handed pitching, and that will be the case in Thursday's series finale as the Marlins send southpaw Ryan Weathers to the bump. Andres Chaparro will be at first base and bat fifth for the Nationals.

Wood is absent from the lineup for Thursday's game in Miami.

It's a rare day off for the left-handed-hitting Wood, who will get a breather as the Marlins send southpaw Ryan Weathers to the mound. Daylen Lile will patrol left field and Paul DeJong will serve as the Nationals' designated hitter.

Adams (groin) will start at catcher and bat third in Thursday's game versus the Marlins.

Adams had to exit Tuesday's game after taking a foul tip to the groin area, but he checked out fine and is back in there after one day of rest. The 29-year-old has been operating as the Nationals' primary catcher since Keibert Ruiz (concussion) was sidelined and is slashing .239/.316/.380 with five home runs over 43 contests during that time.