MLB Player News

Ray allowed six runs on six hits and three walks while striking out five over 4.1 innings in a no-decision versus the Orioles on Friday.

Ray had some trouble with Ryan Mountcastle, who drove in four of the six runs on the southpaw's line. However, the Giants' offense was even better, helping Ray to avoid the loss. The 33-year-old had a mediocre August, allowing 19 runs (16 earned) over 35 innings across six starts for the month. On the year, he's at a 3.18 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 163:64 K:BB through 164 innings over 28 starts. His next outing is projected to be in Colorado.

Alexander went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run and a walk in Friday's 3-0 win over the Dodgers.

Aelxander is up to seven homers this season, and three of them have come over his last seven games. The infielder has gone 7-for-25 (.280) with four walks and nine strikeouts in that span. He's up to a .234/.331/.441 slash line with 19 RBI, 21 runs scored and two stolen bases over 168 plate appearances. Alexander has gotten most of his recent playing time at third base, though he covered second base while Ketel Marte served as designated hitter in Friday's contest.

Woodford walked one and struck out one in a scoreless and hitless inning to earn the save in Friday's 3-0 win over the Dodgers.

Both Jalen Beeks and Kyle Backhus were deployed earlier in the game, with Backhus getting arguably the toughest assignment against the top of the Dodgers' order in the eighth inning. Woodford didn't have a cakewalk, facing the heart of the order, but he was able to get the job done to earn his second save of the season. He's added a hold and two blown saves while posting a 5.34 ERA, 1.53 WHIP and 15:8 K:BB through 28.2 innings this season. Woodford has multi-inning potential, which may keep him out of high-leverage situations, but late-inning opportunities remain up for grabs with Arizona utilizing a closing committee to protect leads.

Gallen (10-13) allowed two hits and three walks while striking out eight over six shutout innings to earn the win over the Dodgers on Friday.

Gallen has steadied his season with a strong August -- this was his fifth quality start in six outings for the month. It was just the second scoreless outing of the season for Gallen, who also ended a three-game winless stretch with the effort. A big part of his recent success has come from limiting home runs -- he's given up just three long balls over his last seven starts, spanning 41 innings. On the year, he's now at a 4.94 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 149:56 K:BB through 162 innings across 28 starts. The right-hander is projected for a home matchup versus the Rangers next week.

Snell (3-3) allowed three runs on four hits and three walks while striking out eight over 5.1 innings, taking the loss Friday versus the Diamondbacks.

The Dodgers weren't able to generate any run support for Snell, who didn't help his cause with the three walks as well as two wild pitches. The southpaw took consecutive losses for the first time this season, but this wasn't a terrible performance outside of the wildness. He's now at a 2.41 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 38:18 K:BB through 37.1 innings over seven starts. Snell is lined up to make his next start on the road in Baltimore.

Jung went 3-for-4 with one run scored in Friday's 5-2 win over the Athletics.

Jung has hit safely in six straight games, and four of those have been multi-hit efforts. He's starting to turn things around after struggling for most of August -- even with the recent surge, he's batting a modest .268 (19-for-71) over 22 contests this month. On the season, he's at a .253/.299/.387 slash line with 12 home runs, 49 RBI, 40 runs scored and four stolen bases through 105 games.

Helman went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run and a walk in Friday's 5-2 win over the Athletics.

Helman has gone 4-for-13 with two homers and four RBI over five games since he was recalled from Triple-A Round Rock. He appears to be handling a short-side platoon role in center field, though he also offers extra insurance as a reserve infielder and bench bat. This year, he's batting .250 with three homers, eight RBI, eight runs scored and a stolen base over 28 plate appearances in the majors.

Heim went 1-for-2 with a solo home run, a second RBI and a walk in Friday's 5-2 win over the Athletics.

Heim opened the scoring with a sacrifice fly in the second inning and added his solo shot in the fifth to put the Rangers ahead for good. The homer was his first since July 25. Heim has been a little steadier at the plate lately, going 10-for-28 (.357) with five RBI over his last nine games. Kyle Higashioka has done enough to maintain the starting role behind the dish, and Heim's other path to playing time at designated hitter is only open as a short-side platoon spot, as Joc Pederson has also swung a hot bat lately. For the season, Heim is batting .222 with a .620 OPS, 10 homers, 40 RBI, 30 runs scored, 13 doubles and three stolen bases over 372 plate appearances.

Armstrong walked one over 1.2 scoreless and hitless innings to earn the save in Friday's 5-2 win over the Athletics.

Armstrong's steady pitching in August looks to have vaulted him to the top of the Rangers' closing hierarchy. He's earned the team's last two saves, though chances haven't been plentiful in recent weeks. Phil Maton has blown three saves in his last five appearances, which has opened the door for Armstrong to get more closing opportunities. After Friday's outing, Armstrong is on an 11.2-inning scoreless streak with a 13:3 K:BB in that span. He's at a 2.43 ERA, 0.83 WHIP and 61:18 K:BB through 59.1 innings this season while adding five saves, 10 holds and three blown saves.

Leiter (9-7) allowed two runs on five hits and two walks while striking out seven over six innings to earn the win over the Athletics on Friday.

Leiter had some struggles with short starts earlier in August, but he closed out the month with a pair of wins, both of which were quality starts. He's also racked up at least seven strikeouts in five of his last eight outings. For the season, the right-hander is now at a 3.77 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 118:59 K:BB through 121.2 innings over 24 starts. The 25-year-old is projected to make his next start at Arizona.