MLB Player News

Moncada went 2-for-4 with a pair of solo home runs in Friday's loss to the Cubs.

The third baseman provided all of Los Angeles' offense, accounting for two of the team's three hits and both runs on the night. The 30-year-old launched a solo shot in the fifth inning before adding another in the seventh, marking his 10th and 11th homers of the year. Moncada has three long balls over his last two contests and the switch hitter is now slashing .239/.330/.478 with 30 RBI and 30 runs scored through 59 games this season.

Palencia earned the save in Friday's victory over the Angels, striking out two in a perfect ninth inning.

The right-hander entered with a one-run lead and slammed the door on Los Angeles to secure his 19th save of the season. Palencia had allowed at least one run in four of his previous six outings, but Friday's performance was a clean rebound effort. On the year, the 25-year-old has been a steady force at the back end of Chicago's bullpen, posting a 1.93 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 51:14 K:BB across 46.2 innings.

Anderson didn't factor into the decision against the Cubs on Friday, allowing two runs on three hits and two walks while striking out five over five innings.

The left-hander did well to limit the damage, with his only runs coming on a first-inning solo homer from Kyle Tucker and a sacrifice fly in the third. While Anderson didn't pitch deep into the contest, he kept Los Angeles within striking distance and turned in one of his steadier outings of late. The 35-year-old had struggled over his previous six starts, posting a 6.67 ERA, 1.55 WHIP and 19:15 K:BB across 29.2 innings during that stretch, so Friday's effort represented a modest step in the right direction.

Moreno (finger) went 2-for-4 with a three-run home run in Friday's 6-5 extra-innings win over the Reds.

Moreno had been out since mid-June with a fractured finger. He delivered Arizona's only multi-hit effort in his contest as well as the team's biggest hit when he took Zack Littell deep in the third inning. Moreno will likely regain his spot as the Diamondbacks' top catcher, though it wouldn't be surprising to see him eased back into action after a long layoff. He's posted a .275/.328/.433 slash line with six homers, 23 RBI, 30 runs scored and a stolen base over 54 contests this season.

Nelson allowed three runs on four hits and two walks while striking out six over six innings in a no-decision versus the Reds on Friday.

Nelson gave up two runs in the second inning and one more in the sixth. This was his first quality start since July 25 versus the Pirates. Over his last five starts, Nelson has surrendered 18 runs (15 earned) across 28.2 innings while posting a 32:4 K:BB. As long as he can keep his walk rate low, he should continue to be an effective mid-rotation starter. Overall, he's maintained a 3.63 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 105:32 K:BB across 119 innings through 27 appearances (17 starts) this season. Nelson's next start is projected to be at Milwaukee.

Assad didn't factor into the decision against the Angels on Friday, allowing one run on two hits and one walk while striking out four over six innings.

The right-hander's lone blemish came on a solo homer by Yoan Moncada in the fifth, but Assad otherwise kept Los Angeles in check across his six efficient innings. It was just Assad's third start of the season, as he stepped into the rotation following the injury to Ryan Brasier. Through those three outings, the 28-year-old Assad has posted a 3.86 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 9:3 K:BB across 14 innings.

Littell allowed four runs (three earned) on four hits and three walks while striking out three over three innings in a no-decision versus the Diamondbacks on Friday.

Littell has two good starts and two shaky ones since he was traded from the Rays to the Reds. This fell in the latter category, as he gave up a three-run home run to Gabriel Moreno in a difficult third inning that ultimately made this a short start. Littell has given up 10 runs (nine earned) over 20.2 innings with Cincinnati, and he's at a 3.62 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 106:27 K:BB through 154 innings over 26 starts this season.

Wilson (forearm) went 1-for-4 with one RBI in Friday's 3-2 loss to the Mariners.

Wilson missed four weeks with a left forearm fracture. He was able to supply his RBI as the Athletics tried to mount a comeback in the ninth inning that ultimately fell short. The 23-year-old is set to resume his role as starting shortstop. He's at a .311/.353/.437 slash line with 10 home runs, 46 RBI, 46 runs scored and five stolen bases over 95 contests, so fantasy managers shouldn't hesitate to activate him.

Contreras went 2-for-4 with a solo home run, a double, two RBI and a walk in Friday's 5-4 win over the Giants.

The 27-year-old delivered the decisive blow in the ninth inning, launching his 14th homer of the season and first career walk-off, with two outs off Randy Rodriguez. Contreras also came through earlier in the game with an RBI double in the seventh. The catcher continues to be one of Milwaukee's most consistent offensive performers, as he is slashing .258/.357/.398 with 63 RBI, 71 runs scored and six stolen bases in 123 games this season.

Rooker went 2-for-3 with a solo home run, a walk and a second run scored in Friday's 3-2 loss to the Mariners.

Rooker was responsible for two of the three baserunners the Athletics put on against Bryan Woo over the first seven innings. Rooker went deep in the first frame for his third homer over his last 12 games, a span in which he's batting .265 (13-for-49). For the season, the slugger is up to a .272/.345/.498 slash line with 26 homers, 74 RBI, 83 runs scored and five stolen bases through 130 contests.