MLB Player News

Montero struck out two in a perfect inning to earn the save in Friday's 4-2 win over the Angels.

Montero is up to four saves in his last four appearances with Ryan Pressly (neck) on the shelf. Friday's outing was as sharp as they come for Montero -- he threw 10 of 14 pitches for strikes in a drama-free save, his 11th of the year. The 31-year-old right-hander has been steady with a 2.59 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 60:21 K:BB while adding 18 holds through 55.2 innings. Montero should continue to operate as the primary closer until Pressly returns, which isn't until next week at a minimum.

Hernandez (0-4) allowed a run on a hit and a walk in one-third of an inning, taking the loss Friday versus the Tigers.

Hernandez allowed two of the three batters he faced to reach base, and Jose Cuas couldn't prevent the Tigers from scoring the go-ahead run in the seventh inning. Since he was recalled Aug. 13, Hernandez has given up six runs in 10.1 innings across seven appearances. He's struggled as both a starter and a reliever this year with an 8.18 ERA, 1.93 WHIP and 26:24 K:BB across 44 innings through 15 appearances (seven starts). The 25-year-old should be expected to finish 2022 in a low-leverage role.

Lopez (4-7) took the loss Friday versus the White Sox, allowing a run on two hits and a hit batter in two-thirds of an inning.

Lopez got one out with no trouble, but he allowed the next three batters aboard to load the bases. Jose Abreu then hit into a fielder's choice -- after a review ruled he wasn't hit by a pitch -- to tag Lopez with the loss. The 29-year-old reliever has gone 4-for-6 with a loss and four runs allowed in 11.2 innings as the Twins' closer after he was traded from the Orioles at the deadline. For the year, he owns a 1.95 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 63:21 K:BB with 23 saves in 29 chances.

Hendriks (3-3) earned the win Friday over the Twins, allowing one hit in a scoreless inning. He did not strike out or walk a batter.

Hendriks was the beneficiary of the White Sox's rally in the bottom of the ninth inning. This was the first time in four appearances Hendriks didn't allow a run -- he surrendered four runs (three earned) over his last three innings entering Friday. Despite the shaky form lately, he's yet to be truly challenged for the closing gig. The 33-year-old owns a 3.26 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 67:11 K:BB while going 29-for-33 in save chances this year through 47 innings.

Chafin (1-2) pitched 1.1 scoreless innings of relief to earn the win Friday against the Royals. He didn't allow any hits or walks.

Chafin has pitched well this season for Detroit with a 2.76 ERA and 0.96 WHIP, though it took him until September to earn his first win. The lefty's setup role is perhaps more valuable in real baseball than in fantasy, though he can still provide some help with ratios and strikeouts, as he has 55 of them across just 45.2 innings this year.

Soto allowed one hit and struck out three batters in a scoreless ninth inning to earn a save over the Royals on Friday.

Soto coughed up a two-out single to Brent Rooker but worked around it with ease to finish a 5-4 win. The 27-year-old southpaw had given up four runs over his previous two outings, but his strong performance Friday gave him his first save since Aug. 20. Soto lowered his season ERA to 3.56 with a 48:25 K:BB and 24 saves through 48 innings.

Pivetta (calf) will likely be able to make his next start, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Pivetta exited Friday's matchup with a left calf contusion and was limping heavily after the game, but it doesn't appear as though he'll be forced to spend time on the injured list. The right-hander will be monitored over the coming days, but manager Alex Cora believes he will make his next scheduled start on the road against Tampa Bay on Wednesday.

Morris (0-1) allowed three runs (two earned) on four hits and two walks over two innings Friday, striking out three and taking a loss against Seattle.

Morris made a start in place of Zach Plesac (hand) for his MLB debut Friday. It wasn't a very clean outing but he showed some signs of the talent that makes him one of Cleveland's top pitching prospects. The 25-year-old forced six whiffs in 54 pitches while his fastball touched the upper-90s. He also coughed up three extra-base hits however, including Cal Raleigh's solo shot. Morris is currently lined up for a start in Kansas City next week but he doesn't appear to be stretched out enough for a full workload yet.

Richards will start Saturday's game against the Pirates, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Richards hasn't made a start since 2020 and hasn't lasted very long in any of his relief appearances this season, so it seems likely that he'll be used as an opener during Saturday's matchup. The right-hander posted a 1.46 ERA and 1.05 WHIP in 12.1 innings over 12 appearances in August.

Pivetta was removed from Friday's game against the Rangers due to a left calf contusion, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Pivetta sustained his injury while fielding a grounder in the top of the third inning Friday, and he was replaced to begin the fourth frame. The right-hander will presumably be monitored further before the Red Sox determine his status for his next start. If Pivetta is cleared to pitch, he tentatively lines up to start on the road against Tampa Bay on Wednesday.