MLB Player News

Vines was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett on Sunday.

Vines was called up by Atlanta on Wednesday and will head back to the minors after he delivered three solid frames of long relief Saturday against Pittsburgh. The 25-year-old has pitched well in his three big-league appearances this season with a 3.27 ERA and 0.91 WHIP over 11 innings, so he could receive another look during the closing weeks of the season.

Finnegan gave up a run on a hit and two walks in the ninth inning Saturday to blow the save in an eventual 7-6 win for the Nationals. He struck out one.

Called upon to protect a 5-4 lead, Finnegan and batterymate Keibert Ruiz instead found themselves helpless to stop the Dodgers' running game. The three baserunners the right-hander put aboard swiped four bags between them, and it took a great defensive effort by Luis Garcia to escape the inning without further damage. Finnegan's had a rocky last few weeks, getting tagged for runs in six of his last 10 appearances, but while he's now blown eight of his 33 save chances on the season, this was his first since July 14. Hunter Harvey also coughed up two runs in the eighth, but he's been the more effective reliever of late and could reclaim his spot as the Nats' primary closer down the stretch.

Bard (forearm) threw a bullpen session Sept. 5, MLB.com reports.

Bard landed on the injured list Sept. 3, but he felt well enough to throw only a few days later. He is hoping to return in time to make three or four more appearances this season, though the team has yet to provide a clear timeline for his potential activation.

Helsley earned a save against the Reds on Saturday, walking one batter and notching one strikeout over one scoreless inning.

Helsley entered with a one-run lead in the ninth inning and walked the first batter he faced but quickly rebounded to induce a double-play groundout. He then worked a full count to Will Benson before ending the contest with a punchout. This was Helsley's first save opportunity since he returned from an extended stay on the injured list Sept. 1. The right-hander has been excellent since being activated, posting a 6:2 K:BB while allowing just one hit over four scoreless frames.

Thompson (5-5) earned the win over Cincinnati on Saturday, allowing three runs on five hits and three walks while striking out six batters over five innings.

Thompson looked like he could be in for a short start when the Reds tallied three runs on four hits in the second frame, but the southpaw recovered and didn't allow any additional damage the rest of the way. He needed 98 pitches to get through five innings, going just deep enough to earn his third win across his past four starts. Thompson has been decent during that stretch, posting a 4.29 ERA, 1.48 WHIP and 20:8 K:BB over 21 frames. He's tentatively slated to face the Phillies at home in his next start.

Winn will start for the Giants on Sunday against the Rockies, Danny Emerman of KNBR 680 San Francisco reports.

Prior reports had already suggested that Winn would be part of the Giants' pitching plans for Sunday's series finale, but Emerson's report confirms the rookie will start rather than working in bulk relief behind an opener. The right-hander has gone 0-2 with one save and a 3.33 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 16:6 K:BB across 27 innings with the big club this season.

Okert will serve as the Marlins' opening pitcher Sunday against the Phillies, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

With the Phillies having lefties Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper among their first three hitters, the Marlins' decision to deploy the left-handed Okert at the start of the game makes sense. The Marlins haven't designated a primary pitcher to work behind Okert, but Bryan Hoeing and Edward Cabrera would seem to be the most logical candidates.

Winn is likely to pitch Sunday against the Rockies, whether it's as a traditional starter or bulk reliever, Danny Emerman of KNBR 680 San Francisco reports.

Giants manager Gabe Kapler has yet to make an official call on a starter yet, but Winn will be featured in some form. The rookie right-hander tossed five scoreless relief frames in his last appearance and holds a 3.33 ERA and 16:6 K:BB over 27 frames overall this season.

The Reds transferred Young (hamstring) to the COVID-19 injured list Saturday (retroactive to Friday).

Young, who has been on the injured list since late August with left hamstring tightness, threw a scoreless inning in a rehab appearance with Triple-A Louisville on Wednesday. However, Young's move to the COVID-19 list pushes his return back indefinitely.

The Nationals recalled La Sorsa from Triple-A Rochester on Saturday, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

With MacKenzie Gore (finger) headed for the injured list, La Sorsa will come up from the minors to give Washington's bullpen some extra depth. La Sorsa holds a 6.98 ERA through 19.1 innings since joining the Nationals in June, and he will likely be limited to low-leverage outings while with the major-league club.