MLB Player News

Thompson gave up two hits and struck out two in a scoreless sixth inning Friday to record his third hold of the season in a loss to Atlanta.

The 25-year-old right-hander looked like he might be in line for significant high-leverage usage early in the season, but instead Thompson has fallen apart, posting a 7.62 ERA, 2.08 WHIP and 9:9 K:BB through 13 innings since the beginning of May. If he can find some consistency, however, there should be plenty of opportunities for Thompson and his mid-90s sinker to move up the ladder in a Nationals bullpen that doesn't have any truly dominant late-inning arms.

Gonzalez did not factor into the decision Friday, allowing one walk over two-thirds of a scoreless inning in a 5-4 loss against the Phillies. He didn't record a strikeout or give up a hit.

It appears the Dodgers simply wanted the left-handed Gonzales to handle Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper the first time through the order, as he faced just three batters before being replaced by Michael Grove. Gonzales has been solid as a lefty specialist this season, posting a 2.70 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and 14:5 K:BB across 17 appearances (16.2 innings).

Edwards gave up a hit in a scoreless seventh inning to record his 13th hold of the season in Friday's loss to Atlanta.

The veteran reliever has matched his hold total from 2022 in less than half the appearances, but Edwards isn't exactly dominating. He's been scored upon in three of his last six games, and his 3.38 ERA on the season doesn't match his shaky 1.50 WHIP or mediocre 21:14 K:BB through 26.2 innings. The Nationals don't have many better options for high-leverage work, however, so Edwards figures to remain in a setup role barring a total meltdown.

Iglesias struck out two in a perfect ninth inning Friday to record his ninth save of the season in a 3-2 win over the Nationals.

The right-hander breezed through the frame, firing all nine of his pitches for strikes and only missing an immaculate inning when Ildemaro Vargas managed to ground out to first base for the final out. Iglesias has turned in 12 straight appearances without an earned run, going a perfect 8-for-8 in save chances during that stretch with a 12:5 K:BB through 11.1 innings.

Finnegan (3-3) blew the save and took the loss Friday as the Nationals fell 3-2 to Atlanta, giving up two runs (one earned) on three hits in the eighth inning.

With Washington nursing a 2-1 lead, Finnegan got the call against the heart of the Atlanta order and gave up back-to-back singles to lead off the frame, eventually watching both runners come around to score. While Hunter Harvey was likely being held back for the ninth, Finnegan still appears to be manager Dave Martinez's first choice in higher-leverage spots between the two late-inning options. That arrangement may not last much longer, however -- Finnegan has blown saves in three straight appearances, and his 4.74 ERA and 1.62 WHIP on the season are a far cry from Harvey's 3.33 and 1.00 marks.

Alzolay struck out two in a perfect inning to earn the save in Friday's 3-2 win over the Giants.

Alzolay has been in the high-leverage mix throughout the season, and he's now logged two saves and a hold over his last six appearances (6.1 innings). The right-hander continues to be effective in relief for the Cubs with a 2.10 ERA, 0.83 WHIP and 30:4 K:BB through 30 innings overall. Mark Leiter, who is also in the closer committee, pitched 1.1 innings Friday to earn his 10th hold of the campaign.

Hader allowed a hit and a walk in a scoreless inning to earn the save in Friday's 9-6 win over the Rockies.

Hader went over two weeks between save conversions, and his only other chance in that span was a blown save May 31 versus the Marlins. Friday's outing was the third in a row in which he's allowed multiple baserunners. Despite the shaky efforts of late, Hader is still one of the top closers in baseball with 14 saves in 25 appearances, though he's also blown three saves. The hard-throwing reliever has a 1.48 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 32:12 K:BB over 24.1 innings.

Gallegos struck out one batter in 1.1 perfect innings while picking up a save over Cincinnati on Friday.

Gallegos needed just 15 pitches (11 strikes) to retire all four batters he faced in the 7-4 win. It was his first save chance since his massive collapse June 2 against the Pirates. He's now converted eight of 10 opportunities on the year while registering a 3.51 ERA and a 24:5 K:BB.

Nelson (hamstring) was activated from the injured list Friday at Triple-A Lehigh Valley, Tom Housenick of The Morning Call reports.

Nelson is serving as the starting pitcher for Lehigh Valley on Friday night against the Triple-A affiliate of the Mets. He wound up missing nearly a full month of action due to a left hamstring strain -- his second left hamstring strain of 2023. The 27-year-old has posted a 1.25 ERA in 21.2 minor-league innings this season when healthy.

Rockies manager Bud Black suggested Friday that Bird could work into the saves mix, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

Black is seeking a replacement for Pierce Johnson, who officially lost his hold on the closer role after blowing another save chance Thursday against the Giants. Justin Lawrence is also said to be in the running for more ninth-inning opportunities. Bird, 27, has posted a sharp 3.05 ERA and 43:13 K:BB in 30 appearances (41.1 innings) this season.