MLB Player News

Stephenson gave up three runs in the ninth inning while retiring only one batter against the Cubs on Friday, forcing the Reds to turn to Raisel Iglesias to close out the game.

Stephenson had entered the game protecting a 6-2 lead, but three hits -- two of them homers -- later and the Reds were hanging on for dear life. This might prevent the Reds from having Iglesias available for more than a batter or two in Saturday's doubleheader.

Alzolay will serve as the Cubs' 29th man for Saturday's doubleheader against the Reds, Maddie Lee of NBC Sports Chicago reports.

Alzolay will be available out of the bullpen for Saturday's twin bill but should return to alternate camp following the pair of seven-inning contests. The right-hander started one game for the Cubs this season, tossing five scoreless innings, allowing two hits and one walk while striking out six.

Ponce de Leon was optioned to the Cardinals' alternate training site Saturday.

Ponce de Leon was roughed up Friday as he was unable to escape the first inning of his start, and he'll be sent to alternate camp as a result. Johan Oviedo will take the right-hander's spot in the starting rotation for now, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

White was optioned back to the Dodgers' alternate training site Saturday to make space for the callup of Gavin Lux, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

White was called up two days ago and made an appearance in Friday's loss to the Rangers but will be sent back down after his brief stint at the big-league level.

Pomeranz is doing well in his recovery from a left shoulder strain and could come off the injured list Saturday, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

Pomeranz was placed on the 10-day IL retroactive to Aug. 19, so Saturday marks the first day he is eligible to return. The left-hander has progressed to throwing bullpens and appears to be coming along well. "Everything up to today so far has been positive," manager Jayce Tingler indicated. "He's feeling good, and he felt good coming out of his bullpen." Pomeranz is likely to retake the Padres' closer role upon his return.

White completed one inning in Friday's loss to the Rangers, allowing no runs on one hit and one walk while striking out one. He did not factor in the decision.

White got his first opportunity to show his stuff in a regular-season MLB game and managed to keep Texas off the board despite less-than-stellar control. The right-hander threw only 10 of 22 pitches for strikes and allowed two runners to reach base, but he got out of the inning when he whiffed Shin-Soo Choo for his first big-league strikeout. White is a candidate to be taken back off the active roster when Tony Gonsolin rejoins the club for a start Sunday.

Melancon (2-1) allowed three runs (two earned) on one home run and a walk while striking out one in two-thirds of an inning to take the loss against the Phillies on Friday.

The Braves bullpen tossed 6.2 innings of scoreless work and was so close to making it to seven until Melancon was taken deep by Scott Kingery in the bottom of the 11th to walk it off for the Phillies. Melancon started off the season with seven straight scoreless innings, but he has since given up five runs (four earned) in his last 3.2 innings. The Braves have a few other options who are capable of closing out games, so it wouldn't be surprising to see Melancon replaced if he continues to struggle.

Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen said Martin (elbow) isn't expected to join the team in 2020, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

Martin, who is working his way back from last July's Tommy John surgery, suffered an oblique strain earlier this month. The GM said the time needed for Martin and fellow injured pitcher Jon Duplantier (elbow) to ramp up for an appearance make pitching in 2020 unlikely.

Helsley (illness) is set to throw live batting practice at some point over the weekend, the Associated Press reports.

The right-hander continues to make his way toward activation after having conquered coronavirus infection earlier in August. Helsley has been throwing regularly for several days, and the step of facing live hitters could be the final benchmark for Helsley to come off the COVID-19 injured list.

Ponce de Leon gave up four runs on two hits and four walks in two-thirds of an inning to take the loss Friday versus Cleveland. He struck out none.

Ponce de Leon's outing was done early, as Franmil Reyes bashed a three-run homer to give Cleveland a 4-0 lead. Ponce de Leon walked two of the next three batters before exiting the contest. The poor outing raised his ERA to 7.82 and his WHIP to 1.89. The 28-year-old has a 17:14 K:BB across 12.2 innings this season. His next start is expected to come Wednesday versus the Reds.