MLB Player News

Bard pitched a perfect ninth inning with a strikeout to earn the save in Monday's 3-2 win over the Diamondbacks.

Bard retired Eduardo Escobar and Nick Ahmed with groundouts before fanning Stephen Vogt to end the game. It was a change of pace to see Bard keep runs off the board -- he's allowed a run in three of his last five outings. The 35-year-old is up to two saves with a 4.15 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 15 strikeouts in 13 innings. Carlos Estevez, who has shared closing duties with Bard over the past couple weeks, logged 1.1 scoreless innings before Bard came in to close things out.

Helsley (illness) threw a side session Monday and could potentially throw live batting practice Tuesday, Richard Justice of MLB.com reports.

Helsley continues to make good progress toward an eventual return, and he could take another important step very quickly according to Justice's report. The right-hander's level of activity Tuesday will be determined by how well Helsley recovers from Monday's session, with manager Mike Shildt remarking the team will "continue to work on the timeline" with respect to the reliever's return to action.

Stephenson did not allow a baserunner in a scoreless eighth inning during Monday's 4-2 loss to the Brewers. He struck out one.

Stephenson was activated from the injured list earlier Monday after dealing with a back strain that held him out since July 25. The right-hander struck out Mike Moustakas to start the frame and got the next two hitters to ground out. Stephenson figures to see substantial action late in ball games going forward.

Hader picked up the save in Monday's 4-2 win over the Reds, allowing a walk and striking out one in a scoreless ninth inning.

Hader immediately brought the tying run to the plate by walking Joey Votto to start the ninth, but was able to retire the next three batters to end the game. Although the southpaw has allowed five walks, he has still yet to allow a hit or run in 8.1 innings pitched on the season.

Voth (0-3) took the loss after allowing six runs on six hits and three walks while striking out three over 3.2 innings Monday against the Marlins.

Voth made it through the first two innings unscathed before the Marlins jumped on him for one run in the third, followed by five runs in the fourth. He would exit the contest with a 6-0 deficit, setting him up for his third loss of the campaign. When asked after the contest if the Nationals would consider changing up the starting rotation, manager Dave Martinez stated "I'm not going to jump to conclusions tonight," Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post reports. It's certainly a possibility that he could be moved to the bullpen or even sent down prior to his next scheduled start.

Clarke will start Monday's game against the Rockies, Fox Sports Arizona reports.

With Merrill Kelly no longer available to make Monday's start, Clarke will get the call. He's coming off a solid outing Friday against the Padres, striking out three over three scoreless innings of relief work. This marks Clarke's first start of the 2020 season.

Harvey (elbow) was placed on the 45-day injured list Monday.

Harvey will miss the remainder of the 2020 season following this move. He suffered a right elbow sprain during Friday's outing. Harvey struck out two across 3.1 scoreless innings in four appearances prior to suffering the injury.

Stephenson (back) was activated from the 10-day injured list Monday.

The right-hander made just one appearance in late July before a back strain forced him to the IL. The 2011 first-round pick fizzled out as a starter but found his niche in relief last year, posting a 3.76 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 11 holds. He finished third among qualified relievers in swinging-strike rate and should eventually regain a prominent spot near the back of the Reds' bullpen.

Guzman was recalled from the Marlins' alternate training site Monday, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

He gave up two runs in one inning in his lone appearance earlier this season. Guzman was recalled to provide a fresh arm, and could be optioned back to the satellite camp in the not-so-distant future.

Cabrera (2-1) was credited with the victory in a win over the Reds on Sunday, firing two scoreless innings during which he allowed no hits and one walk.

Cabrera came on for starter Daniel Ponce de Leon with two outs in the fifth and impressively recorded six outs on just 14 pitches. The left-hander hasn't allowed an earned run in three consecutive appearances, lowering his ERA from 8.10 to 4.26 in the process.