MLB Player News

Hader was not available Saturday due to planned rest following recent heavy usage, Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

The suffocating southpaw might've been able to help stop the bleeding during the Nationals' four-run eighth inning that stole the game from the Brewers, but Hader had worked 8.2 innings (six appearances) in 12 days heading into Saturday. He'll presumably be available Sunday for a setup or save spot in the series finale.

Minter struck out one in a perfect ninth inning Saturday to record his 12th save of the season in a 5-3 win over the Pirates.

The flamethrowing southpaw converted his first save chance since blowing one against the Rockies Aug. 18. Arodys Vizcaino (shoulder) is eligible to come off the disabled list Sept. 10, but it's not yet clear if he'll be ready by then, or if he'll immediately reclaim closer duties for the Braves. Until the situation becomes clearer, Minter should remain the primary option for saves in Atlanta.

Jansen pitched a scoreless inning and recorded his 34th save of the season Saturday, working around a hit while striking out a batter. Manager Dave Roberts said Jansen insisted he also be available Sunday, which would be his third game in as many days, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic Los Angeles reports.

Jansen has endured up-and-down results since returning from the disabled list with an irregular heartbeat, but his emphatically effective Saturday wrapup -- his second straight scoreless appearance -- has helped him gain more confidence in his physical conditioning. He's offered himself up for a third straight day of work, but it's up to Roberts to send Jansen or another back-ender -- perhaps new acquisition Ryan Madson -- into a potential save spot. This enthusiasm is promising for Jansen's short-term outlook, though, so his fantasy shareholders should be encouraged.

Poncedeleon (0-1) allowed three earned runs on five hits and a walk while striking out four across 3.1 innings to take the loss against the Reds on Saturday.

The Reds got to Poncedeleon the second time through the lineup, when they recorded three doubles in the span of four batters in the fourth inning. That led to all three of his earned runs and he did not survive the inning. It was a disappointing effort for Poncedeleon, as he had remained stretched out as a starter at Triple-A Memphis and had the opportunity to pitch deeper into the game. However, If he remains in the rotation, he should be stretched out enough to provide meaningful innings.

Gsellman registered his ninth save of the season Saturday, working a scoreless inning with a strikeout to wrap up the Mets' extra-innings victory over the Giants.

Gsellman checked off a 1-2-3 11th in his second appearance following a recent bout with strep throat. He's the Mets' primary closing option as they play out the rest of a lost 2018 season. He hasn't allowed a run in 11 of his past 12 appearances, and if he puts together a strong finish to this campaign -- in which he has a 3.77 ERA and eight saves -- he'll likely enter 2019 as the best bet to close out games, barring other high-impact back-end acquisitions. The 25-year-old has one more year of team control before entering his first offseason of arbitration in 2020.

Almonte was recalled by the Rockies on Saturday.

Almonte has thrown nine innings of relief for the Rockies this season, allowing just a single run. He'll provide additional depth for the stretch run.

Bracho was recalled from Triple-A Reno on Saturday, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.

The right-hander's 4.46 ERA in 34.1 innings for the Aces comes with several positives, including eight saves, a 13.6 K/9 and a 2.1 BB/9. He's done well in 18 major-league outings, too, with a 2.04 ERA, 11.7 K/9 and 2.6 BB/9. The Diamondbacks should deploy Bracho in at least a few high-leverage setup spots down the stretch, which could feed him a few holds.

Koch was recalled from Triple-A Reno on Saturday.

The right-hander enjoyed a sizzling start to the 2018 season, spinning a 2.59 ERA in his first five starts, but Koch soon fell apart afterward with a 5.80 ERA in the following nine outings and lost his rotation spot in late June. He'll return to the majors as a depth piece in the bullpen with potential to step in for an emergency start.

Wilson was one of a handful of September callups for the Braves on Saturday.

Wilson threw five scoreless innings in his big-league debut Aug. 20. There doesn't appear to be room in the rotation for him to make another start, but he'll serve as additional bullpen depth as the Braves fight for a playoff spot.

Vizcaino (shoulder) was transferred to the 60-day disabled list on Saturday.

The move likely has no bearing on Vizcaino's expected return date, as he's already been out for nearly 60 days. He'll be eligible to return Sept. 10, which is approximately the time he's expected to return, as his rehab stint is scheduled to start Sunday.