MLB Player News

Richards allowed three hits and two walks while striking out eight across six scoreless innings Saturday against the Marlins. He did not factor into the decision.

Richards dominated the Nationals on Saturday, recording 16 of his 18 outs via strikeout or groundout. He continues to limit the longball, allowing only 0.6 HR/9 through 75.1 innings. He has walked 34 batters this season -- inflating his WHIP to 1.41 -- though 13 of those free passes came in just two starts. In 10 starts since June 7, he has brought his ERA down from 5.02 to 4.06 and has struck out 47 batters across 51.2 innings.

Gallegos was traded from the Yankees to the Cardinals along with Chasen Shreve on Saturday in exchange for Luke Voit and international bonus pool money.

Gallegos has a 3.90 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 41 strikeouts in 27.2 innings as a long reliever in Triple-A this year. He also has a 4.75 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 32 strikeouts in 30.1 career MLB innings. Look for him to serve as organizational bullpen depth with St. Louis.

Chavez tossed three scoreless inning in Saturday's loss to the Cardinals, and he now has eight scoreless innings over his first five appearances with the Cubs.

Chavez has been a valuable addition to the Chicago bullpen, and his past experience as a starter allows him to give his new team multiple innings like he did Saturday. The 34-year-old righty now boasts a strong 3.08 ERA this season.

Howard was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque on Saturday.

Howard will head to the minors to make room on the 25-man roster for the acquisition of Seung Hwan Oh. Howard made just one appearance in the big leagues this season, tossing a scoreless frame while surrendering one hit.

Castillo (hamstring) was activated from the 10-day disabled list ahead of Saturday's tilt with Arizona, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Castillo will return to action after landing on the disabled list July 7 with a right hamstring strain. In 13 games out of the bullpen this season, he's posted a 2.84 ERA and 0.79 WHIP with 18 strikeouts over 12.2 innings.

Hernandez (4-0) pitched 2.1 scoreless innings Friday night against the Phillies and got the win.

Hernandez has been a nice addition for the Reds. In 39.1 innings he's posted a 1.83 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, 11 holds and a 37:13 K:BB ratio. With Amir Garrett hurt, Hernandez could pick up extra work in a setup capacity in the near future.

Andriese made his Diamondbacks debut Friday in the team's 6-2 win over the Padres. He covered the final two innings in relief, giving up a run on two hits and striking out three.

The right-hander served up a mostly meaningless solo home run to Austin Hedges but was otherwise sharp in his first appearance with his new club, tossing 21 of 28 pitches for strikes. Andriese is tentatively slated to work as a multi-inning middle reliever for Arizona, but he could be a candidate to start if the Diamondbacks should lose any members of their rotation to injury.

Ottavino got the save against the Athletics on Friday, retiring the side without allowing a baserunner over a scoreless ninth inning to close out Colorado's 3-1 victory. He didn't record a walk or a strikeout.

Ottavino got the call to hold the two-run ninth-inning lead in this contest and he was up to the task, retiring all three batters he faced to avoid any drama and bag his fourth save of the season. His 1.46 ERA and 0.89 WHIP are both better numbers than regular closer Wade Davis' marks of 4.50 and 1.21, but Davis has still managed to save 28 games in 32 chances, so his grasp on the role is likely secure for the time being. Ottavino should remain the primary option on days when Davis rests and figures to be a likely candidate for the role should Davis run into prolonged struggles.

Iglesias picked up the save Friday against the Phillies, as he surrendered one run (zero earned) on two hits across 1.1 innings.

Iglesias entered the game with a three-run lead -- after allowing one run to score, he managed to slam the door. The 29-year-old right-hander has been excellent in 2018, posting a 2.14 ERA and 0.99 WHIP with 47 strikeouts over 46.1 innings. Following Friday's outing, he hasn't given up an earned run over his last seven appearances.

Pivetta (6-9) allowed five runs on six hits and two walks while fanning 12 across six innings Friday as he was saddled with the loss against Cincinnati.

Pivetta gave up four of his five runs allowed via the home run, as he was taken deep in the second and fourth innings prior to departing with a two-run deficit. Through 21 starts this season, he sits with a 4.85 ERA and 1.33 WHIP with 134 strikeouts over 107.2 innings, so he'll look to improve his ERA as the second half of the season unfolds. Pivetta's next start is lined up for Wednesday against Miami.