MLB Player News

Walker (2-4) took the loss in Wednesday's 2-1 extra-inning defeat to the Pirates, allowing one unearned run and a walk in the 10th inning.

Walker induced a groundout that moved the automatic runner to third before walking the next batter. The 29-year-old then cleanly fielded a groundball but attempted a double play, allowing the automatic runner to score. Over six appearances since the All-Star break, the right-hander has been charged with three earned runs on seven hits -- including one home run -- and four walks while striking out eight across 6.1 innings. Walker now owns a 4.12 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and a 43:13 K:BB over 43.2 innings in 47 outings this season.

Graceffo "looks to be an early contender" to serve as the Cardinals' closer if Phil Maton joins Ryan Helsley in being traded, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.

Woo mentions Kyle Leahy and Riley O'Brien as possibilities, as well. JoJo Romero would likely also be in the mix, but he is a candidate to be traded. Since moving to a full-time bullpen role in late April, Graceffo has collected a 2.89 ERA and 44:11 K:BB over 43.2 innings between Triple-A Memphis and St. Louis.

Mattson (3-1) allowed two hits and struck out three across two scoreless innings to earn the win Wednesday against the Giants.

Mattson covered the ninth and 10th innings to earn the win and managed to strike out the final two batters of the game with runners at second and third. He's struck out 14 batters across his last 10.2 innings while allowing only three earned runs and has begun to be trusted in higher-leverage spots. As a result, Mattson has emerged as a name to keep in mind for save chances if both David Bednar and Dennis Santana get traded prior to Thursday's deadline.

Faucher earned a save against the Cardinals on Wednesday, striking out one batter in a perfect inning of work.

Faucher entered in the ninth inning tasked with protecting a 2-0 lead. He needed nine pitches to retire the first batter he faced, then needed just seven more offerings to retire St. Louis' next two hitters. Faucher is clearly in the closer mix for the Marlins, as he has registered two of the team's past three saves and leads the squad with 10 saves on the campaign. Ronny Henriquez, who has notched three saves in July, worked in the eighth frame Wednesday.

The Diamondbacks acquired Burgos, first baseman Tyler Locklear and right-hander Hunter Cranton from the Mariners on Wednesday in exchange for third baseman Eugenio Suarez, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

Burgos has appeared in four games for the Mariners this season while allowing three earned runs over 6.2 frames and striking out eight batters in the process. He was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma last week but still owns a 40-man roster spot, making him a prime candidate to join the Diamondbacks' injury-depleted bullpen at some point once the big club needs a fresh arm.

The Diamondbacks acquired Cranton, first baseman Tyler Locklear and right-hander Juan Burgos from the Mariners on Wednesday in exchange for third baseman Eugenio Suarez, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

Cranton got off to a late start this season after missing three months due to a concussion he suffered during spring training. He returned to action in early July and has done well since then, logging a 1.13 ERA and 11:3 K:BB through eight innings at High-A Everett. Now that he's in Arizona's farm system, the 24-year-old will set his sights on reaching Double-A Amarillo by the end of the season.

The Rays traded Gervase to the Dodgers on Wednesday as part of a three-team deal with the Rays and Reds, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Additionally, the Rays will send Ben Rortvedt to Los Angeles for Hunter Feduccia while also trading Zack Littell to Cincinnati for Brian Van Belle. The 25-year-old Gervase has made five appearances for the Rays this season, surrendering three earned runs over 6.1 innings while striking out six batters and walking five. Given the state of the Dodgers' pitching staff, there's a chance he'll stick around in the majors, though Gervase will likely end up back in Triple-A once Los Angeles begins to return pitchers from the IL.

The Cubs acquired Kittredge from the Orioles on Wednesday in exchange for infielder Wilfri De La Cruz, Andy Kostka of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.

After bringing in right-hander Michael Soroka from Washington earlier Wednesday, Chicago will continue to bolster its pitching staff by acquiring Kittredge. The 35-year-old reliever posted a 3.56 ERA and 1.12 WHIP in 30.1 innings with the Orioles and will likely operate in middle relief or as a setup man for the Cubs.

Santillan picked up the save in Wednesday's 5-2 win over the Dodgers, striking out one in a clean ninth inning.

Closer Emilio Pagan likely wasn't available after working four of the past five days for the Reds, which created the opportunity for Santillan to nab his third save of the season. Santillan owns a 1.96 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 28:8 K:BB over 23 innings since the start of June, and he remains firmly in the high-leverage mix with 22 holds on the year.

Wentz didn't factor into the decision Wednesday against the Royals, allowing just one hit and three walks over 6.2 scoreless innings. He struck out seven.

Making just his third start of the season, Wentz was stellar, holding the Royals to just one hit -- a single by Maikel Garcia to lead off the game. The 27-year-old left-hander has allowed just four runs (three earned) across 15 innings in his first three starts this year. Wentz has pitched for three teams this season (Atlanta, Minnesota and Pittsburgh) primarily in relief, posting a 5.02 ERA with a 1.44 WHIP and 49:26 K:BB across 52 innings. Wentz has certainly pitched well enough to earn an extended look in Atlanta's rotation, especially given how many starters the team currently has on the IL. He'd currently line up to face the Brewers at home in his next outing.