Thompson struck out the only batter he faced to earn a save over the Nationals on Friday.

Thompson struck out Dylan Crews with two runners on base to finish off the 7-6 win. It was Thompson's second save of the year and first since June 18. He's currently riding a 6.2-inning scoreless streak at the MLB level, lowering his season ERA to 3.26. Thompson took over the ninth inning after Tyson Miller and Drew Smyly each recorded one out, while Porter Hodge hasn't been called upon since a 36-pitch appearance Wednesday.

Manager Dave Roberts said Friday that Graterol (hamstring) will throw to live hitters Saturday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

After throwing a pair of bullpen sessions, Graterol has been cleared to face live hitters Saturday. The right-hander got up to 30 pitches in a bullpen Wednesday, and doesn't seem far off from returning. It's unclear if the Dodgers plan on restarting Graterol's rehab assignment after it was paused at the beginning of August, or if he'll come straight back to the big-league bullpen when ready.

The Rockies optioned Davis to Triple-A Albuquerque on Friday.

Since coming up from Triple-A in late July, Davis has posted a 5.19 ERA and 1.90 WHIP alongside a 13:7 K:BB through 17.1 innings. He'll now head back to the minors in order to get back on track, and the Rockies will promote Seth Halvorsen from Albuquerque to fill the open bullpen spot.

Manager Derek Shelton said Friday that Bednar will be temporarily removed from the closer role and pitch in lower-leverage situations, Alex Stumpf of MLB.com reports.

The decision to relieve Bednar of his duties as closer comes two days after he allowed five earned runs on three hits and two walks in just two-thirds of an inning during Wednesday's loss to the Cubs. The Pirates will now use a closer-by-committee approach, making Aroldis Chapman and Jalen Beeks likely candidates to see increased opportunities in the ninth inning.

The Cubs claimed Armstrong off waivers Friday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Armstrong was acquired by the Cardinals from the Rays in late July as part of the trade package for Dylan Carlson. Armstrong posted a 2.84 ERA and 1.03 WHIP over 12.2 innings with St. Louis, but he was designated for assignment Tuesday. He'll stay in the NL Central and give the Cubs much-needed bullpen depth after Julian Merryweather was placed on the 15-day injured list Tuesday due to right knee tendinitis.

Lopez (groin) didn't experience any setbacks following his bullpen session Friday, Kyle Williams of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Lopez has been dealing with a groin injury, and his last outing came against the Marlins on Aug. 23, when he struck out two batters in one scoreless inning. The 31-year-old reliever could pitch during this weekend's series against the Nationals. In 20 games since joining the Cubs in mid-June, Lopez has recorded two saves and two holds with a 0.79 ERA and 1.37 WHIP across 22.2 innings.

Williams earned the save in a 5-4 win over the Reds in the opening game of Friday's doubleheader, walking one while logging a strikeout in a scoreless 10th inning.

After Milwaukee took a one-run lead in the top of the 10th inning, Williams quickly recorded the first two outs in the bottom of the frame. He'd allow the phantom runner to reach third base on a wild pitch before issuing a two-out walk, but Williams managed to get Ty France to fly out to pick up his seventh save. The right-hander has converted back-to-back save chances after allowing two runs on three walks in a blown save against St. Louis last week. Overall, Williams sports a 2.53 ERA with 1.13 WHIP and 18:6 K:BB through 10.2 innings this season.

Martinez didn't factor into the decision in the first game of Friday's doubleheader against Milwaukee, allowing four runs on seven hits and a walk over 5.1 innings. He struck out three.

Martinez has now given up 15 runs (14 earned) over his last four starts and 18.2 innings after allowing just one run in his previous 24.1 frames. Overall, the 34-year-old right-hander sports a 3.78 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 86:14 K:BB across 109.2 innings this season. Martinez is currently in line to face the Astros at home next week in his next outing.

Law (elbow) will throw to live hitters Saturday, Bobby Blanco of MASNSports.com reports.

The right-hander has been sidelined since Aug. 17 with ulnar nerve irritation in his right elbow. It's unclear if Law will need a minor-league rehab assignment before being activated from the IL.

Alvarez (personal) will rejoin the Phillies on Friday and is expected to be activated from the restricted list Sunday, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Alvarado is slated to do some throwing Saturday and then will be available out of the bullpen again beginning Sunday. The left-handed reliever has been away from the club this week while dealing with a personal matter, and those off-field concerns could help explain his 4.66 ERA, 1.86 WHIP and 7:8 K:BB through 9.2 innings in August.