MLB Player News

Finnegan (2-5) took the loss Monday against the Diamondbacks, coughing up five runs on five hits while recording only one out.

The Nationals' closer got the call to protect a four-run lead in the bottom of the ninth inning, but instead Finnegan served up a leadoff triple to Alek Thomas and a two-run homer to Ketel Marte before pinch hitter Corbin Carroll walked it off with a two-run shot of his own. Finnegan has served up three homers in his last two appearances and nine in 44 innings on the season, which could give pause to trade-deadline shoppers looking for bullpen help. However, his 3.48 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 28 saves in 32 chances will still likely fetch a strong return if the Nats elect to move him.

Chavez (1-2) took the loss and was charged with his first blown save of the season Monday against Milwaukee, giving up three runs on two hits and a walk over one inning of relief. He failed to strike out a batter.

The 40-year-old righty entered the game in the sixth inning with Atlanta ahead 2-1, but a Willy Adames three-run homer put the Brewers in the lead for good. Chavez has served up eight long balls in 46.1 innings this season, but he's still managed to post a sharp 2.33 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 39:14 K:BB in a lower-leverage role.

Bednar allowed a run on two hits and two walks over one inning, earning the save in Monday's 5-3 win over the Astros.

Bednar had a three-run lead to protect, but he made things hairy. He allowed three straight batters to reach with one out, then walked Yordan Alvarez with the bases loaded and two outs. Yainer Diaz's popout ended the threat as Bednar escaped with his third save over five appearances since he returned from an oblique strain. The right-hander is 19-for-22 in save chances this year despite a 4.95 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 36:10 K:BB over 36.1 innings.

Holmes allowed a run on three hits and struck out eight without walking a batter over five innings in a no-decision versus Milwaukee on Monday.

Making his first career start, Holmes pitched well. The lone run on his line was a Rhys Hoskins solo shot in the fifth inning, the first homer Holmes has allowed in the majors. Operating mostly as a long reliever, he has a 2.54 ERA, 0.88 WHIP and 29:5 K:BB through 11 appearances. The 28-year-old right-hander is not guaranteed to remain in the rotation, as Atlanta could trade for a starter or get Reynaldo Lopez (forearm) and Max Fried (forearm) back from their injuries in early August.

San Francisco acquired Matzek (elbow) and minor-league infielder Sabin Ceballos from Atlanta on Monday in exchange for right-handed reliever Luke Jackson and outfielder Jorge Soler, Shayna Rubin of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Matzek has been out early May while dealing with inflammation in his throwing elbow and isn't expected to return from the 60-day injured list until late August or early September. The left-hander has struggled to a 9.90 ERA and 1.90 WHIP with 10 strikeouts over 10 innings in 11 appearances out of the bullpen with Atlanta this season. Once healthy, Matzek will likely operate in a low-leverage role out of the Giants bullpen.

Atlanta acquired Jackson and outfielder Jorge Soler from San Francisco on Monday in exchange for infielder Sabin Ceballos and left-hander Tyler Matzek (elbow), Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

Jackson will head back to Atlanta after spending time in the organization from 2017 through 2021, including winning a World Series title in his final season with the club. The right-hander possesses an inflated 5.40 ERA and 1.43 WHIP while striking out 33 batters over 35 innings in 36 appearances with the Giants this season. Jackson will provide Atlanta with another experienced right-handed arm out of the bullpen.

Pallante (4-5) took the loss Monday against Texas, allowing three runs on seven hits and two walks over five innings. He struck out five.

The 25-year-old entered this outing on a roll, pitching to a 2.79 ERA across 19.1 innings in three July starts, but failed to reach the sixth for the first time this month. Pallante managed to limit the damage in this 92-pitch performance as he didn't allow a homer for the sixth time in 10 games started. However, his role in the St. Louis rotation is murky as the Cardinals acquired Erick Fedde on Monday, likely pushing Pallante into the bullpen as a middle reliever.

Pearson allowed a solo home run across 1.1 innings of relief in Monday's 7-1 loss to the Reds. He struck out one.

Pearson was making his team debut after coming over from the Blue Jays on Saturday in exchange for prospects Josh Rivera and Yohendrick Pinango. The 27-year-old righty has mostly struggled this season with a 5.66 ERA across 41.1 innings, though he does have 52 strikeouts. Pearson should settle into a middle relief role for the Cubs moving forward.

The Reds acquired Junis, outfielder Joey Wiemer and cash considerations from the Brewers on Monday in exchange for right-hander Frankie Montas, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

Junis will presumably join the Reds as a long reliever, though he has 111 career MLB starts under his belt and could be an option for the rotation later on this season if injuries test Cincinnati's starting depth. He's excelled over his 26 innings with the Brewers this season, posting a 2.42 ERA and 0.96 WHIP with 19 strikeouts over 26 innings in 10 appearances.

The Pirates acquired Beeks from the Rockies on Monday in exchange for left-hander Luis Peralta, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

Beeks will head to Pittsburgh after compiling a 4.74 ERA and 1.36 WHIP with 38 strikeouts over 49.1 innings in 45 appearances with the Rockies so far this season. The left-hander has made the full-time switch to being a relief pitcher in 2024, going 9-for-16 on save opportunities while also securing five holds with Colorado. Beeks may serve in more of a middle-innings role after joining a more talented bullpen in Pittsburgh.