MLB Player News
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Pierce Johnson RP | ATL
Braves' Pierce Johnson: Picks up second save
Johnson recorded a save Saturday, pitching a perfect ninth inning against the Nationals.
Johnson entered the contest with a two-run lead in the top of the ninth and managed to retire the side on just four pitches to secure his second save of the campaign. The right-hander was able to take advantage of a rare save opportunity after Raisel Iglesias hurled three innings over Atlanta's previous two games and likely was in need of some rest. Johnson has not allowed any runs in each of his last four appearances, allowing two hits over that stretch while posting a 2:2 K:BB.
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Paul Sewald RP | ARI
Diamondbacks' Paul Sewald: Manager wants him closing
Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said Friday that he wants to get Sewald back to being a closer, Arizona Sports reports.
Lovullo was asked about the Diamondbacks' current closing situation, and he's pleased with what Justin Martinez has been able to do, but added he wants "to get Sewald back into that role." At the same time, the manager acknowledged that while Sewald is "trending in a very positive direction," Lovullo is not ready to throw him back into closing. Sewald, who had thrown six scoreless innings following his demotion, has allowed three runs and five hits over his last two innings, both of which were non-save situations in the ninth inning. That includes Saturday, when Sewald allowed a run that reduced the Diamondbacks' lead to 4-1, and Lovullo had Martinez get up just in case.
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Spencer Bivens RP | SF
Giants' Spencer Bivens: Collects win Saturday
Bivens (3-1) allowed two hits and struck out two over three scoreless innings to earn the win Saturday over the Mariners.
Bivens was called on for a long-relief assignment after Blake Snell walked six batters and allowed two runs over the first three innings. This was a sharp performance for Bivens, though it was just his second scoreless outing out of five since he returned to the majors Aug. 15. For the year, he's posted a reliable 2.51 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 21:6 K:BB across 28.2 innings over 16 appearances (one start). He'll likely remain in a multi-inning role moving forward.
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Lake Bachar RP | MIA
Padres' Lake Bachar: Call-up pending
The Padres will recall Bachar from Triple-A El Paso on Sunday, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.
Bachar will join the Padres for the first time this season, and will make his MLB debut if he appears in a game. The 29-year-old has logged a 4.12 ERA with an 81:31 K:BB across 67.2 innings with El Paso and should operate out of the bullpen for San Diego.
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Ryan Walker RP | SF
Giants' Ryan Walker: Notches third save
Walker gave up a hit and struck out two in a scoreless ninth inning Saturday to record his third save of the season in a 4-3 win over the Mariners.
The right-hander continues to thrive in a high-leverage role. Walker hasn't allowed an earned run since July 27, and over 11 appearances since then he's posted a 0.63 WHIP and 24:2 K:BB in 12.2 innings to go along with his pristine ERA and all three of his saves. Camilo Doval was called back up Saturday and worked in a setup role ahead of Walker, but there's no sign that the former is going to get back into the closer mix for the Giants any time soon.
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Max Lazar RP | PHI
Phillies' Max Lazar: Sent back to Triple-A
The Phillies optioned Lazar to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Saturday, Alex Coffey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
Lazar's first MLB stint came to an end Saturday, and he'll head back to Lehigh Valley having not allowed a run in 5.2 innings for the Phillies. His spot on the 26-man roster will go to Kolby Allard, who's being called up to make a spot start Sunday.
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Bradley Blalock RP | COL
Rockies' Bradley Blalock: Earns first career win
Blalock (1-0) earned the win against the Yankees on Saturday, allowing two runs on five hits and four walks with five strikeouts over 5.1 innings.
Blalock was given an early lead and pitched well enough to earn his first major-league victory. While some efficiency issues have prevented him from earning a quality start, the rookie has allowed three earned runs or fewer while pitching into the sixth inning in each of his three starts with the Rockies. On the season, he owns a 3.06 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 11:8 K:BB across 17.2 innings and lines up for a home matchup with the Marlins next week.
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Hunter Stratton RP | PIT
Pirates' Hunter Stratton: Has ruptured patella tendon
Stratton was diagnosed Saturday with a left knee patella tendon rupture, Danny Demilio of PittsburghBaseballNow.com reports.
Stratton will undergo imagining to determine the severity of the injury. The 27-year-old slipped and awkwardly fell into the wall while chasing down a wild pitch during Saturday's game against the Reds and was subsequently carted off. Stratton has been a reliable arm out of the bullpen for the Pirates, logging a 3.58 ERA in 37.2 innings prior to Saturday's game.
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Hunter Stratton RP | PIT
Pirates' Hunter Stratton: Carted off field
Stratton was carted off the field Saturday against Cincinnati with an apparent left knee injury after slipping and falling into the wall tracking down a wild pitch, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
Stratton looked to be in serious pain after crashing into the wall and required a cart to exit the field of play. He was grabbing at his left knee following the collision. While it doesn't look good, there should be an update on Stratton's health postgame.
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Landen Roupp RP | SF
Giants' Landen Roupp: Sent to Sacramento
The Giants optioned Roupp to Triple-A Sacramento on Saturday.
Roupp's demotion clears room on the Giants' 26-man active roster for right-hander Camilo Doval, who was recalled from Triple-A. In his four major-league outings after being recalled from Sacramento on Aug. 9, Roupp allowed one run on five hits and two walks while striking out eight over 6.2 innings. He'll likely shift back into the rotation as he rejoins the Triple-A club.