MLB Player News

Kopech picked up the save over the Cubs on Wednesday, allowing one run on three walks over one inning while striking out one.

Kopech entered the contest with a three-run lead in the ninth and proceeded to walk three consecutive batters before then allowing a sacrifice fly to Isaac Paredes. Fortunately for the right-hander, Seiya Suzuki would get thrown out trying to steal third before Kopech was then able to retire the final batter by way of strikeout. It marked the first time that Kopech has walked multiple batters in an appearance since July 7 against the Marlins after not allowing a free pass through his first three appearances in September. He's now converted each of his last four save opportunities, while Wednesday marked his 13th save overall on the campaign.

Estevez gave up a hit in a scoreless ninth inning Wednesday to record his 25th save of the season in a 3-2 win over the Rays.

The right-hander bounced back from a blown save Monday, firing seven of 10 pitches for strikes to set down the bottom of Tampa Bay's order. Estevez has blown two of seven save chances since joining the Phillies at the trade deadline, but over 17.2 innings for his new squad he's posted a stellar 2.04 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 16:4 K:BB. He's the primary ninth-inning option for Rob Thomson, although the team's deep bullpen gives the manager plenty of alternatives against specific matchups, or when Estevez needs a breather.

Bednar allowed one unearned run on two hits while striking out two across two-thirds of an inning Wednesday against the Marlins.

Bednar started the ninth inning with a 3-0 lead. He had an inconsistent performance as he allowed a leadoff double and an RBI single, but he struck out two and would have stranded the runner successfully had there not been an error behind him. Bednar hasn't recorded a save since Aug. 23 and has since been removed from the closer role, though it appears the Pirates may be willing to give him more save chances before the close of the season.

The Phillies outrighted Nelson to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Wednesday.

Nelson was previously outrighted off the 40-man roster last month, so he could elect free agency if he wants. He could otherwise stick around the organization as relief depth.

Romero (7-2) struck out one and didn't allow a baserunner over two-thirds of an inning to earn the win Wednesday over the Reds.

Romero got the last two outs in the top of the eighth inning, and the Cardinals pulled ahead in their half of the frame. The setup man has two wins and a blown save over five appearances (3.2 innings) in September. Romero has posted a 2.72 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 51:14 K:BB through 56.1 innings this season, and he's added 30 holds and eight blown saves while seeing steady high-leverage work.

Helsley struck out one in a perfect inning to earn the save in Wednesday's 2-1 win over the Reds.

Helsley retired the side on a tidy eight pitches (five strikes) to earn his 44th save of the season, reclaiming a share of the major-league lead with Cleveland's Emmanuel Clase. Over his last 14 appearances, Helsley has given up just two runs (one earned) over 15 innings, converting 11 of his 12 save chances in that span. He's pitched to a 2.19 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 72:23 K:BB through 61.2 innings this season.

Kelly (shoulder) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City on Thursday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Manager Dave Roberts said Kelly will make two appearances in the minors -- the second of which will come Sunday -- before rejoining the Dodgers' bullpen sometime next week. The 36-year-old righty owns a 5.20 ERA and 1.59 WHIP through 27.2 innings on the year and will likely be limited to low-leverage situations once he's healthy.

Diaz earned the save Wednesday against Toronto, retiring the only batter he faced in the ninth inning to seal a 6-2 victory.

After Ryne Stanek allowed a run on back-to-back two-out singles in the ninth, Diaz came in to face Nathan Lukes. Diaz retired Lukes on just one pitch to lock down his 18th save. It's the eighth straight scoreless appearance for Diaz -- he's allowed just two hits and a walk while striking out 14 over 7.1 innings in that span. The right-hander's ERA is down to 3.60 on the season with a 1.00 WHIP and 68:16 K:BB across 45 innings.

The Padres recalled Cosgrove from Triple-A El Paso on Wednesday.

Cosgrove has allowed 19 earned runs over just 14.2 innings in the majors this season, but he'll return to San Diego nonetheless to give the Friars a left-handed bullpen arm while fellow southpaw Martin Perez is on paternity leave. The 28-year-old Cosgrove will almost certainly be limited to low-leverage situations while in the big leagues.

Beeks earned the save in Wednesday's 3-1 win over the Marlins, allowing one hit in one-third of an inning.

After Aroldis Chapman pitched in Tuesday's contest, David Bednar was initially called upon to close out a 3-0 lead Wednesday. However, the Pirates would turn to Beeks with two outs in the ninth to face the left-handed Kyle Stowers after Bednar gave up a run on a pair of hits. Beeks would allow an infield hit to Stowers that loaded the bases before inducing a flyout from Xavier Edwards to close out a two-run victory. It's the 10th save of the year for the 31-year-old Beeks, his first since joining the Pirates from the Rockies at the trade deadline. Beeks has pitched well for Pittsburgh, posting a 2.30 ERA across 15.2 innings, though he's still likely behind Chapman, Bednar and Dennis Santana in the Pirates' bullpen hierarchy.