MLB Player News

O'Brien notched a save in the first game of Monday's doubleheader versus the Reds, striking out all three batters he faced in the ninth inning.

O'Brien had little trouble protecting a one-run lead, throwing 11 of 14 pitches for strikes en route to punching out all three batters he faced. The All-Star closer leads the NL with 31 saves on the season, and only Tampa Bay's Bryan Baker (35) has more saves in either league. O'Brien's last blown save came July 20 against the Angels -- since then, he's a perfect six-for-six in save chances and has pitched 10 consecutive scoreless outings, yielding just one hit while posting an 11:5 K:BB across 10 innings during that span.

Mlodzinski (6-6) took the loss against the Tigers on Monday, allowing four runs on eight hits and one walk in three innings. He struck out three.

The Tigers pounced on Mlodzinski right away, tagging the right-hander for each of his four runs allowed in the first two innings. He's fared poorly since returning to Pittsburgh's rotation, giving up at least four runs while working three innings or fewer in three consecutive starts. Provided he keeps his rotation spot, Mlodzinski won't be a recommended fantasy streamer against the Dodgers his next time out. He has a career-worst 4.03 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 81:36 K:BB over 102.2 innings.

Gibson will serve as the Marlins' opening pitcher for Tuesday's game against the Phillies, Daniel Alvarez-Montes of ElExtraBase.com reports.

Gibson will take the ball for the first inning or two before turning the game over to the bullpen. Tuesday had been Tyler Phillips' turn in the rotation, so he'll most likely be called upon to pitch in bulk relief behind Gibson.

Duarte was credited with the save in Monday's 2-1 win over the Padres, striking out two batters in a scoreless ninth inning.

Kodai Senga got the save chance Sunday against the Nationals, so the Mets turned to Duarte to protect the team's one-run lead Monday. Twelve of Duarte's 14 pitches went for strikes, and he started and ended the inning with a punchout. Senga appears to be the Mets' preferred closer while Devin Williams (shoulder) is on the IL, but Duarte could be in the mix for occasional save chances in the interim.

Bender (shin) will begin a rehab assignment Tuesday, Stephen Strom of Marlins Radio Network reports.

Bender has been shelved since late June with a stress reaction in his right shin. Because he's missed so much time, he's likely to require a handful of rehab appearances before rejoining the Marlins' bullpen.

The Cubs transferred Palencia (elbow) to the 60-day injured list Monday, Vinnie Duber of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

The move appears to be a procedural one to open up a spot on the Cubs' 40-man roster for Owen Miller, whose contract was selected from Triple-A Iowa on Monday. Palencia has been on the shelf since mid-June due to a right flexor strain but was cleared to embark on a rehab assignment in early August. Across five minor-league outings, he's allowed five runs on two hits and six walks while striking out six across 4.1 innings. Palencia will need more rehab appearances before being cleared to return to the majors, where he's expected to reclaim his role as the Cubs' closer.

The Diamondbacks optioned Carrillo to Triple-A Reno on Monday.

Carrillo will give up his spot on the 26-man active roster and in the Arizona bullpen to right-hander Justin Martinez (elbow), who was reinstated from the 60-day injured list. After being recalled from Triple-A on July 21, Carrillo made eight relief appearances for the Diamondbacks, picking up two wins while delivering an 0.66 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 15:8 K:BB across 13.2 innings.

The Reds recalled Maxwell from Triple-A Louisville on Monday.

Maxwell will help supplement the bullpen as the Reds navigate through a stretch of 17 games in 16 days. The big righty has struggled during his opportunities in the majors this season, logging a 9.90 ERA and 9:10 K:BB over 10 innings.

The Reds designated Emanuel for assignment Monday.

Emanuel started the first game of Monday's doubleheader versus the Cardinals and did his job in holding them to two runs over five innings. He look a tough-luck loss, however, and will now exit the 26-man and 40-man rosters. There's a good chance Emanuel clears waivers, though he would have the ability to elect free agency at that point since he's been outrighted previously.

The Cubs recalled Assad from Triple-A Iowa on Monday, Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Assad was optioned to Triple-A on Sunday, but he's back with the Cubs one day later after the big club placed Edward Cabrera (blister) on the 15-day injured list. Prior to being sent down to the minors, Assad was moved to the bullpen after the Cubs acquired Kevin Gausman and Clay Holmes before the Aug. 3 trade deadline. However, Assad -- who has started in 10 of 21 major-league games this season -- could return to the team's rotation following Cabrera's recent injury.