MLB Player News

Kinley allowed four earned runs on three hits and a walk while failing to record an out Tuesday against the Marlins.

Kinley has picked up the lone save for the Rockies since Victor Vodnik (shoulder) was placed on the injured list, and he entered Tuesday's game in the ninth inning with a four-run lead. Though he wasn't charged with a blown save or loss, Kinley allowed all four batters he faced to reach base, concluding with a two-run double with the bases loaded. It's unclear whether this meltdown will affect his status as closer, though Kinley had maintained a 1.53 WHIP and 0.74 WHIP across 17.2 innings since the All-Star break prior to Tuesday's appearance.

Faucher struck out three batters in a perfect inning to earn the save in Tuesday's 9-8 win over the Rockies.

Faucher needed 18 pitches, but he got the job done cleanly after the Marlins rallied ahead in the top of the ninth inning. The right-hander is up to four saves in five opportunities since he became the Marlins' closer at the end of July. He's allowed six runs and posted a 13:5 K:BB over 10 innings in August, so he hasn't been dominant, but there are few other options to challenge him on a rebuilding team. Overall, Faucher has a 3.44 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 56:24 K:BB through 49.2 innings this year.

Doval (5-1) allowed a hit and two walks while striking out two in a scoreless inning to earn the win Tuesday over the Brewers.

Doval relieved Logan Webb in the sixth inning and quickly got two outs before loading the bases. Doval was able to get Jackson Chourio to fly out, ending the threat and setting the stage for the Giants to pull ahead for good on a Mike Yastrzemski two-run home run in the seventh. Doval hasn't allowed a run over 2.1 innings since he was recalled from Triple-A Sacramento, but he has walked three batters in that span. A high walk rate was a big part of what led to his demotion, and it'll continue to keep him out of the biggest spots in games moving forward. For the year, Doval has a 4.47 ERA, 1.62 WHIP and 60:32 K:BB across 46.1 innings. He's no threat to Ryan Walker as the Giants' closer at this time.

Walker allowed a hit and struck out one over a scoreless inning to earn the save in Tuesday's 5-4 win over the Brewers.

Walker gave up just a two-out single while protecting a one-run lead. He's continued his dominance in August, allowing one unearned run while posting a 24:2 K:BB over 12.2 innings this month. He's also earned all four of his saves in that span. Walker still looks to be the Giants' closer even with Camilo Doval back from a brief stint at Triple-A Sacramento. Walker has easily been the Giants' best reliever this year with a 1.95 ERA, 0.88 WHIP and 90:15 K:BB over 69.1 innings.

Cruz will serve as the Reds' opening pitcher for Wednesday's game against the Athletics, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Cruz has turned in a 5.30 ERA and 1.41 WHIP through 52.2 innings this season, and he'll now be called upon to make his first start of the campaign in what will likely be a bullpen game for Cincinnati. Only seven of Cruz's 61 appearances have lasted more than an inning, so he'll presumably be taken out of the game after recording the first three outs.

Finnegan earned the save in Tuesday's 4-2 victory over the Yankees, allowing a run on three hits and no walks over 1.1 innings with no strikeouts.

The Washington closer entered the eighth with two outs and a runner on third and escaped cleanly thanks to a Giancarlo Stanton groundout. However, the ninth started ominously for Finnegan, as he yielded a leadoff double to Jazz Chisholm but managed to finish the game, laboring through 24 pitches in the inning. Despite struggling with a 7.30 ERA across 12.1 innings since the All-Star break, Finnegan remains cemented as the Nationals closer while the team is out of playoff position and eyeing 2025.

Junis did not factor into the decision in Tuesday's 5-4 loss to the Athletics, striking out three across four perfect innings.

With multiple Reds starters on the shelf, Junis earned his first start since April 2 and cruised through four frames while generating eight whiffs on 43 pitches. Although the 31-year-old hasn't reached 50 pitches in an appearance this season, he owns a 3.19 ERA and 1.02 WHIP and tentatively lines up to face the Brewers on Sunday.

Warren was recalled from Triple-A Sacramento on Tuesday, Amy Gutierrez of the Giants' official site.

Warren's last stint in the bigs was in 2023 for the Angels before undergoing Tommy John surgery. After signing with the Giants in February, he has recovered and spent the 2024 campaign with Triple-A Sacramento, where he has a 4.95 ERA overall. However, the 28-year-old has not allowed an earned run in his last eight outings and boasts a 1.54 ERA since July 14. In a corresponding move, Jordan Hicks was placed on the 15-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation.

The Cardinals recalled O'Brien from Triple-A Memphis on Tuesday, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.

O'Brien made the Cardinals' Opening Day roster but suffered a flexor strain in his first appearance and missed the remainder of the first half. He has pitched well since resurfacing at Memphis, posting a 1.35 ERA and 9:5 K:BB over 13.1 innings, to earn another look with the big club.

The Cardinals designated Armstrong for assignment Tuesday, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.

Armstrong was acquired from the Rays in the Dylan Carlson trade and has pitched well with a 2.84 ERA and 12:2 K:BB over 12.2 innings. The Cardinals are likely hoping the right-hander gets claimed so they can clear a bit of salary. Riley O'Brien will replace Armstrong on the roster and in the bullpen.