MLB Player News

Scott struck out two in a perfect ninth inning Saturday to record his 10th save of the season in a 5-4 win over the Brewers.

The lefty fired nine of 12 pitches for strikes while breezing through Milwaukee's 8-9-1 hitters. Scott has been mostly outstanding since taking over the closer role in late August, converting eight of 10 save chances over his last 13 appearances while posting a 1.72 ERA, 0.83 WHIP and 15:1 K:BB through 15.2 innings.

Diaz (9-6) suffered Saturday's loss, allowing four runs on five hits over two-thirds of an inning against Pittsburgh.

Diaz, who has allowed multiple runs in four of his last 11 appearances, was tagged with a second consecutive loss. The 26-year-old made his career-high 68th appearance, which may be part of the reason for a recent falloff -- he has a 7.45 ERA over his last 9.2 innings. Cincinnati's bullpen, which has saved the team throughout the season, has blown the lead in three straight games, and the Reds have fallen 2.5 games back in the wild-card race with six games remaining.

Alvarado struck out one in a perfect ninth inning Saturday to record his 10th save of the season in a 7-5 win over the Mets.

The lefty fired 11 of his 14 pitches for strikes and topped out at 98.3 mph in another impressive performance. Alvarado appears to have supplanted Craig Kimbrel in the pecking order for saves in the Phillies' bullpen -- he has three saves since Kimbrel recorded his last one Sept. 11, with the right-hander blowing his most recent opportunity Friday. Since returning from elbow inflammation in late August, Alvarado has a 2.70 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 21:9 K:BB through 13.1 innings with four saves and five holds over 14 appearances.

Mlodzinski picked up a save against the Reds on Saturday, allowing one run on two hits while striking out one batter over one inning.

In a wild contest during which Pittsburgh overcame a 9-0 deficit and put up four eighth-inning runs against All-Star closer Alexis Diaz, Mlodzinski -- not usual closer David Bednar -- was called upon to hold a two-run Pirates lead in the ninth. That was likely due to Bednar pitching each of the previous two days, but regardless it was a prime opportunity for Mlodzinski to shine. Things didn't begin well for the rookie right-hander, as he gave up two straight hits to begin the frame and saw the tying run move to third base with just one out. However, Mlodzinski bounced back with an epic 11-pitch faceoff against Elly De La Cruz that ended with a punchout before also striking out Jonathan India to end the contest. Mlodzinski thus earned the first save of his career and made another positive impression in a strong first season during which he has posted a 2.14 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 32:16 K:BB and nine holds over 33.2 innings.

Martinez allowed two hits and three walks while striking out three over four scoreless innings in a no-decision versus the Cardinals on Saturday.

Martinez and Pedro Avila again worked in tandem, though Martinez threw 62 pitches to Avila's 47 and enjoyed better results. Through 14 innings in September, Martinez has allowed just one run while posting a 15:4 K:BB. He's at a 3.59 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 98:38 K:BB through 105.1 innings overall, and he's added a save and 15 holds while primarily working as a long reliever this season. If the Padres opt to stick with the tandem strategy for their fifth-starter spot, Martinez would be projected for a road outing versus the White Sox during the final series of the regular season.

Lawrence (1-0) allowed two walks and struck out one over two scoreless and hitless innings to earn the extra-innings win over the Padres on Saturday.

Lawrence got the ball in the 10th inning and stayed in for the 11th after the Cardinals pulled ahead. This was just his fourth scoreless appearance in 11 outings since he joined the Cardinals in mid-August, though he has been better in shorter assignments. Lawrence has a mediocre 5.64 ERA, 1.61 WHIP and 17:10 K:BB through 22.1 innings while adding four holds.

Helsley allowed a run on three walks and struck out two over 1.1 innings, taking a blown save in Saturday's 5-2 extra-innings win over the Padres.

Helsley was called upon for a four-out save opportunity, but he faltered in a wild ninth inning. He threw 15 of 30 pitches for strikes and set a season high with three free passes. Helsley is now 12-for-17 in save chances this season while posting a 2.60 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 47:17 K:BB over 34.2 innings. He had pitched 8.1 scoreless innings and converted five saves since returning from a forearm injury before Saturday's sloppy outing.

Woodford allowed a run on four hits and two walks while striking out one over 3.2 innings in Saturday's 5-2 win over the Padres in 11 innings. He didn't factor into the decision.

Woodford worked up to 78 pitches (46 strikes) and limited the damage to a Manny Machado RBI single in the first inning. This was Woodford's seventh start in 14 appearances, but his first major-league start since April, as shoulder injuries and stints in the bullpen and minors have kept him out of a starting role. He's now at a 5.09 ERA, 1.65 WHIP and 29:21 K:BB through 46 innings this season. It's uncertain if Woodford will start again in 2023 -- he was filling in for Adam Wainwright, who could make his final career start at home versus the Reds next weekend.

Brebbia (3-2) allowed a run on a hit and a walk while striking out one over 1.1 innings, taking the loss Saturday versus the Dodgers.

Brebbia surrendered a solo home run to J.D. Martinez in the second inning, and that was ultimately all the Dodgers needed for the win. This was Brebbia's second loss in as many outings, and he's given up four runs (three earned) over his last 2.2 innings. The right-hander is at a 3.53 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 44:12 K:BB through 35.2 innings across 37 appearances (nine starts). He may see another opening assignment or two before the end of the regular season.

Walker will be the opening pitcher Sunday against the Dodgers, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

This will be the 13th opener assignment of the year for Walker, who has posted a 3.20 ERA and 71:22 K:BB across 56.1 total innings for San Francisco. Alex Wood looks poised to follow him Sunday as the Giants' bulk pitcher.