MLB Player News

Bard (forearm) threw a bullpen session Sept. 5, MLB.com reports.

Bard landed on the injured list Sept. 3, but he felt well enough to throw only a few days later. He is hoping to return in time to make three or four more appearances this season, though the team has yet to provide a clear timeline for his potential activation.

Helsley earned a save against the Reds on Saturday, walking one batter and notching one strikeout over one scoreless inning.

Helsley entered with a one-run lead in the ninth inning and walked the first batter he faced but quickly rebounded to induce a double-play groundout. He then worked a full count to Will Benson before ending the contest with a punchout. This was Helsley's first save opportunity since he returned from an extended stay on the injured list Sept. 1. The right-hander has been excellent since being activated, posting a 6:2 K:BB while allowing just one hit over four scoreless frames.

Thompson (5-5) earned the win over Cincinnati on Saturday, allowing three runs on five hits and three walks while striking out six batters over five innings.

Thompson looked like he could be in for a short start when the Reds tallied three runs on four hits in the second frame, but the southpaw recovered and didn't allow any additional damage the rest of the way. He needed 98 pitches to get through five innings, going just deep enough to earn his third win across his past four starts. Thompson has been decent during that stretch, posting a 4.29 ERA, 1.48 WHIP and 20:8 K:BB over 21 frames. He's tentatively slated to face the Phillies at home in his next start.

Winn will start for the Giants on Sunday against the Rockies, Danny Emerman of KNBR 680 San Francisco reports.

Prior reports had already suggested that Winn would be part of the Giants' pitching plans for Sunday's series finale, but Emerson's report confirms the rookie will start rather than working in bulk relief behind an opener. The right-hander has gone 0-2 with one save and a 3.33 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 16:6 K:BB across 27 innings with the big club this season.

Okert will serve as the Marlins' opening pitcher Sunday against the Phillies, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

With the Phillies having lefties Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper among their first three hitters, the Marlins' decision to deploy the left-handed Okert at the start of the game makes sense. The Marlins haven't designated a primary pitcher to work behind Okert, but Bryan Hoeing and Edward Cabrera would seem to be the most logical candidates.

Winn is likely to pitch Sunday against the Rockies, whether it's as a traditional starter or bulk reliever, Danny Emerman of KNBR 680 San Francisco reports.

Giants manager Gabe Kapler has yet to make an official call on a starter yet, but Winn will be featured in some form. The rookie right-hander tossed five scoreless relief frames in his last appearance and holds a 3.33 ERA and 16:6 K:BB over 27 frames overall this season.

The Reds transferred Young (hamstring) to the COVID-19 injured list Saturday (retroactive to Friday).

Young, who has been on the injured list since late August with left hamstring tightness, threw a scoreless inning in a rehab appearance with Triple-A Louisville on Wednesday. However, Young's move to the COVID-19 list pushes his return back indefinitely.

The Nationals recalled La Sorsa from Triple-A Rochester on Saturday, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

With MacKenzie Gore (finger) headed for the injured list, La Sorsa will come up from the minors to give Washington's bullpen some extra depth. La Sorsa holds a 6.98 ERA through 19.1 innings since joining the Nationals in June, and he will likely be limited to low-leverage outings while with the major-league club.

Brasier earned a hold against the Nationals on Friday, striking out one batter in a perfect inning.

Brasier entered in the eighth inning to serve as the bridge to closer Evan Phillips and retired the side in order on 14 pitches. His late-frame deployment shows manager Dave Roberts' growing trust in him -- since Aug. 12, Brasier has collected five holds in nine scoreless appearances. Brasier struggled with the Red Sox early this season but has been lights-out since joining the Dodgers in June, posting a 0.86 ERA, 0.64 WHIP and 29:7 K:BB over 31.1 innings while picking up seven holds, two wins and one save.

Phillips struck out two in a perfect ninth inning Friday to record his 22nd save of the season in an 8-5 win over the Nationals.

The right-hander needed just 11 pitches (eight strikes) to convert his 10th straight save chance, fanning Jake Alu and Carter Kieboom to wrap things up. Phillips' last blown save came in early July, and he sports a stellar 1.47 ERA, 0.55 WHIP and 17:2 K:BB through 18.1 innings since the All-Star break.