MLB Player News

Finnegan struck out one and gave up a solo home run in the ninth inning Friday to record his 20th save of the season in an 8-7 win over the Phillies.

Kyle Schwarber made things interesting by leading off the top of the ninth with a solo shot to right-center field, but Finnegan shook it off and fanned Nick Castellanos for the final out to secure the victory. Hunter Harvey has returned from the injured list but has settled back into a setup role, a result of Finnegan's success in the second half -- Friday's run was the first he'd surrendered since July 14, and he's converted nine straight save chances.

Diaz (5-4) picked up Friday's win over the Blue Jays. He struck out one over one inning.

Diaz pitched for the just the second time in the last nine days and benefitted from Christian Encarnacion-Strand's walk-off home run. Reds manager David Bell had the luxury of bringing a well-rested Diaz into a scoreless tie in the ninth inning to face the heart of Toronto's order. Like several other overworked members of the Cincinnati bullpen, Diaz endured a tough patch early in the month, but a stretch of relative inactivity appears to have renewed the closer.

Castro (5-6) took the loss Friday against San Diego. He allowed four runs on three hits over one-third of an inning.

Castro entered a scoreless tie after Brandon Pfaadt fired seven scoreless innings of one-hit ball. He hit a batter with his first pitch then allowed a pair of singles and left after Fernando Tatis' home run made it 4-0. It was the second straight outing in which Castro allowed four runs.

Jackson (0-1) took the loss Friday, allowing two runs on four hits and three walks over 4.1 innings against Minnesota. He struck out six.

Jackson was making his second start and fourth appearance overall for the Pirates, who acquired him from the Dodgers in June. While he kept them in the game by only allowing two runs, the offense couldn't help him out and he earned his first loss. Jackson has managed to go over 70 pitches in both of his starts and the numbers look promising. During his time in Pittsburgh, Jackson has a 3.46 ERA with a 18:5 K:BB over 13 innings.

Williams picked up the save Friday against Texas. He allowed one run on one hit and struck out none over two-thirds of an inning.

The Brewers began the ninth inning with a five-run lead, but after Andrew Chafin ran into trouble, Williams was called upon to close out the game and record his 29th save of the year. The earned run he allowed was his first since July 5 and Friday marked just the second time in his last 22 appearances Williams failed to record a strikeout.

Lambert (3-4) yielded one run on four hits and a walk over seven innings Friday, striking out five and earning a win over the White Sox.

Lambert served up a leadoff homer to Elvis Andrus in the first inning but settled in for an impressive performance. It was Lambert's longest outing of the year and his first time punching out at least five batters since May 13. He lowered his season ERA to 5.02 with a 56:24 K:BB through 66.1 frames. Lambert is currently lined up to start in Tampa Bay next week.

Thompson (2-5) allowed two runs on six hits and a walk over five innings Friday, striking out five and taking a loss against the Mets.

Thompson was greeted by Brandon Nimmo's leadoff shot to begin the game but still turned in a decent outing. It was Thompson's longest appearance of the year and first start since officially moving into the Cardinals' rotation. Over his last three trips to the mound, he's given up just four runs while posting an 18:2 K:BB through 13 innings. His next start is currently lined up to be in Pittsburgh next week.

The Mets optioned Hartwig to Triple-A Syracuse on Friday.

Hartwig will serve as the Mets' roster casualty in order to clear a space for Joey Lucchesi, who was called up for a spot start Friday. Hartwig has put up a 4.74 ERA and 1.42 WHIP through 24.2 innings since being selected from Triple-A in June, and he could return to the majors if the Mets need a fresh bullpen arm down the stretch.

Moreta (back) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday.

Moreta was placed on the IL on Aug. 4 due to soreness in his lower back, and Friday will mark the beginning of the final stage in his recovery process. The Pirates haven't indicated how long they plan on keeping Moreta in the minors, but it's possible he returns ahead of their next homestand Monday.

The Cubs claimed Uceta off waivers from the Mets on Friday and optioned him to Triple-A Iowa, Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network reports.

After being DFA'd by the Mets on Wednesday, Uceta will now look to earn a spot in the Cubs' bullpen. Though he's been injured for most of the year, Uceta has been decent when healthy, allowing one run in 4.2 innings in Triple-A and throwing three scoreless innings for the Mets in April.