MLB Player News

Chapman earned a save against the Cardinals on Thursday, allowing one hit in one scoreless inning.

Chapman entered in the bottom of the ninth inning with a one-run lead and gave up a leadoff single to Brendan Donovan. However, Donovan didn't advance any further, as Chapman retired the next three batters on just four pitches. Chapman has converted each of his past four save chances, though this was just the second time in that span that he hasn't allowed a run.

Ortiz allowed two runs on five hits and two walks while striking out seven batters over six innings in a no-decision against St. Louis on Thursday.

Ortiz held the Cardinals scoreless over the first three innings before St. Louis put up a run in the fourth and another in the sixth. The right-hander notched his sixth quality start of the campaign, which is more impressive when considering that only 14 of his 36 appearances have come as a starter. Ortiz also tied his season high with seven punchouts Thursday, a mark he's now achieved three times.

Morgan (3-0) walked one in a scoreless and hitless inning to earn the extra-inning win over the Twins on Thursday.

Morgan has quietly been reliable late in the year with a 13-inning scoreless streak over his last nine appearances. He has a 12:4 K:BB in that span. Morgan's been lost in the shuffle for an excellent Cleveland bullpen, but he's done his part in a multi-inning role with a 1.64 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 32:10 K:BB while adding just one hold over 38.1 innings this season.

Walker (9-4) allowed two runs on two hits and struck out two over two-thirds of an inning to take the loss Thursday versus the Orioles.

Walker allowed multiple runs for the first time since July 9 as he gave up a walk-off, two-run home run to Anthony Santander in the ninth inning. The Giants' closer had not given up an earned run over his previous 20.2 innings, and he entered Thursday on a 12-inning scoreless streak. He avoided a blown save since this misstep came in a tie game. Walker has eight saves, four blown saves and 22 holds with a 1.99 ERA, 0.86 WHIP and a 98:17 K:BB through 77 innings this season.

Soto (3-5) didn't allow a baserunner or a run over two-thirds of an inning, earning the win over the Giants on Thursday.

Seranthony Dominguez allowed the tying run to score in the top of the ninth inning, but Soto got Mark Canha to ground into a double play to keep the game tied at 3-3. In the bottom of the frame, Anthony Santander lifted the Orioles to a 5-3 win with a walk-off home run. Soto's Baltimore tenure started poorly, but he's since allowed just three runs (two earned) over his last 13.2 innings, posting a 17:3 K:BB in that span. Overall, he has a 4.65 ERA, 1.63 WHIP and 62:26 K:BB over 50.1 innings between the Orioles and the Phillies.

Hodge worked around a hit and walk to pitch a scoreless ninth inning and record the save in Thursday's 7-6 win over the Nationals.

Hodge made things interesting by putting the two runners on, but unlike his last appearance on Saturday when he blew a save, the righty shut the door this time around. While Hodge is only 6-for-9 in save opportunities, the rookie has been mostly excellent with a 2.03 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 48 strikeouts across 40 innings this year. The 23-year-old should remain Chicago's closer for the final nine games of the regular season.

Munoz didn't allow a baserunner and struck out the side in the ninth inning to earn the save Thursday against the Yankees.

Munoz needed 14 pitches to strike out the side and collect his 22nd save. He's allowed just one total baserunner over his last five appearances, collecting one win, three saves and seven strikeouts over five innings during that stretch.

Cleavinger earned a save against the Red Sox on Thursday, striking out two batters in a perfect inning of work.

Cleavinger threw 15 of 19 pitches for strikes and recorded multiple punchouts for the first time since Aug. 14. The save was his second of September and his sixth overall this season. The last three Rays saves have been claimed by three different relievers, so it's clear that the team prefers a committee approach to the closer role.

Fitts will start Friday against the Twins, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

Fitts most recently made a spot start Sept. 13 in place of Tanner Houck, who was dealing with shoulder fatigue. Even with Houck back in action, Fitts will get another turn through the rotation. He has yet to allow an earned run across 10.2 innings, though his 4:4 K:BB is less impressive.

Alexander will start Friday's game against the Blue Jays, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Alexander has worked bulk innings for the entire season, though he's fluctuated between working behind an opener and as a traditional starter. Topkin reports there will be no opener Friday, setting Alexander up for his eighth start of the campaign.