MLB Player News

Pressly pitched 1.2 scoreless innings while allowing two hits to earn the save Saturday against the Angels.

Pressly entered the game with the bases loaded and one out in the eighth inning. He allowed a single to the first batter he faced but still managed to escape the frame with a one-run lead. The ninth inning was less adventurous for Pressly, and he picked up his fourth save. Josh Hader had pitched three times in the last four games and in back-to-back contests, leaving him unavailable Saturday.

The Orioles reinstated Webb (elbow) from the 15-day injured list Sunday.

Webb will rejoin the Baltimore bullpen for the first time since early August after completing his recovery from right elbow inflammation. Prior to being activated, Webb made four rehab appearances between Double-A Bowie and Triple-A Norfolk, tossing 3.1 innings while allowing four earned runs on five hits and two walks. He'll likely serve as a lower-leverage or middle-relief option for the Orioles.

Smyly (3-8) allowed an unearned run on a hit and a walk while retiring just one batter to take the loss in Saturday's 6-5, extra-inning defeat to the Rockies.

After Porter Hodge blew the save in the bottom of the ninth inning to force the game into the 10th, Smyly allowed the automatic baserunner to come around and score to take the loss. The lefty's record doesn't reflect it, but he's pitched well this year out of the bullpen with a 3.54 ERA and 53 strikeouts across 56 innings. Smyly was placed on waivers back in late August, though he's stuck around in Chicago and will likely continue to see high-leverage work for the Cubs in the final few weeks of the regular season.

Munoz (3-6) got the win against the Rangers on Saturday, firing a perfect ninth inning.

Munoz was called on to protect a 4-4 tie in the ninth inning and delivered by retiring Josh Jung, Ezequiel Duran and Carson Kelly on 11 pitches. The right-hander was then afforded his first victory since way back on May 5 via Randy Arozarena's game-winning single in the home half of the frame, putting a fitting bow on Munoz's third straight scoreless relief appearance. The Mariners' closer is enjoying a strong fantasy season overall, recording a career-high 21 saves to go along with six holds, a 2.10 ERA, an 0.95 WHIP and an 11.5 K/9 across 55.2 innings.

Topa (knee/elbow) threw 30 pitches in a bullpen session Saturday, MLB.com reports. It was his third bullpen session in the past week.

Topa hopes to face live hitters in a few days and then try to pitch in a rehab game with Triple-A St. Paul in late September. Topa still hopes to pitch in the majors this season, but he still has several more steps to go. Topa has resided on the injured list all season, first while recovering from a torn patellar tendon in his left knee before being pulled off a rehab assignment in August due to right elbow inflammation.

Hodge allowed two runs on one hit and one walk while striking out two over one inning, taking a blown save in Saturday's 6-5 extra-inning loss to the Rockies.

Hodge suffered his first blown save since ascending to the closer role, allowing a two-run home run to pinch hitter Sam Hilliard with two outs in the ninth inning. That blast ended a 15-inning scoreless streak for Hodge, who has emerged as one of the Cubs' most reliable relievers in the second half. He's now at a 2.08 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 48:18 K:BB with five saves, nine holds and three blown saves over 39 innings this season. Hodge has been scored on in just five of his 35 appearances.

Martinez (9-6) earned the win Saturday against the Twins, pitching six innings and allowing one run on three hits. He struck out six and did not issue a walk.

Martinez stayed hot on the mound with another impressive showing and lowered his ERA to 3.37 for the season. Martinez shut down Atlanta with seven scoreless innings in his last start, and he's now won three consecutive starts. The veteran right-hander was moved into the rotation Aug. 5 and has earned his spot by allowing one run or fewer in six of his nine starts in that span.

Alexander (6-5) took the loss against the Guardians on Saturday, allowing four runs on four hits and two walks with two strikeouts over five innings.

Alexander relieved Drew Rasmussen to open the third inning and was mainly burned by a three-run sixth frame. The 30-year-old didn't allow a homer for the first time since Aug. 4, but he has yielded three earned runs or more in four of his past five outings. On the season, he owns a 5.58 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 78:23 K:BB across 98.1 total innings between the rotation and bullpen.

Finnegan earned the save in Saturday's 4-1 win over the Marlins, allowing one hit while striking out one in a scoreless ninth inning.

Finnegan was summoned to close the door for the second day in a row and did so on just 13 pitches. The 33-year-old has converted nine of his past 10 save chances and ranks third in the majors with 38 saves, alongside a 3.30 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, and 57:20 K:BB over 60 innings this season.

Madden (1-1) took the loss Saturday against the Orioles. He allowed one run on three hits and one walk while striking out two over 3.2 innings.

Madden entered in the second inning following Beau Brieske, who pitched the opening frame. Madden looked good once again, as he only ran into problems in the third inning when he allowed his lone run. After starting in his MLB debut, the rookie has pitched in long relief each of his last three outings and has allowed just five earned runs in 17.2 total innings. The 24-year-old will carry a 2.55 ERA into his next appearance.