MLB Player News

Diaz struck out four while allowing a hit and two walks over two scoreless innings Sunday to pick up his 20th save of the season in a 2-1 win over the Phillies.

Hanging onto a slim lead over Atlanta for the final wild-card spot, manager Carlos Mendoza did not hesitate to put Diaz in for another save opportunity just one day after throwing 17 pitches to get four outs. Diaz left Bryce Harper stranded on third in the eighth and then worked around a pair of walks in the ninth to shut the door on the Phillies. Diaz has given up just one run while owning a 21:3 K:BB in 11.1 innings during September and also reached 20 saves in a season for the sixth time in his career. He owns a 3.35 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 79:18 K:BB in 51 innings on the year.

Helsley threw a perfect inning and earned a save against Cleveland on Sunday.

Helsley retired Cleveland's 1-2-3 hitters in order on 11 pitches to close out the 2-1 victory. He moved back ahead of Emmanuel Clase for the solo MLB lead with 47 saves. Helsley has converted five save chances in a row since blowing one in Milwaukee on Sept. 3, and he has not allowed an earned run since Aug. 6. He owns a 2.09 ERA with a 77:23 K:BB through 64.2 innings. Helsley could become the first closer to reach 50 saves since Edwin Diaz in 2018.

Suarez earned the save Sunday against the White Sox, allowing one hit and striking out two during a scoreless ninth inning.

Suarez allowed just a two-out single before striking out Gavin Sheets to end the game. Sunday was just his second outing with multiple strikeouts since Aug. 10, and he's converted just three of his past six save chances and has given up seven runs in that span. Suarez has still been elite in his first season as a closer overall, as he owns a 2.71 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 58:15 K:BB in 63 innings while racking up 34 saves.

Pearson is slated to serve as the Cubs' opening pitcher for Monday's game against the Phillies, Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Pearson will be making his major-league start since 2021, when he was a member of the Blue Jays. He made the full-time conversion to the bullpen in 2022 and hasn't covered more than two innings in any appearance since being acquired by the Cubs in late July, so Pearson likely won't cover more than the opening frame or two before giving way to the bullpen. Hayden Wesneski, who was activated from the 15-day injured list Friday, is a candidate to be used in bulk relief once Pearson is done for the day.

Foley pitched a clean ninth inning with a strikeout to record the save in Sunday's 4-3 win over the Orioles.

With Detroit winning and Minnesota losing twice Sunday, the Tigers moved into the last AL wild-card spot for the moment. Foley has been a key part of the team's recent surge, as he now has 26 saves this season, including four in the last week. Expect Detroit to keep leaning on its closer in the final week of the regular season as the club battles for a playoff berth.

Holton drew the start in Sunday's win over Baltimore, allowing zero hits and one walk while striking out four in two scoreless innings. He did not factor into the decision.

Holton opened Sunday's game for the Tigers, his ninth start of the season. The 28-year-old excelled, striking out four while not allowing a hit in two dominant frames. The versatile reliever owns a pristine 2.25 ERA, 0.79 WHIP and 75:16 K:BB in 92 innings, collecting 13 holds and converting all eight save opportunities.

Chapman struck out two in a flawless ninth inning to pick up his 11th save of the season Sunday against the Reds.

Called upon with a two-run lead in the ninth, Chapman quickly dispatched the heart of the Reds order to earn his 11th save of the season. Chapman has been outstanding since taking over the closer role from David Bednar in late August, collecting a save in each of his last five appearances. The veteran enters the last week of the season with a 3.97 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 94:39 K:BB with 22 holds while converting 11 of 16 saves.

Walker struck out one batter in a scoreless inning and earned a save over the Royals on Sunday.

Walker made his first appearance since coughing up two runs against Baltimore on Thursday. He hit MJ Melendez to start his outing Sunday but retired the next three batters to finish off the 2-0 win. Walker has converted each of his nine save chances since Camilo Doval was briefly sent to Triple-A Sacramento on Aug. 9. Walker owns an impressive 1.96 ERA with a 99:17 K:BB through 78 innings this season.

Zuniga struck out the only batter he faced to earn a save against the Astros on Sunday.

Zuniga came into a 9-8 game with two outs and two runners on base after Jose Quijada struggled to close out the game. Zuniga struck out Jeremy Pena on five pitches to end the threat. It was Zuniga's second save of the year and first since April 3. He owns a 12:8 K:BB and a 4.30 ERA through 14.2 MLB innings this season.

Hader (8-8) allowed four runs on three hits and two walks while recording one out Sunday. He blew a save chance and took the loss against the Angels.

Hader entered a 6-5 game in the ninth inning and couldn't finish off the win. He walked Taylor Ward with the bases loaded to tie the game before Zach Neto ripped a bases-clearing double. Hader has been streaky this season but had allowed just three earned runs since the start of August before Sunday's hiccup. His ERA jumped up to 3.67 with a 101:24 K:BB through 68.2 innings.