MLB Player News

McArthur has not allowed a run over his last seven appearances, allowing just five hits while striking out eight and walking none across 6.2 innings in that span.

McArthur surrendered 11 runs (nine earned) over 5.2 innings through his first six outings following the All-Star break, converting just one of three save chances in that span. He hasn't had the opportunity to close since, with Lucas Erceg moving into the closer role since he was acquired from the Athletics via trade. McArthur has just one hold since he lost the closer job, and he's more frequently been deployed in the seventh and eighth innings in recent weeks. McArthur has a 4.62 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 40:9 K:BB over 50.2 innings while going 18-for-24 in save chances this year, and he'll likely be a second or third option for closing duties when Erceg is unavailable.

Armstrong (3-2) earned the win Sunday over the Twins, retiring both batters he faced.

Armstrong has been moderately effective in a middle-relief role since joining the Cardinals, allowing four runs over 11.1 innings across 10 appearances. He's added an 11:2 K:BB in that span. For the year, Armstrong has a 4.97 ERA, 1.48 WHIP, 61:21 K:BB, one save and three holds over 58 innings between the Cardinals and the Rays. Given the success of St. Louis' high-leverage relievers, Armstrong is unlikely to move up the hierarchy.

Miller struck out one while tossing 1.1 perfect innings to pick up the save Sunday against the Brewers.

Miller collected four outs to pick up his fourth multi-inning save of the season. Miller has not been scored upon in 17 of his last 18 outings since June 14, tossing 20 innings with a 0.90 ERA, 0.60 WHIP, 27 strikeouts and nine saves over that stretch.

Topa (knee) has resumed playing catch, Bobby Nightengale of the Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

Topa missed the first four months of the season due to a tear in the patellar tendon of his left knee. He began a rehab assignment July 23 but was shut down Aug. 10 due to right elbow inflammation. Topa remains optimistic that he can return this season, but he still likely has several weeks of building up his throwing before he could start a rehab assignment.

Funderburk (left oblique strain) threw a bullpen session Sunday, Bobby Nightengale of the Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

Funderburk went on the 15-day injured list July 21. He's still likely a week or two away before he could start a rehab assignment, so it's not clear if he'll be able to return before the end of the regular season.

Sandlin is scheduled to serve as the Guardians' opening pitcher for the first game of Monday's doubleheader against the Royals, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

The 27-year-old right-hander will be making his first career MLB start Monday, but because he hasn't been recorded more than five outs in any of his 57 appearances between the majors and Triple-A Columbus this season, he shouldn't be expected to work more than an inning or two. The Guardians are designating lefty Joey Cantillo as their 27th man for the twin bill, and he's expected to be recalled from Triple-A in advance of the early game to serve as a bulk reliever behind Sandlin.

Helsley picked up the save Sunday, allowing one hit over a scoreless ninth inning against the Twins.

Helsley worked around a leadoff single in the ninth to secure his major-league leading 40th save. Helsley has seen a bit of a decline in his peripherals this season, posting his lowest K/BB and K/9 rates along with his highest ERA and WHIP since 2021. That said, he remains one of the best relievers in the game and has been lights-out in the ninth, closing the door on all but three save chances this season.

Duran (6-7) took the loss Sunday, allowing two runs (zero earned) on three hits over one inning against the Cardinals. He struck out two.

Duran appeared in his second consecutive game after having not previously pitched since last Sunday. He should have gotten out of the inning unscathed with his 19th save in tow, but a one-out ground ball that could have resulted in a game-ending double play was thrown into left field by Edouard Julien, extending the inning. Two batters later, Lars Nootbaar connected on a two-out single that drove in two and saddled Duran with the tough-luck loss. On the positive side for Duran, while his K/9 is at a career-low 10.13, he's struck out multiple batters five times in his last seven outings, allowing just one earned run with a K/9 of 18.47 during that stretch.

Sammons (1-1) yielded one run on three hits and two walks over 4.1 innings in relief Sunday, striking out three and earning a win over the White Sox.

Sammons entered the game in the second inning after Beau Brieske threw one frame as the opener. The only run the White Sox scored during Sammons' outing came via Andrew Vaughn's solo shot in the third frame. Sammons has found success as a long reliever since being promoted to Detroit; he's thrown at least four innings in five of his six career MLB appearances (zero starts) while registering a 3.62 ERA over 27.1 frames. He should continue being used as a bulk-relief option down the stretch.

Merryweather allowed four runs on five hits and a walk across an inning of relief in Sunday's 7-2 loss to the Marlins.

While starter Javier Assad took the loss as he allowed three runs across seven innings, Merryweather didn't do the Cubs any favors in an effort to keep the team in the game. The righty reliever saw his ERA climb from 4.50 to 6.60 in the process. Merryweather has overpowering stuff when he's on, as evidenced by his 98 strikeouts across 72 innings last season, but he's yet to find consistent success from year to year at the MLB level. His fantasy appeal is limited at the moment due to his up-and-down play and lack of save opportunities behind Jorge Lopez and Porter Hodge in Chicago's bullpen.