MLB Player News

Fulmer is starting Sunday's game against the Athletics.

The Angels have nothing to play for, and they will give Fulmer a shot as a starter in what should be a favorable matchup on the last day of the season. Expectations should be very low for Fulmer, who logged a 5.27 ERA at Triple-A and has a career 6.37 ERA in 135.2 career innings in the majors. He logged four innings against the Twins on Sept. 24 and then threw one inning against the Rangers on Sept. 25, so he theoretically should be rested enough to go four or five innings against Oakland.

Lopez is expected to start Sunday's game against the Blue Jays, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

It was originally thought Lopez would work as a bulk reliever, but it sounds like he will instead work as a traditional starter. He has a 1.29 ERA, 0.86 WHIP and four strikeouts in seven innings across three MLB appearances and logged a 3.26 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 18 strikeouts in 19.1 innings across his four most recent appearances at Triple-A.

Criswell was optioned to Triple-A Durham on Sunday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The 27-year-old was called up Saturday and gave up four runs (three earned) over three innings against the Blue Jays, so he'll be sent down in favor of a fresh arm. Criswell will finish the regular season with a 5.73 ERA, 1.55 WHIP and 27:11 K:BB over 33 innings out of the bullpen for Tampa Bay.

Puk (7-5) earned the win Saturday against the Pirates, allowing one run on three hits over two innings while striking out three. He did not issue any walks.

Puk entered the game in the bottom of the fourth and struck out two of the first four batters he faced to get through the inning. However, the lefty reliever got himself into trouble in the fifth after surrendering a leadoff double to Ke'Bryan Hayes to open the frame, which would lead to one run coming across for the Pirates. Fortunately for Puk, the Marlins' offense would come through with two runs in the bottom of the inning, helping him secure his seventh win of the season as Miami clinched only its fourth playoff berth in franchise history.

Zimmermann was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk on Sunday.

Zimmermann was recalled Saturday and pitched two scoreless innings of relief and will be sent back down the following day. Cole Irvin is up to take his place as a long reliever.

Lopez was recalled from Triple-A Durham and is expected start or work in bulk relief Sunday in Toronto, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The 25-year-old made his MLB debut in August and pitched well in three outings for the Rays with one earned run allowed and a 4:0 K:BB across seven innings, and he'll receive another look with the big club in the regular-season finale. Lopez was also effective at Triple-A Durham this year with a 2.72 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 87:47 K:BB in 18 starts after opening the campaign with Double-A Montgomery.

Scott picked up the save Saturday against Pittsburgh, striking out three over 1.1 innings while not allowing any hits or walks.

Scott entered the contest with two outs and two runners on in the bottom of the eighth and was able to get the final out to hold Miami's 6-3 lead. He returned in the ninth and struck out the side to nail down his 12th save of the season as the Marlins clinched their first playoff berth since 2020 with the win. Scott has now converted his last three save opportunities and has struck out the side in two of his last three appearances.

Nelson was recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Sunday.

The right-hander will follow opener Matt Strahm in Sunday's regular-season finale versus the Mets. Nelson has a 4.85 ERA, 1.49 WHIP and 69:36 K:BB across 68.2 innings with two starts in 47 appearances for the Phillies.

Paddack (1-0) earned the win Saturday against the Rockies. He allowed two hits while striking out four over three scoreless innings.

Paddack entered the game after one inning, replacing Emilio Pagan, and fired off three scoreless frames for his first win of 2023. Though Paddack spent most of the season recovering from Tommy John surgery, he managed to make two appearances down the stretch, allowing three runs over two innings in his first outing before blanking the Rockies on Saturday.

Kauffmann (2-5) took the loss in Saturday's 14-6 loss against the Twins. He allowed eight runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out two over 4.1 innings.

Kauffman worked the second leg of the Rockies' bullpen game Saturday, following up Matt Koch's scoreless first by allowing eight runs across 4.1 frames. A majority of the damage was done in the third inning, when Trevor Larnach smacked a grand slam. With just one day left in the regular season, it appears Kauffman will finish his rookie campaign with a 2-5 record, an 8.23 ERA and 16:16 K:BB over 35 innings.