MLB Player News

Pagan will start Saturday's game in Colorado after earning a save in Friday's 7-6 win over the Rockies, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

After needing just nine pitches in an easy bottom of the ninth inning Friday to earn his first save of the season, Pagan will now turn right back around to make his first career start a day later. The 32-year-old right-hander will probably only be asked to cover the first inning Saturday for the AL Central-champion Twins. Chris Paddack and Dallas Keuchel are available on three and two days' rest, respectively, and could be capable of covering multiple innings behind Pagan.

Woodford (2-3) took the loss Friday after yielding seven runs on six hits and a walk over 1.2 innings in a 19-2 loss to the Reds. He failed to strike out a batter.

Woodford gave up three home runs before being chased from the game. He returned from the injured list earlier this month and allowed just one run over 6.1 frames in two appearances before Friday's misstep. Woodford finishes the 2023 season with an unsightly 6.23 ERA and 29:22 K:BB through 47.2 innings.

Chargois will serve as the Marlins' opening pitcher in Saturday's game at Pittsburgh, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

Chargois will be working as an opener for the fifth time this season and is likely to cover just one or two innings before giving way to a parade of relievers. Through 40.2 innings in the big leagues this season, Chargois has registered a 3.76 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 33:17 K:BB.

Manager Alex Cora announced Friday that Jansen will not pitch again this season, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

Jansen was activated off the COVID-19 injured list last weekend, but he hasn't made an appearance since Sept. 12 and the Red Sox don't have a reason to push him out there in their final two regular-season games. The veteran closer is due a $16 million salary from Boston in 2024.

Winn was activated from the COVID-19 injured list ahead of his start Friday versus the Dodgers, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

After clearing health and safety protocols, Winn will look to finish his rookie campaign on a high note Friday at Oracle Park in San Francisco. The 25-year-old right-hander holds a 3.89 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 30:8 K:BB through his first 37 major-league innings.

Manager Torey Lovullo announced Friday that Melancon (shoulder) has been shut down for the year, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports.

Melancon began a minor-league rehab assignment last weekend with Triple-A Reno, but he was lit up for three earned runs while recording only two outs in his lone appearance. The veteran reliever suffered a subscapularis strain in his right shoulder this spring and did not wind up throwing a pitch in a major-league game this season. He carries a $5 million mutual option (or $2 million buyout) for the 2024 campaign.

Jameson (elbow) underwent Tommy John surgery Wednesday, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports.

Giving the timing of the procedure, Jameson seems doubtful to return to a major-league mound before the 2025 campaign. The 26-year-old right-hander pitched to a 3.32 ERA and 37:18 K:BB over 40.2 innings (three starts, 12 relief appearances) this season with the Diamondbacks.

The Cubs optioned Thompson to the Arizona Complex League on Friday, Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Following the activation of Adbert Alzolay (forearm) from the 15-day IL, Thompson will be pushed off the active roster and continue working at the Cubs' facility in Arizona. He holds a 4.71 ERA and 1.36 WHIP through 28.2 innings on the year, and he could end up being a bullpen depth option in the postseason should the Cubs secure a spot.

The Cubs reinstated Alzolay (forearm) from the 15-day injured list Friday, Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network reports.

A strained right forearm sent Alzolay to the injured list Sept. 11, and he will now return for the Cubs' final series of the year as they attempt to secure the final NL Wild Card spot. The 28-year-old righty has been a crucial piece of Chicago's bullpen in 2023, posting a 2.71 ERA and 1.02 WHIP through 63 innings while racking up 22 saves. Keegan Thompson was optioned to the Arizona Complex League in a corresponding move.

Manager Phil Nevin announced Friday that Rodriguez had another setback with his right shoulder, Sam Blum of The Athletic reports.

Rodriguez was cleared to begin a minor-league rehab assignment earlier this month, but he had surrendered four earned runs over 2.2 innings (three appearances) between Single-A Inland Empire and Triple-A Salt Lake. The 25-year-old hasn't pitched in a major-league game since 2021 due to ongoing shoulder troubles.