MLB Player News

Martinez allowed two hits and three walks while striking out three over four scoreless innings in a no-decision versus the Cardinals on Saturday.

Martinez and Pedro Avila again worked in tandem, though Martinez threw 62 pitches to Avila's 47 and enjoyed better results. Through 14 innings in September, Martinez has allowed just one run while posting a 15:4 K:BB. He's at a 3.59 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 98:38 K:BB through 105.1 innings overall, and he's added a save and 15 holds while primarily working as a long reliever this season. If the Padres opt to stick with the tandem strategy for their fifth-starter spot, Martinez would be projected for a road outing versus the White Sox during the final series of the regular season.

Lawrence (1-0) allowed two walks and struck out one over two scoreless and hitless innings to earn the extra-innings win over the Padres on Saturday.

Lawrence got the ball in the 10th inning and stayed in for the 11th after the Cardinals pulled ahead. This was just his fourth scoreless appearance in 11 outings since he joined the Cardinals in mid-August, though he has been better in shorter assignments. Lawrence has a mediocre 5.64 ERA, 1.61 WHIP and 17:10 K:BB through 22.1 innings while adding four holds.

Helsley allowed a run on three walks and struck out two over 1.1 innings, taking a blown save in Saturday's 5-2 extra-innings win over the Padres.

Helsley was called upon for a four-out save opportunity, but he faltered in a wild ninth inning. He threw 15 of 30 pitches for strikes and set a season high with three free passes. Helsley is now 12-for-17 in save chances this season while posting a 2.60 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 47:17 K:BB over 34.2 innings. He had pitched 8.1 scoreless innings and converted five saves since returning from a forearm injury before Saturday's sloppy outing.

Woodford allowed a run on four hits and two walks while striking out one over 3.2 innings in Saturday's 5-2 win over the Padres in 11 innings. He didn't factor into the decision.

Woodford worked up to 78 pitches (46 strikes) and limited the damage to a Manny Machado RBI single in the first inning. This was Woodford's seventh start in 14 appearances, but his first major-league start since April, as shoulder injuries and stints in the bullpen and minors have kept him out of a starting role. He's now at a 5.09 ERA, 1.65 WHIP and 29:21 K:BB through 46 innings this season. It's uncertain if Woodford will start again in 2023 -- he was filling in for Adam Wainwright, who could make his final career start at home versus the Reds next weekend.

Brebbia (3-2) allowed a run on a hit and a walk while striking out one over 1.1 innings, taking the loss Saturday versus the Dodgers.

Brebbia surrendered a solo home run to J.D. Martinez in the second inning, and that was ultimately all the Dodgers needed for the win. This was Brebbia's second loss in as many outings, and he's given up four runs (three earned) over his last 2.2 innings. The right-hander is at a 3.53 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 44:12 K:BB through 35.2 innings across 37 appearances (nine starts). He may see another opening assignment or two before the end of the regular season.

Shaw picked up the save in Saturday's 1-0 victory over the Red Sox. He allowed two hits and struck out two in a scoreless ninth inning.

Despite surrendering two singles in the ninth inning, Shaw was able to successfully shut the door on Boston, earning his third save of the season. After 10 consecutive scoreless appearances to start September, the veteran reliever had given up an earned run in each of his previous two outings prior to Saturday. He now owns a 4.65 ERA and 1.30 WHIP across 33 appearances (40.2 innings) on the campaign.

Pivetta did not factor into the decision Saturday, allowing three hits and one walk over seven scoreless innings against the White Sox. He struck out seven.

The White Sox mustered just three singles off Pivetta; however, Boston's offense didn't provide any run support and the 30-year-old had to settle for a no-decision. In five September appearances (four starts), he has posted a 3.08 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and an impressive 33:4 K:BB across 26.2 innings. Pivetta tentatively lines up for a road matchup with the AL East-leading Orioles in the team's final regular-season series next week.

Walker will be the opening pitcher Sunday against the Dodgers, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

This will be the 13th opener assignment of the year for Walker, who has posted a 3.20 ERA and 71:22 K:BB across 56.1 total innings for San Francisco. Alex Wood looks poised to follow him Sunday as the Giants' bulk pitcher.

Clarke hit a batter but didn't allow a hit or a walk while striking out one over 1.2 scoreless innings to earn the save in Saturday's 3-2 win over the Astros.

Clarke has picked up all three of his saves this year over his last four outings. He's still allowed six runs (five earned) over 7.2 innings in September, but he's nonetheless worked his way into the Royals' closing committee with Carlos Hernandez. For the year, Clarke has a 5.49 ERA, 1.57 WHIP and 64:24 K:BB through 57.1 innings while adding 12 holds and three blown saves.

Cruz will serve as the opening pitcher in Sunday's game against the Astros, Jaylon T. Thompson of The Kansas City Star reports.

Alec Marsh is lined up to work in bulk relief. Cruz, 24, has allowed four earned runs on seven hits and eight walks over his first 8.2 major-league innings this season and hasn't thrown more than 39 pitches in a single outing.