MLB Player News

Chapman earned a save against the Athletics on Saturday, walking two batters and striking out one in a scoreless inning.

With the Rangers having lost seven of eight games and needing a win as they battle for a playoff spot, manager Bruce Bochy deployed both of his co-closers late in a close contest. Will Smith got the final out of the seventh and followed with a scoreless eighth, while Chapman was called upon to close things out in the ninth. The latter made things stressful for Texas fans with a pair of walks but was able to navigate past those to pick up the save. Though they've come 10 days apart, Chapman has picked up the past two saves for the Rangers. However, he hasn't exactly been sharp of late, giving up seven runs (five earned) and posting an 11:9 K:BB over his past 7.2 frames.

Lange tossed 1.1 scoreless innings to earn the save in Saturday's 3-1 win over the White Sox. He struck out two.

Lange has had a few hiccups here and there this season, though he now has 22 saves in 26 chances to go along with a decent 3.63 ERA. The righty has been scored upon only once in his last 12 appearances, and he has a 2.25 ERA during the stretch. Lange should remain locked in as Detroit's closer during the final weeks of the year.

Helsley earned a save against the Reds on Saturday, walking one batter and notching one strikeout over one scoreless inning.

Helsley entered with a one-run lead in the ninth inning and walked the first batter he faced but quickly rebounded to induce a double-play groundout. He then worked a full count to Will Benson before ending the contest with a punchout. This was Helsley's first save opportunity since he returned from an extended stay on the injured list Sept. 1. The right-hander has been excellent since being activated, posting a 6:2 K:BB while allowing just one hit over four scoreless frames.

Thompson (5-5) earned the win over Cincinnati on Saturday, allowing three runs on five hits and three walks while striking out six batters over five innings.

Thompson looked like he could be in for a short start when the Reds tallied three runs on four hits in the second frame, but the southpaw recovered and didn't allow any additional damage the rest of the way. He needed 98 pitches to get through five innings, going just deep enough to earn his third win across his past four starts. Thompson has been decent during that stretch, posting a 4.29 ERA, 1.48 WHIP and 20:8 K:BB over 21 frames. He's tentatively slated to face the Phillies at home in his next start.

Fujinami (7-8) struck out one without putting a runner on base over 1.2 innings to earn the win Saturday over the Red Sox.

Fujinami inherited a pair of runners in the fifth inning and saw them pull off a double steal to both get into scoring position, but he nullified the threat. He then pitched a tidy sixth inning and was ultimately awarded the win in a 13-12 Baltimore victory. With 4.2 scoreless innings and six strikeouts over four outings in September, it appears the Orioles are starting to get the best out of Fujinami. He still has a 7.15 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 79:39 K:BB through 73 innings this year, but he's been much more effective as a reliever with Baltimore than he was in any role with Oakland to begin the campaign.

Alcala (forearm) began a rehab assignment with Low-A Fort Myers on Saturday, broadcaster John Vittas reports.

Alcala struck out a pair in a clean inning and averaged 97.5 mph with his fastball. It was the first game appearance for the 28-year-old since he was diagnosed with a radial stress fracture of his right forearm back in mid-May. Alcala is aiming to rejoin the Twins' bullpen later this month.

Winn will start for the Giants on Sunday against the Rockies, Danny Emerman of KNBR 680 San Francisco reports.

Prior reports had already suggested that Winn would be part of the Giants' pitching plans for Sunday's series finale, but Emerson's report confirms the rookie will start rather than working in bulk relief behind an opener. The right-hander has gone 0-2 with one save and a 3.33 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 16:6 K:BB across 27 innings with the big club this season.

Okert will serve as the Marlins' opening pitcher Sunday against the Phillies, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

With the Phillies having lefties Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper among their first three hitters, the Marlins' decision to deploy the left-handed Okert at the start of the game makes sense. The Marlins haven't designated a primary pitcher to work behind Okert, but Bryan Hoeing and Edward Cabrera would seem to be the most logical candidates.

Marinaccio was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Saturday.

Marinaccio tossed a scoreless innings against the Brewers on Saturday but needed 32 pitches to do so. The Yankees will announce a corresponding move prior to Sunday's contest, and it seems likely to involve a reliever.

Krook was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Saturday.

Krook was roughed up for four runs while failing to record an out in Saturday's loss to the Brewers. The Yankees will announce a corresponding move prior to Sunday's game.