MLB Player News

Ferguson will start Sunday's game against the Padres as the opener, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Chances are, the lefty Ferguson will only pitch an inning or two before giving way to right-hander Ryan Pepiot. Ferguson has not worked more than 1.1 innings in any appearance this season.

Manaea (7-8) took the loss against the Dodgers on Saturday, surrendering eight runs on nine hits and one walk while striking out four batters over 4.1 innings.

Manaea was in trouble from the get-go, falling behind 2-0 after two batters on a home run by Trea Turner. That was one of three long balls the southpaw gave up in the game, the last of which -- a Justin Turner two-run bomb in the fifth inning -- sent him to the showers. Manaea has been hit hard in each of his past two starts, giving up a combined 14 runs and 19 hits over 8.1 frames. His season ERA is up to 5.27, which is on pace to be the worst of his career.

Schreiber picked up the save Saturday against the Rangers. He struck out one over two-thirds of a scoreless inning.

Matt Barnes allowed singles to three of the first four batters he faced to open the ninth, prompting manager Alex Cora to make the switch to Schreiber, who got out of the jam on six pitches. Garrett Whitlock had previously worked the seventh and eighth innings. Schreiber has established himself as a key part of the late-inning mix in Boston (2.15 ERA) and could eventually separate himself from the pack.

Treinen needed only five pitches to complete a perfect inning against the Padres on Saturday.

Treinen was activated by Los Angeles on Friday and made his first big-league appearance since April 14 the following day. The right-hander made things look easy, retiring all three batters he faced on a combined five pitches. This wasn't a high-leverage situation, but Treinen figures to see plenty of those down the stretch.

Doval picked up the save in Saturday's 5-4 win over Philadelphia. He struck out two over 1.1 perfect innings.

Manager Gabe Kapler called upon Doval with the tying run at third base in the eighth inning, and Doval struck out Matt Vierling swinging to end the threat. He then retired the side in order in the ninth to secure his 19th save of the season. Doval blew a save chance in his final appearance of August and has lost out on chances to others here and there throughout the campaign, but he's pitched well in the primary role (2.78 ERA, 19-for-22 in save opportunities).

Akin (3-1) pitched two perfect innings and struck out one to earn the win Saturday over the Athletics.

Akin escaped a one-out, bases-loaded jam he inherited from Austin Voth in the fourth inning. He stayed in for the fifth and got the first out of the sixth before giving way to Joey Krehbiel. Akin was solid in long relief early in the year, but he had a rough August, giving up 11 runs (six earned) across 11.2 innings, good for a 4.63 ERA and 1.46 WHIP. He's off to a better start in September, and he now has a 2.70 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 62:16 K:BB through 70 innings overall while adding two saves and three holds.

Voth allowed a run on six hits and struck out four over 3.1 innings in a no-decision during Saturday's 8-1 win over the Athletics.

Voth wasn't particularly efficient, throwing 47 of 70 pitches for strikes in the short outing. Manager Brandon Hyde opted to pull the starter after he allowed three straight singles to load the bases in the fourth inning, and Keegan Akin escaped the jam without allowing a run. Voth hasn't allowed more than two runs in his last five outings, covering 26.1 innings in that span. He's completed five innings seven times this year, including six of his last seven appearances. The 30-year-old righty has a 4.41 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 73:25 K:BB through 81.2 innings this year between Baltimore and Washington, though his ratios with the Orioles (2.71 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 55:19 K:BB) in 63 innings are much more encouraging than the season-long marks.

Oller (2-7) took the loss Saturday versus the Orioles, allowing six runs on eight hits and three walks with four strikeouts in five innings.

Oller allowed all six runs via four of the Orioles' five home runs in the contest. Ryan Mountcastle had a pair of two-run blasts while Cedric Mullins and Anthony Santander added solo shots. Oller had gone five outings since he last allowed multiple homers. The dismal start raised his ERA to 6.01 with a 1.57 WHIP and 44:37 K:BB through 73.1 innings across 18 appearances (13 starts). Oakland appears set to roll with a six-man rotation, with Oller expected to draw a home start versus the White Sox next weekend.

Junis did not factor into the decision Saturday, allowing three runs (two earned) on seven hits and two walks over 4.1 innings against the Phillies. He struck out five.

The Giants staked Junis to a lead twice within the first three innings, but he gave up the lead both times. While Junis looked like a new man earlier in the season, he has run into trouble lately, surrendering 11 earned runs and four home runs in his last three starts. Junis is pitching through a small fracture on the palm of his left (non-throwing) hand.

Pressly (neck) threw a 26-pitch bullpen session Saturday and is on track to return when first eligible Tuesday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Pressly is out due to neck spasms, but that may be partially due to the fact that the Astros can afford to be extra cautious due to their comfortable lead atop the American League standings. Unless something goes wrong in the next two days, the veteran closer will be able to return as soon as possible and will not require a rehab assignment.