MLB Player News

Brasier allowed one hit and struck out one in a scoreless eighth inning to earn his ninth hold in Thursday's 5-3 win over the Marlins.

Quietly, Brasier has emerged as a go-to setup man for Boston manager Ron Roenicke. He's allowed just one run with 21:7 K:BB over his last 15 appearances spanning 16 innings, filling an eighth-inning role that was supposed to be handled by Josh Taylor (shoulder) and/or Darwinzon Hernandez (shoulder).

Heuer (3-0) pitched 1.2 scoreless innings to record the win Thursday against the Twins.

Heuer was the pitcher of record when the White Sox plated two runs in the seventh inning to take the lead and clinch a playoff spot. The 24-year-old right-hander has not allowed run over his last seven appearances, spanning 8.1 innings. Aaron Bummer's biceps injury has created opportunities for guys like Heuer, Matt Foster and Evan Marshall to work setup in front of closer Alex Colome.

Gallegos (groin) is expected to throw a bullpen session soon, the Associated Press reports.

Gallegos has been on the injured list since Friday after straining his groin the night prior against the Tigers. If the right-hander is able to throw his bullpen soon and do so without setbacks, he could remain on target to return when first eligible Monday.

Zimmermann did not factor into the decision during Thursday's loss to the Rays, surrendering five runs on four hits and a walk while striking out two across three innings.

It was a tough MLB debut for Zimmermann, who failed to make it past the third inning, throwing 32 of 53 pitches for strikes. Most of his damage came via the long ball, including a three-run home run by Willy Adames in the first inning and a solo blast by Hunter Renfroe in the third. The 25-year-old, who is not expected to remain in the rotation, posted a 4.89 ERA, 1.62 WHIP and 33:18 K:BB across seven Triple-A starts in 2019.

Richards took a no-decision during Thursday's win over the Orioles, allowing four runs on five hits and a pair of walks while striking out four across 3.1 innings.

Richards, who was recalled from the team's alternate training site ahead of Thursday's start, struggled in the second half of Thursday's twin bill. After giving up a pair of home runs and an RBI double, the 27-year-old was lifted after 3.1 innings. The short performance was typical for Richards, who has failed to complete five innings in any of his nine appearances. Overall this season, the right-hander holds a 5.91 ERA and 1.72 WHIP across 32 innings.

Herget will serve as the opener for Friday's game against the Angels.

Herget will likely be tasked with handling the first inning or so in this one, considering he hasn't pitched more than two frames this season. Wes Benjamin is in line to pitch the bulk of Friday's innings.

Phillips was optioned to Baltimore's alternate training site following Thursday's doubleheader against the Rays.

After serving as the 29th man for Thursday's twin bill, Phillips will make his way back to Double-A Bowie, as expected. He looked sharp in Game 2, striking out all four of the batters he faced.

Barnes picked up the save by striking out one in a scoreless ninth inning Thursday night against the Marlins.

Barnes punched out the first batter of the ninth and then induced a pair of lineouts to end the ballgame. He's now converted on five of his last six save chances and has the closer's role well in hand. Barnes owns a 4.35 ERA and 1.40 WHIP with a 29:12 K:BB across 20.2 frames in 2020.

Raley struck out one and did not allow a baserunner in a scoreless inning to earn the save Thursday against the Rangers.

Raley came in with the Astros up 2-1 and retired the side in order on only five pitches to earn his first save. He hasn't had particularly strong surface results since joining the team Aug. 11, putting up a 5.27 ERA. However, he had a 0.95 WHIP with a 17:4 K:BB across 13.2 frames entering Thursday's contest, so the team may be willing to turn to him in high-leverage situations to close the campaign. Primary closer Ryan Pressly has struggled of late, allowing two earned runs across his last 3.1 frames.

Ponce de Leon is set to start Game 2 of Friday's doubleheader aginst the Pirates, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports.

Ponce de Leon will be recalled from the Cardinals' alternate training site to toe the rubber Friday night on just three days of rest, per Jones. The right-hander put together a solid outing in his last start Monday against the Brewers, allowing two runs on four hits and a walk while fanning nine over six innings of work.