MLB Player News

Betts went 1-for-3 with a solo home run, a walk and a stolen base in Saturday's 4-3 loss to the Marlins.

Betts opened the scoring with a solo shot in the first inning, reaching the 20-homer milestone for the ninth time in his career. It continued a strong September for the veteran, who's hitting .333 with seven extra-base hits, 14 RBI and 12 runs scored through 10 games this month. On the season, he's slashing .248/.313/.432 with 20 homers, 61 RBI, 63 runs scored and two steals across 470 plate appearances.

Phillips did not factor into the decision in Saturday's 4-3 win over the Dodgers, allowing two runs on two hits and three walks with three strikeouts over 3.2 innings.

Phillips allowed back-to-back homers in the first inning but did keep the Dodgers in check from there despite throwing just 37 of 68 pitches for strikes. It marked the first time the 28-year-old failed to complete at least four frames in a game he started since July 12, and he's now yielded three earned runs or fewer in five straight outings. He owns a 3.55 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 96:51 K:BB across 119 innings this season and lines up for a road matchup with the Padres next weekend.

Glasnow (4-1) took the loss against the Marlins on Saturday, allowing four runs on five hits and four walks with seven strikeouts over four innings.

Glasnow suffered a three-run second inning and labored overall, throwing just 52 of 91 pitches for strikes and departing after walking two straight batters to open the fifth. While the 33-year-old has registered an impressive 28 punchouts through 22 innings (four starts) since returning from the injured list Aug. 25, he owns a 4.91 ERA during that stretch. He'll take a 3.50 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 77:21 K:BB across 61.2 frames into a home matchup with the Giants next weekend.

The Nationals optioned Yean to Triple-A Rochester on Saturday.

The 25-year-old right-hander was just recalled three days ago and has appeared in eight games for the Nationals this season, posting a 2.45 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 7:2 K:BB across 11 innings.

Sasaki (finger) could come off the injured list as early as Thursday against the Reds, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.

It was previously believed Sasaki could return Sunday in Miami, but that's not in the Dodgers' plans. The right-hander hasn't pitched since August 26 due to a blister on his right middle finger. Sasaki has made 23 starts this season, posting a 4.60 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 117:48 K:BB across 119.1 innings. In seven starts since the All-Star break, Sasaki has a 3.05 ERA and 1.28 WHIP over 38.1 frames.

Marte struck out four and allowed three hits and two walks over five scoreless innings of relief in Friday's 7-5 loss to the Padres.

Marte entered the game in the top of the fourth, but it's unclear if he was making a planned piggyback appearance behind starter Anthony Molina. The Giants turned to Marte after Molina was tattooed for seven earned runs on nine hits and two walks across three innings, with the right-hander needing 72 pitches to record his nine outs. Marte pitched impressively in long relief and now owns a 2.45 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 9:6 K:BB across his first 14.2 big-league innings. His strong performance Friday could put him back in the mix to make a start or two before the season comes to a close.

O'Hearn went 1-for-4 with a three-run home run Saturday in a loss to the Cubs.

O'Hearn's long ball was huge at the time, as it turned a two-run deficit into a one-run lead. However, the Pirates' bullpen couldn't hold the advantage, and two Chicago runs in the eighth inning led to a Cubs win. O'Hearn just returned from a six-week stay on the injured list Friday and went 0-for-2 in his first game back after entering late in the contest. He's expected to see action at first base and designated hitter for Pittsburgh down the stretch.

Skenes completed seven innings Saturday, allowing two runs on four hits and one walk while striking out four batters in a no-decision against the Cubs.

Skenes struggled a bit early, giving up a solo homer in both of the first and third innings. However, those were the only hits he allowed during those frames, and the All-Star hurler finished his outing with four straight scoreless innings. Overall, Skenes allowed only six baserunners and was very efficient, needing just 82 pitches (53 strikes) to complete seven innings. He was in line for the win upon his departure, but a late letdown by the Pirates' bullpen spoiled that bid. Though Skenes again didn't do much in the strikeout department, this was a strong performance against a tough offense after he gave up five runs over 5.1 frames the last time he faced the Cubs. Skenes will carry a disappointing 3.78 overall ERA into his next start, which is projected to be at home against Milwaukee.

Mayza will serve as the Phillies' opening pitcher for Saturday's game in Atlanta, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Mayza will make his fifth start of the season, but he has yet to record more than six outs in any of his 54 appearances to date and will likely be limited to 1-to-2 innings. The Phillies don't have an obvious bulk reliever available behind Mayza, but Grant Holman hasn't been used since being recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Sept. 1 and could be called upon to pitch multiple innings once Mayza exits.

Zeferjahn notched a save against the Pirates on Saturday by striking out the only batter he faced.

Chicago took a one-run lead in the bottom of the eighth inning and began the ninth with Ryan Rolison, who had already completed one frame, on the mound. Rolison gave up an infield single followed by two outs, and manager Craig Counsell then turned to Zeferjahn, who struck out Bryan Reynolds on six pitches to slam the door shut. The save was Zeferjahn's second over his past three outings dating back to Sept. 5, and no other Cubs reliever has logged a save during that stretch. Jacob Webb and Daniel Palencia have both had their share of struggles lately, so Zeferjahn could be sneaking into the closer mix late in the campaign, though it's too early to say he's the team's primary ninth-inning option.