MLB Player News

Santana earned a save against the Cubs on Monday, striking out one batter in a perfect inning of work.

Pittsburgh scored five runs across the eighth and ninth frames to build a two-run lead heading into the bottom of the ninth. With David Bednar recently demoted from the closer role and Aroldis Chapman handling the eighth inning, Santana was given the chance to close things out, and he succeeded by retiring the side in order on 13 pitches. Bednar's demotion could be only temporary, but while he's handling lower-leverage situations Santana and Chapman appear to be the favorites to get any save chances that come along.

Jones allowed three runs on six hits and one walk while striking out four batters over 6.1 innings in a no-decision against the Cubs on Monday.

Jones was tagged for five runs over four innings against the Cubs in his return from a lengthy stay on the injured list last Tuesday, but he was much better in a rematch against Chicago on Monday. The rookie right-hander threw 60 of 87 pitches for strikes and walked just one batter, but a solo homer by Dansby Swanson (who also homered against Jones in his previous outing) and a two-run triple by Ian Happ put him in line for the loss until Pittsburgh's offense came to life in the eighth inning. Jones wasn't quite as effective as he was early in the campaign when he posted a 3.05 ERA and averaged nearly seven punchouts per game over his first 10 outings, but he did manage his 10th quality start of the season while providing optimism that he can finish off what has been a promising rookie campaign on a high note.

Suarez went 3-for-4 with a solo home run, a double and two additional runs scored during Monday's 11-6 loss to the Dodgers.

Suarez tagged Michael Petersen for a solo shot in the eighth inning, marking the third baseman's third long ball in the last four games. During that stretch, Suarez has gone 6-for-16 (.375) with six runs and seven RBI. He boasts a .758 OPS across 540 plate appearances this year.

Hernandez went 5-for-5 with a double, a triple, a stolen base and two runs scored during Monday's 11-6 win over Arizona.

Hernandez logged five hits for the third time in his career and also tallied his second triple and 10th stolen base of the season. The performance was Hernandez's first multi-hit game since Aug. 21. Since the start of August, Hernandez has gone 33-for-108 (.306) with six homers, six steals, 18 RBI and 20 runs.

Freeman went 2-for-3 with two two-run home runs and a sacrifice fly during Monday's 11-6 win over the Diamondbacks.

Freeman notched his first multi-homer performance of the campaign, pushing the first baseman over 20 long balls for an eighth consecutive year, discounting the shortened 2020 campaign. Freeman has gone yard in three of his last four games, going 6-for-15 (.295) with 10 RBI and four runs scored during that stretch. The 34-year-old boasts a .880 OPS in 549 plate appearances.

Rodriguez (2-1) took the loss Monday against the Dodgers, allowing three runs on seven hits and two walks across four innings. He struck out one.

Monday's outing was Rodriguez's fifth of the season and marked his first time failing to complete five innings. The left-hander suffered his first loss of the year and yielded a two-run home run to Freddie Freeman in the third inning. Rodriguez has been serviceable since coming off the IL in early August with three runs or fewer given up in four of his five starts, though his 5.33 ERA and 6.0 K/9 are underwhelming.

Flaherty (11-6) picked up the win Monday against Arizona, allowing one run on five hits and three walks across 5.2 innings. He struck out seven.

Flaherty walked more than two batters for the first time this season, but he allowed only one of eight baserunners to score. The 28-year-old has struck out seven or more batters in four of six starts with Los Angeles, tallying a 3.18 ERA and a 1.29 ERA across 34 innings since the trade. Flaherty is tentatively scheduled to close out a two-start week against the Guardians this weekend.

Happ went 2-for-4 with a triple and two RBI in Monday's 5-3 loss to the Pirates.

Happ hit just his second triple of the season as he continues to serve as an effective tablesetter for the Cubs. The veteran outfielder is batting a scorching .386 over his last 10 games with eight extra-base hits and 10 RBI. With a prominent spot in a productive lineup, Happ should continue to post good counting stats the rest of the way, especially if he keeps up his recent level of play.

Swanson went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and an additional run scored in Monday's 5-3 loss to the Pirates.

Swanson launched his 13th home run of the season in the third inning, helping the Cubs build an early 3-0 lead that they eventually squandered. Chicago's shortstop has largely fallen short of expectations overall this year with a .687 OPS, but he's been more productive of late, posting a .296 average with four long balls and 14 RBI across his last 15 games. Swanson should continue to see regular playing time as the Cubs fight to stay in the playoff race.

Maton earned a save against the Red Sox on Monday, striking out two batters in a perfect ninth inning.

Primary closer Edwin Diaz had pitched four times in five days coming into Monday, so he was held out with the Mets ahead by three runs entering the top of the ninth. Maton filled Diaz's usual role well, fanning two batters and retiring the side in order on 12 pitches. This was Maton's first save as a member of the Mets, but he's been very good in a high-leverage role since moving to New York from Tampa Bay on July 9, racking up eight holds and posting a 1.77 ERA along with a 22:5 K:BB over 20.1 frames.