MLB Player News

Merrill went 1-for-2 with a solo home run, a walk and a stolen base in Thursday's 4-1 loss to the Cardinals.

Merrill was one of the Padres' few bright spots in Thursday's defeat, launching a homer, his 20th of the year, off Sonny Gray in the fifth inning for San Diego's lone run before swiping his 16th base. The 21-year-old rookie continues to impress -- he's batting .329 (29-for-85) with seven long balls and 15 extra-base hits in his last 23 games. Overall, Merrill is slashing .291/.324/.494 on the campaign with 76 RBI and 67 runs scored across 497 plate appearances.

Diaz allowed three runs on three hits and a walk while failing to record an out, taking a blown save in Thursday's 10-9 win over the Athletics.

Diaz has blown his last two save chances and hasn't converted one since Aug. 13. He served up a solo home run to Lawrence Butler and a two-run single to Seth Brown before he was pulled from the contest, and Emilio Pagan was able to prevent any further damage. The Reds then rallied for three runs in their half of the frame to spare Diaz from the loss. Diaz is now 24-for-28 in save chances this year while pitching to a poor 4.86 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 46:28 K:BB across 46.1 innings. The homer he allowed Thursday was the career-high sixth he's given up this year, which is more concerning given this is also Diaz's smallest workload in his three-year career.

Aguiar allowed six runs on 10 hits and a walk while striking out one over four innings in a no-decision versus the Athletics on Thursday.

Aguiar allowed three home runs, including two to Lawrence Butler. This was the worst of Aguiar's first three major-league starts, though this was his first start at home in Cincinnati's hitter-friendly Great American Ball Park. Aguiar now has a 6.43 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 7:4 K:BB across 14 innings. The Reds have dealt with a significant number of injuries to starting pitchers this year, so Aguiar has a chance to stick in the rotation over the final month of the season. He's tentatively projected to make his next start at home versus the Astros.

King (11-8) took the loss Thursday against the Cardinals, allowing two unearned runs on six hits and four walks over 4.1 innings. He struck out three.

While both runs against King were unearned, the right-hander struggled with his command again Thursday, eventually needing 103 pitches to make it through just 4.1 innings. King's now issued 10 walks in his last three starts (15.1 innings) -- he's allowed nine runs in that span, though just three have been earned. Overall, King sports a 3.05 ERA with a 1.21 WHIP and 177:57 K:BB across 150.2 innings this season. The right-hander lines up for a home matchup with the Tigers in his next outing.

Graterol (hamstring) did fielding drills, including covering first base, Thursday, David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports reports.

Graterol has been ramping up his activity throughout the week, as he also threw a bullpen session Wednesday. He's expected to throw a simulated game this weekend and should head out on a rehab assignment shortly thereafter.

Helsley earned the save Thursday, turning in a perfect ninth inning with no strikeouts in a 4-1 win over San Diego.

Helsley has now gone eight straight innings without allowing a run, lowering his ERA to 2.38 on the season with a 1.18 WHIP and 62:22 K:BB across 56.2 frames. He's converted an MLB-leading 41 saves in 44 chances.

X-rays on Bohm's left hand returned negative Thursday, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.

Bohm exited Thursday's game against Atlanta after hurting his hand on a swing. Initial tests suggest the injury isn't all that serious, but an MRI could be more revealing, depending on the nature of the issue.

Gray (12-9) earned the win Thursday over the Padres, allowing one run on three hits over six innings. He struck out four.

Gray was excellent Thursday, allowing a lone run on a Jackson Merrill solo homer in the fifth inning. The win snapped a three-start losing streak for Gray, who'd struggled to a 7.31 ERA while allowing six home runs in his previous 16 innings. The 34-year-old right-hander now sports a 3.96 ERA with a 1.10 WHIP and 179:36 K:BB across 25 starts (147.2 innings). Gray's currently lined up to face the Brewers on the road in his next outing.

Glasnow (elbow) will play catch Friday, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Glasnow's recovery from elbow tendinitis had been stalled for a few days, but he'll resume throwing Friday. Manager Dave Roberts shared optimism that Glasnow would return to the mound this season, but he did not commit to that outcome.

Bohm (hand) was removed from Thursday's game against Atlanta due to left hand discomfort, Alex Coffey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Bohm appeared to suffer a hand injury on a swing in the first inning. He ultimately stayed in the game for one additional frame before being pulled. The Phillies did not release any additional information but did say that Bohm will undergo further evaluation.