MLB Player News

Nootbaar hit a solo home run in his only at-bat in Sunday's 2-1 loss to the Dodgers.

Nootbaar's eighth-inning blast off Daniel Hudson ended up being the Cardinals' lone run in the game. Nootbaar has dropped into a strong-side platoon role with the Cardinals committing to Jordan Walker in right field against left-handed pitchers. It's a fair role reduction -- Nootbaar hadn't homered since July 21 and has gone just 6-for-30 (.200) over 14 contests in August. He's now slashing .231/.322/.385 with eight homers, 24 RBI, 22 runs scored and five stolen bases through 268 plate appearances this year.

Del Castillo went 1-for-5 with a three-run home run Sunday against the Rays.

Del Castillo's second homer of the season was a clutch three-run shot that tied the game in the ninth, sending it into extras. The catcher was 0-for-4 going into that at-bat, rendering him in a 1-for-16 slump prior to the blast. Del Castillo began his big-league career on fire, going 7-for-12 with three extra-base hits and five RBI. With 24 homers in the minors prior to his call up, Del Castillo has the potential to provide intriguing pop from the catcher position while Gabriel Moreno remains sidelined for the Diamondbacks.

Carroll went 2-for-5 with a two-run home run and two additional runs scored Sunday against the Rays.

Carroll's eighth-inning blast was his 13th of the season and pulled the Diamondbacks to within three runs. It was Carroll's fifth homer in 10 starts since Aug. 7 to go along with a triple, 11 RBI, 15 runs scored, a stolen base and a .293 average over 41 at-bats. In what has been a down season for Carroll, he appears to be revving things back up with the stretch-run approaching.

Abrams went 2-for-4 with a walk and three stolen bases in Sunday's win against the Phillies.

Abrams wreaked havoc on the basepaths, swiping three bases in a game for the third time this season. The 23-year-old entered Sunday's contest mired in an 0-for-14 slump with five strikeouts over his past four games, part of a rough August in which he has batted .189 with four extra-base hits and five stolen bases in 15 games. The young shortstop has put together a well-rounded season despite his recent struggles, batting .248 with 17 home runs, 59 RBI, 71 runs scored and 25 steals in 115 games played.

Finnegan pitched a scoreless ninth inning to pick up his 31st save of the season Sunday against the Phillies, allowing one hit with zero strikeouts.

Finnegan allowed a leadoff single to Edmundo Sosa, but he quickly put an end to the scare, inducing a double play and a groundout to secure his 31st save of the season, good for third in MLB. The 32-year-old has been shaky since the All-Star break, logging an unsightly 8.38 ERA, 2.07 WHIP and 6:5 K:BB in 9.2 innings. Despite the rough patch, Finnegan has converted all six save chances during that span and is now 31-for-35 in save opportunities this season.

Kelly did not factor into the decision, allowing six runs on eight hits and two walks over five innings Sunday against the Rays. He struck out four.

Kelly struggled mightily in his second start since returning from a stint on the 60-day IL with a shoulder injury. Despite allowing five runs through five, Kelly was allowed to start the sixth. However, he walked both batters he faced in the inning, and he was pulled with one of those batters later coming around to score, saddling him with six earned runs allowed. On a promising note, Kelly was extended to 96 pitches -- 11 more than he tossed in his previous start -- indicating that he's not being governed by any restrictions. This marked his first outing this season in which he's allowed more than two runs, lifting his ERA from 2.43 to 3.63. His next opportunity to take the hill is scheduled to come next week when the Diamondbacks travel to Boston to take on the Red Sox.

Walker did not factor into the decision in Sunday's loss to the Nationals, allowing three earned runs on four hits and three walks in 4.2 innings. He struck out three.

Walker started strong, throwing three scoreless innings before allowing a two-run blast to Keibert Ruiz in the fourth inning. Walker surrendered another home run in the fifth -- a solo shot to Alex Call. Walker has been mediocre in two starts since returning from a finger injury, pitching to a 6.23 ERA, 1.62 WHIP and an ugly 8:6 K:BB in 8.2 innings. The 32-year-old will look to rebound in his next start, currently scheduled for next weekend in Kansas City.

Irvin came away with a no-decision in Sunday's win against the Phillies, allowing four earned runs on eight hits and one walk while striking out five in six innings.

Irvin was not at his best Sunday, allowing eight hits and matching his season-worst with three home runs allowed. However, all three long balls were solo shots, limiting the damage against a potent Phillies lineup. The 27-year-old's performance has slipped since the All-Star break -- Irvin owns a 4.89 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 28:6 K:BB with 10 home runs allowed in 35 innings since the intermission. Irvin will look to right the ship in his next start, currently scheduled for next weekend in Atlanta.

Abbott (10-10) took the loss Sunday, allowing four runs on six hits and one walk over five innings against the Royals. He struck out four.

Abbott didn't pitch particularly poorly but was mainly done in by the ninth spot in the order, with Dairon Blanco leading off the third with a bunt single and a stolen base that eventually led to the initial run, then a homer by Blanco in the fifth that pushed the deficit to three. An additional run scored on a sac fly, and Abbott's outing was over after five innings. Sunday marked the eighth consecutive outing for Abbott in which he's alternated allowing two runs or less followed immediately by four runs or more. It was also his fourth loss in five decisions after winning eight of his previous 10. If the trend holds, Abbott would notch a quality start during his next outing, and the matchup seems to fall in line with that possibility as he's next slated for a road matchup against the punchless Pirates.

Kershaw (2-2) allowed four hits and a walk over six shutout innings Sunday, striking out two and earning a win over St. Louis.

Kershaw allowed just one Cardinal to reach scoring position and forced a pair of double plays in his smooth outing. It was his first quality start of the year, and he appears to be settling in after missing the first half due to his offseason shoulder surgery. Over his last three outings, Kershaw has produced a 1.10 ERA with a 13:3 K:BB over 16.1 frames. Through five starts, he owns a 2.63 ERA. Kershaw is currently lined up for a home matchup with the Rays next weekend.