MLB Player News

Nunez exited Friday's game against the Angels due to cramps, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

Nunez was able to limp off the field after laying down a sacrifice bunt in the 10th inning, and the Nationals don't seem to be very concerned about his availability. The 23-year-old went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts while filling in for CJ Abrams, who was scratched from the lineup due to back spasms.

Abrams was scratched from the lineup ahead of Friday's game against the Angels due to back spasms, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

Abrams' injury was enough to keep him from playing Friday, but the team doesn't expect it to lead to an extended absence. Nasim Nunez started at shortstop instead Friday but left the game early due to cramping, creating uncertainty over who might get the nod at the position Saturday.

The Nationals optioned Adon to Triple-A Rochester on Friday.

Since rejoining the Nationals bullpen July 30, Adon has given up three earned runs in just 3.1 innings across four appearances. His Triple-A numbers haven't been spectacular either (5.40 ERA, 1.66 WHIP), but there's still a chance he returns to Washington later in the season if the Nats' bullpen depth runs thin.

The Pirates optioned Stratton to Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday, Alex Stumpf of MLB.com reports.

Stratton will end up as the Pirates' roster casualty as Domingo German comes up from Triple-A to give Pittsburgh another long relief option. The 27-year-old Stratton got off to a rough start in the majors this season, though he went unscored upon in five innings during his latest stint with the Pirates.

Parker didn't factor into the decision in Friday's extra-inning win over the Angels, allowing two unearned runs on eight hits over 6,1 innings. He struck out five.

Both of Anaheim's runs came on a Jo Adell homer in the second inning following an errant pickoff throw that extended the frame. Parker's now gone at least six innings without allowing an earned run in back-to-back starts. The left-hander's ERA is down to 3.83 with a 1.20 WHIP and 92:29 K:BB across 112.2 innings in his rookie season. Parker's currently lined up for a road matchup with the Phillies in his next outing.

The Pirates selected German's contract from Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday, Alex Stumpf of MLB.com reports.

German hasn't had much success in Triple-A this season, posting a 5.29 ERA and 1.43 WHIP through 68 innings across 13 starts. He'll join the big-league pitching staff nonetheless and will presumably work out of the bullpen as a multi-inning reliever. Hunter Stratton was optioned to Indianapolis to create space on the active roster, and Josh Walker was DFA'd to open a 40-man roster spot.

Fraley was removed from Friday's game against the Brewers with a sprained left ankle, Gordon Wittenmyer of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Fraley limped out of the batter's box after grounding out to shortstop in the second inning, and he was eventually pulled during the fourth frame. The severity of his injury isn't immediately clear, though the fact he was able to remain in the game for an additional inning could be an indication that he won't need to miss much time.

Bukauskas (triceps) was removed from his rehab appearance at Triple-A Nashville on Friday after getting hit by a comebacker, Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Bukauskas took a 98 mph line drive off his arm and had to leave the game after facing just one batter. The 27-year-old righty was making his fourth appearance at Triple-A since resuming his rehab assignment in late July, but his time in the minors figured to be extended as a result of his latest injury.

McCutchen isn't in the Pirates' lineup Friday against the Dodgers.

McCutchen will sit down for a second consecutive game Friday despite going 6-for-15 with a homer and four RBI since the start of August. His absence will put Joey Bart in as the designated hitter while Yasmani Grandal starts behind the plate.

Bae isn't in the Pirates' lineup for Friday's game against the Dodgers.

Bae has gone 3-for-17 with an RBI since returning from a knee injury that kept him sidelined for four games. He'll now get a breather Friday while Michael Taylor starts in center field and bats ninth.