MLB Player News

Fraley isn't in the Reds' lineup for Saturday's game against the Nationals.

Fraley will start Saturday's game on the bench with left-hander MacKenzie Gore set to start on the bump for Washington. Spencer Steer, Austin Slater and Rece Hinds will start across the outfield while Fraley rests.

Phillips wasn't used in the ninth inning with the Dodgers holding a 4-1 lead over Boston on Friday, and Daniel Hudson instead closed out the contest to earn a save.

Phillips entered Friday having squandered his last two save opportunities and holding a 7.50 ERA over his past six appearances dating back to June 30. He's been seeing more work outside the ninth inning over the past month, though those instances have largely been in high-leverage situations in which Phillips faced the opponent's top hitters. It's important to note, however, that the right-hander has struggled against lefties this season -- they've posted a .961 OPS against him, and all four of the homers Phillips has given up have come against left-handed hitters. That likely explains Phillips' absence in the ninth Friday, as all three of Boston's batters in the frame were lefties. Phillips should still be considered the top closing option for Los Angeles, but it's becoming increasingly clear that other relievers will also get save chances for the team depending on the situation.

Winker isn't in Washington's lineup Saturday against the Reds.

Winker and his .667 OPS against southpaws will take a seat on the bench to begin Saturday's game as left-hander Nick Lodolo starts on the mound for Cincinnati. Harold Ramirez will fill in as the Nationals' DH and bat fourth.

Garcia isn't in the Nationals' lineup for Saturday's game against Cincinnati.

The lefty-hitting Garcia will take a seat Saturday as the lefty-throwing Nick Lodolo prepares to start on the bump for the Reds. Ildemaro Vargas will take over at the keystone and bat sixth.

Ruiz isn't in the Nationals' lineup for Saturday's game against the Reds.

Ruiz will take a seat Saturday after hitting his seventh home run of the season during Friday's victory. In his place, Riley Adams will start behind the dish and bat fifth.

The Phillies optioned Mercado to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Saturday, Alex Coffey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Mercado was lit up for six earned runs in four innings during his last appearance against Oakland on Sunday, and he'll now head back to Triple-A in order to right the ship. Yunior Marte was recalled from Lehigh Valley to fill the open spot in Philadelphia's bullpen.

The Phillies optioned Marchan to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Saturday, Alex Coffey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

J.T. Realmuto (knee) was activated from the injured list Saturday, squeezing Marchan off the big-league roster. The 25-year-old backstop owns a solid .894 OPS through 56 plate appearances with the Phillies, though he'll remain in the minors as long as Realmuto and Garrett Stubbs are both active.

The Phillies recalled Marte from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Saturday, Alex Coffey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Although Marte owns a 6.92 ERA and 2.23 WHIP in Triple-A, he's been much more effective in the majors with a 3.31 ERA and 1.35 WHIP through 16.1 frames. He'll now rejoin the Phillies to give their bullpen a fresh arm, taking the place of Michael Mercado.

The Phillies reinstated Realmuto (knee) from the 10-day injured list Saturday, Alex Coffey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Realmuto has been on the injured list since June 11 after undergoing right meniscus surgery. Manager Rob Thomson said before the All-Star break that it was unlikely the 33-year-old backstop would return during the weekend series, but Realmuto's progressed through his recovery faster than expected and will be active for Saturday's game versus Pittsburgh. Rafael Marchan will head back to Triple-A Lehigh Valley in a corresponding move, and Realmuto will reclaim his spot as Philadelphia's everyday catcher after slashing .261/.309/.411 during the first half.

The Reds recalled Legumina from Triple-A Louisville on Saturday.

Legumina allowed two earned runs in two innings during his lone MLB appearance April 22, though he has fared much better in Triple-A since then, posting a 2.78 ERA and 1.08 WHIP across 32.1 innings. He'll now return to the big leagues as bullpen depth to make up for the loss of Brent Suter (shoulder).