MLB Player News

Reds manager Terry Francona said that Pagan was unavailable to pitch in Thursday's win over the White Sox due to hand soreness, Chatterbox Sports reports.

With Pagan unavailable, Julian Garcia gave up a run but hung on to notch his second career save. Francona noted that Pagan "really wanted to pitch," but the manager exercised caution and held him out. Pagan will be examined Friday when the Reds return home, and more will be known after that regarding his availability for this weekend's series against the Marlins. If Pagan needs to miss additional time, Pierce Johnson, Tejay Antone and Garcia are among the candidates to see save chances for the Reds.

The Dodgers outrighted Barnes to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Thursday.

It's the second time in the last few weeks that Barnes has been booted off the Dodgers' 40-man roster. He wound up re-signing on a minor-league contract the first time and could do so again. Barnes has a 6.92 ERA and 6:7 K:BB over 13 innings covering five appearances between the Cubs and Dodgers this season.

Mayer (forearm) went 1-for-2 with a walk and a solo home run Thursday in his first rehab game with Triple-A Sacramento.

Mayer showed no rust in his first game in nearly two months, hitting a laser over the center-field wall in his second plate appearance. He played five innings at second base before being lifted. Per Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area, the Giants don't think Mayer will need many rehab games before joining the big-league roster. Mayer has been sidelined since late June with a stress reaction in his left forearm.

The Giants selected Hill's contract from Triple-A Sacramento on Thursday.

It's the first major-league promotion for Hill, who has had an excellent season at Sacramento, posting a .353/.420/.529 batting line with nine home runs, 22 stolen bases and a 37:31 BB:K over 88 contests. The 27-year-old will likely serve as a backup at all three outfield spots.

The Giants transferred Chapman (abdomen) to the 60-day injured list Thursday.

The transaction clears a spot on the 40-man roster for the addition of Turner Hill. Chapman underwent season-ending hernia surgery earlier this week but should be ready to go for the start of spring training.

Muncy went 1-for-2 with a three-run home run in Thursday's 5-4 loss to the Brewers.

Muncy pinch hit for Miguel Rojas in the sixth inning and delivered the Dodgers' biggest hit of the game. Over 11 contests in August, Muncy has gone 8-for-35 (.229) with two homers and 10 RBI. The third baseman is batting .250 with an .832 OPS, 23 homers, 59 RBI, 63 runs scored, 17 doubles, one triple and two stolen bases through 112 contests overall. He primarily works in a strong-side platoon role, though his playing time versus southpaws is rising -- he's started against three of the last five lefties the Dodgers have faced.

Diaz (2-2) allowed three runs on four hits and struck out two over two-thirds of an inning to take the loss and a blown save in Thursday's 5-4 loss to the Brewers.

Diaz struggled and ultimately allowed two runs while on the mound. Alex Vesia was unable to get things under control, allowing one inherited runner to score, which saddled Diaz with the loss as well as a blown save. In August, Diaz has given up seven runs over 3.2 innings while blowing three of his four save chances. While he's still nominally in the closer role, fantasy managers don't have as much leeway as the Dodgers do to let him work through his issues. Diaz has an 11.57 ERA, 2.49 WHIP and 18:8 K:BB over 11.2 innings while converting just six of 10 save chances on the year.

Sasaki allowed two runs on four hits and five walks while striking out two over six innings in a no-decision versus the Brewers on Thursday.

While it was Sasaki's third quality start in his last four outings, the five walks matched his season high. He's given up just eight runs (seven earned) over his last 30 innings while adding a 28:12 K:BB in that span. Overall, Sasaki is at a 4.46 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 108:45 K:BB through 111 innings over 21 starts this season. His next outing is projected to be on the road in Colorado, which could be trouble given that he's allowed 21 home runs this season.

Bauers went 1-for-4 with a walk, one RBI and one stolen base in Thursday's 5-4 win over the Dodgers.

Bauers delivered an RBI single to give the Brewers the lead in the ninth inning, then stole second in an attempt to help them build on their rally. Bauers had been caught stealing on his previous two attempts, though he has logged three thefts since the All-Star break. On the year, the first baseman is hitting .268 with an .871 OPS, 21 home runs, 68 RBI, 69 runs scored, 17 doubles, two triples and nine steals over 109 contests.

Megill struck out one in a perfect inning to earn the save in Thursday's 5-4 win over the Dodgers.

Megill's scoreless streak is up to nine innings, and he's racked up six punchouts and six saves in that span while allowing just one hit and one walk in total. The closer has 22 saves in 24 chances this season as he continues to be one of the Brewers' best relievers. He's at a 2.44 ERA, 0.83 WHIP and 54:12 K:BB across 48 innings.