MLB Player News

Backhus allowed two runs on two hits over one-third of an inning in Monday's 7-5 extra-inning loss to Texas.

Backhus entered the top of the ninth inning to close out Arizona's 5-3 lead but couldn't convert on the opportunity. He wasn't charged with a blown save, but it felt like one. The Diamondbacks' closer spot has been in flux since losing Justin Martinez (elbow), A.J. Puk (elbow) and Kevin Ginkel (shoulder) to injury.

Alexander started in center field and went 1-for-4 with a triple, an RBI and a run scored in Monday's 7-5 extra-inning loss to the Rangers.

Arizona manager Torey Lovullo discussed Alexander's shifting role last week, including time in the outfield. The outfield skews lefty, particularly in center field, and Alexander gives the manager a right-handed option against southpaws, as was the case Monday against Texas lefty Patrick Corbin. Alexander then showed off his versatility by playing left field when Lourdes Gurriel (knee) was removed, and he eventually also played third base by the end of the game. He's been on a roll over the last week, going 7-for-21 with five extra-base hits, five RBI, one steal and seven runs scored over the last six contests.

Turang went 2-for-3 with a solo home run and two walks Monday in a 10-8 loss to the Phillies.

Turang got Milwaukee off to a quick start with a solo blast to lead off the bottom half of the first inning. The long ball was his second in as many days, and Turang has now gone deep 11 times across his past 28 contests. Over that stretch, he's slashing a robust .340/.407/.708 with 24 RBI, 23 runs and three stolen bases. The power surge has seemingly come out to nowhere -- prior to that 28-game stretch, Turang had homered just once over his previous 30 appearances.

Bader went 3-for-5 with two doubles, two runs and three RBI in Monday's 10-8 win against Milwaukee.

Bader drove in his first run with a double in the sixth inning and added another RBI double in the eighth before plating the final run of the contest with a single in the ninth. The veteran outfielder notched his third performance of at least three hits over his past 10 games, a period in which he's slashed .471/.514/.765 with a home run, five RBI and seven runs. Bader has earned a near-everyday spot in the lineup with his productive stretch, as he's started nine of the Phillies' past 10 games.

Misiorowski allowed three runs on six hits and one walk while striking out four batters over 4.1 innings in a no-decision against Philadelphia on Monday.

Misiorowski was less than dazzling against the Phillies, though he did get 12 whiffs among his 73 pitches. The rookie hurler did fine with just one run allowed until the fifth inning, but in that frame the Phillies got to him for two runs on two hits and a walk while he retired just one batter. Misiorowski has faded over his past four appearances, allowing 14 earned runs over 14.2 innings despite a 22:8 K:BB over that span. He'll look to get back on the track in what could be a favorable matchup next time out, as he's in line to face the Pirates in Pittsburgh this weekend.

Duran notched a save against the Brewers on Monday with a perfect inning of work.

Duran needed just six pitches to retire Milwaukee in order in the ninth inning. The right-handed closer has successfully converted nine of 10 save opportunities since joining Philadelphia at the trade deadline, registering a 1.69 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 13:0 K:BB over 10.2 frames spanning 13 appearances over that stretch. Duran's save Monday was his 25th of the campaign, and he's just two shy of the career-high mark he established with Minnesota in 2023.

Walker allowed five runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out two batters over four innings in a no-decision against Milwaukee on Monday.

Walker fell behind quickly, allowing four runs over his first two innings. He gave up just one more run across his final two frames, and Philadelphia's offense exploded late to take Walker off the hook for a loss. Nonetheless, this wasn't a promising start by the right-hander -- the five runs he yielded were a season high, and four of the seven hits (two doubles and two homers) he allowed went for extra bases. Walker hasn't pitched more than five innings in any of his past three starts, posting a 7.71 ERA, 1.86 WHIP and 10:6 K:BB across 14 frames during that span. He'll look to do better in his next start, which is tentatively slated to take place in Miami this weekend.

Tauchman went 2-for-5 with a double and two RBI on Monday against the Twins.

Tauchman singled in a run in the fifth inning and then drove in a second run in the eighth frame on a double. He has multiple hits in five of his last 10 starts, also recording four RBI and five runs scored. Tauchman remains the White Sox's primary leadoff hitter against right-handed pitching and has an impressive .776 OPS across 337 plate appearances for the season.

Smith went 2-for-4 with two runs scored Monday against the Angels.

Smith performed poorly in August, hitting only .147 across 22 games and 68 at-bats. His performance Monday marked his first multi-hit game since Aug. 11, a span of 12 starts. Smith has started to lose playing time against right-handed pitching and that will likely continue unless he can get back on track at the plate.

Pena went 2-for-4 with two doubles, a walk, an RBI and a run scored Monday against the Angels.

Pena played a big role in the Astros' eight-run performance Tuesday, leading off the third inning with a double before coming around to score. Three frames later, he drove in a run with another two-base hit. Pena has multiple hits in five of his last 10 starts, also tallying six RBI and five runs scored in that span.