MLB Player News

The Reds are having Stephenson fitted for a thumb guard that will be inserted inside a catcher's mitt, MLB.com reports.

Stephenson sustained a fractured left thumb earlier this month and was placed on the injured list Aug. 20 (retroactive to Aug. 17). That he's being fitted for a guard indicates the club feels Stephenson can still play this season; however, Cincinnati will proceed with caution and let the fracture heal before speculating on a timeframe for his return.

Gurriel went 1-for-4 with two RBI in Friday's 6-5 extra-innings win over the Reds.

Gurriel produced the Diamondbacks' first run with a first-inning sacrifice fly and then ended matters in the 11th with a run-scoring single. He's hit safely in eight consecutive contests, with three home runs. He has 14 RBI during the hit streak and 25 over 20 August contests.

Thompson (shoulder) threw a simulated game Friday, MLB.com reports.

Thompson has been throwing regularly the last two weeks and has graduated to sessions that mimic a game environment, meaning he's getting up and down multiple times. The next step is expected to be a minor-league or a camp game before the right-hander is activated.

Civale took a no-decision Friday against the Twins, allowing four runs on five hits and four walks in five innings. He struck out five.

Civale was able to make it through three scoreless innings to begin his outing, but a Royce Lewis grand slam in the fourth inning left a major mark on the hurler's ledger. The veteran right-hander has now fanned at least five in five of his last six starts, though the four walks Friday tied a season high. Civale has a 5.05 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 51:25 K:BB over 62.1 innings for the White Sox this year, and he'll remain a volatile fantasy option next week at home versus the division-rival Royals.

Matthews took a no-decision Friday against the White Sox, allowing four runs on eight hits and three walks in 4.2 innings. He struck out four.

Matthews tied a season high in hits allowed, and the four punchouts matched a season low. The 25-year-old right-hander has exhibited some promising strikeout upside in 2025, as he's fanned 67 over 52.2 innings, but he's struggled mightily with preventing runs and keeping the hits down while submitting a 5.30 ERA and .288 BAA. Matthews will remain a risky fantasy option in his next scheduled appearance, which is set to be a difficult task on the road against the first-place Blue Jays.

Houser (7-4) earned the win Friday against St. Louis, allowing four runs on six hits and two walks in 6.1 innings. He struck out two.

Houser was working toward firing seven innings of two-run ball, but Nathan Church launched a two-run home run in the seventh frame to prevent the hurler from logging a quality start. The veteran right-hander was quite a pleasant surprise while posting a 1.56 ERA through his first nine starts in 2025, but he's staggered to a 5.18 ERA, 1.58 WHIP and 23:10 K:BB across his last six outings (33 innings). Houser will be aiming to right the ship in his next appearance, currently projected for next weekend against the last-place Nationals.

Moncada went 2-for-4 with a pair of solo home runs in Friday's loss to the Cubs.

The third baseman provided all of Los Angeles' offense, accounting for two of the team's three hits and both runs on the night. The 30-year-old launched a solo shot in the fifth inning before adding another in the seventh, marking his 10th and 11th homers of the year. Moncada has three long balls over his last two contests and the switch hitter is now slashing .239/.330/.478 with 30 RBI and 30 runs scored through 59 games this season.

Palencia earned the save in Friday's victory over the Angels, striking out two in a perfect ninth inning.

The right-hander entered with a one-run lead and slammed the door on Los Angeles to secure his 19th save of the season. Palencia had allowed at least one run in four of his previous six outings, but Friday's performance was a clean rebound effort. On the year, the 25-year-old has been a steady force at the back end of Chicago's bullpen, posting a 1.93 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 51:14 K:BB across 46.2 innings.

Anderson didn't factor into the decision against the Cubs on Friday, allowing two runs on three hits and two walks while striking out five over five innings.

The left-hander did well to limit the damage, with his only runs coming on a first-inning solo homer from Kyle Tucker and a sacrifice fly in the third. While Anderson didn't pitch deep into the contest, he kept Los Angeles within striking distance and turned in one of his steadier outings of late. The 35-year-old had struggled over his previous six starts, posting a 6.67 ERA, 1.55 WHIP and 19:15 K:BB across 29.2 innings during that stretch, so Friday's effort represented a modest step in the right direction.

Moreno (finger) went 2-for-4 with a three-run home run in Friday's 6-5 extra-innings win over the Reds.

Moreno had been out since mid-June with a fractured finger. He delivered Arizona's only multi-hit effort in his contest as well as the team's biggest hit when he took Zack Littell deep in the third inning. Moreno will likely regain his spot as the Diamondbacks' top catcher, though it wouldn't be surprising to see him eased back into action after a long layoff. He's posted a .275/.328/.433 slash line with six homers, 23 RBI, 30 runs scored and a stolen base over 54 contests this season.