MLB Player News

Pagan allowed one hit and no walks in a scoreless ninth inning to earn the save Thursday against Atlanta. He struck out one.

Pagan continues his ways as a lights-out closer for the Reds. The right-hander last surrendered a run Sep. 1 against the Padres and hasn't blown a save since way back during a May 4 outing against the Cubs. Pagan is positioning himself as the Reds' favorite for closing duties once more in 2027, turning in a 3.38 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 45:11 K:BB with 25 saves (28 attempts) in 42.2 innings in 2026.

Singer took a no-decision Thursday against Atlanta, striking out one while allowing five runs on seven hits and two walks in three innings.

With another poor showing Thursday, Singer is limping his way into the offseason. The right-hander has coughed up at least five runs in four consecutive starts, and he hasn't pitched at least six innings since Aug. 20 versus the Cardinals. He'll be an unrestricted free agent this winter, and Singer figures to have a market as a back-end starter despite logging a career-worst 5.85 ERA, 1.59 WHIP and 126:62 K:BB across 157 innings in 2026.

Mahle took a no-decision Thursday against the Reds, striking out two while allowing five runs on six hits and two walks in five innings.

Mahle had trouble with hard contact, giving up three extra-base hits (two home runs). It was a big letdown by the right-hander, who entered Thursday on a streak of eight consecutive starts with two runs or fewer allowed since joining Atlanta. He's still expected to be a key part of the rotation this postseason, posting a superb 1.99 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 48:9 K:BB over 54.1 innings for his new team.

Smith struck out the side to earn the save Thursday against Boston.

Smith put the cherry on top of Cleveland's shutout victory, helping the Guardians clinch their third straight playoff berth. The star closer hasn't been scored upon in 12 consecutive outings, last blowing a save Aug. 5 against the Mets. Smith has a sparkling 1.96 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 107:23 K:BB across 73.1 innings, converting 41 of his 46 save opportunities.

Cantillo (11-9) notched the win Thursday against Boston, striking out two while allowing one hit and two walks in five shutout innings of relief.

Cantillo was dominant in bulk relief Thursday, scattering a lone hit in a scoreless outing to help Cleveland clinch a third consecutive postseason berth. The left-hander is steamrolling his way into the playoffs, riding a scoreless streak of 15 innings covering his last three appearances in long relief. His regular season reaches an end with a 3.62 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 171:81 K:BB across 159 frames.

Contreras (hand) still can't swing pain free and doesn't expect to play during Friday's doubleheader against the Cubs, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports.

Contreras was held out of the lineup for a sixth straight contest Thursday night against Cleveland, and he now appears to be set to miss at least two more games Friday. The first baseman is dealing with a bruised right hand, and there's a chance that he won't be able to return to action until the postseason.

Suarez (8-5) took the loss Thursday against Cleveland, striking out five while allowing one run on three hits and one walk in five innings.

The lone blemish came in the second inning, when Angel Martinez took Suarez yard for a solo homer. The southpaw still looked sharp for the most part in what was effectively a tune-up start ahead of the postseason, and he's now worked at least five innings while yielding fewer than two runs in four straight outings. His regular season ends with a strong 3.22 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 140:46 K:BB over 148.1 innings in his debut season with the Red Sox.

Senzatela earned the save in Thursday's 5-1 win over the Phillies, allowing just one walk while striking out one over 1.2 innings.

Senzatela recorded the final five outs Thursday to log his fourth save this season, his first since joining the Brewers at the trade deadline. The right-hander has allowed just two runs over his last seven appearances (six innings). Overall, Senzatela sports a 4.07 ERA with a 1.36 WHIP and 59:26 K:BB across 73 innings between Milwaukee and Colorado this year.

Painter did not factor into the decision Thursday against the Phillies, allowing a run on five hits and three walks over six innings. He struck out eight.

Painter was impressive Thursday, as he logged a quality start while matching a season high with eight punch outs. It was a nice way to wrap up the regular season for the 24-year-old Painter, who had struggled to a 5.87 ERA over 15.1 innings in his previous three outings. After struggling in the first half, he'll finish the year 3-10 with 5.40 ERA, 1.41 WHIP and 115:47 K:BB over 126.2 innings.

Williams was scratched from Thursday's contest versus Houston with upper-body soreness, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Williams is dealing with an unspecified issue, but he appears to have avoided a major injury. He can be considered day-to-day as the team begins their final series of the 2026 campaign.