Gusto pitches four scoreless frames vs. Nats

Flame-thrower Ben Joyce has taken over as the Angels’ primary ninth-inning option since Natera hit the injured list with back spasms last week. The 26-year-old figures to make it back to Los Angeles’ high-leverage mix in a couple weeks.

Mize was able to play catch on back-to-back days after suffering a right ankle sprain during Saturday’s start against the Twins. The 29-year-old has been snake-bitten by injuries this season and that bad luck has apparently followed him to San Diego. The positive news is that he appears on track to take the ball against the Rays later this week, depending on how he’s feeling coming out of Wednesday’s bullpen session. There should be a definitive update on his status in the coming days.

It doesn’t sound like Adames will require surgery to address the issue, but he’s headed for a second opinion before that decision is made. It certainly seems like his season is over. The 30-year-old hit the shelf with an elbow sprain earlier this week. It’ll most likely be Christian Koss filling in at shortstop until trade deadline acquisition Marcelo Mayer is ready to return from the injured list.

It’s the worst-case scenario outcome. Whisenhunt has been recommended to undergo elbow surgery, according to a team statement, after an MRI revealed the structural damage. It’s a significant hit to San Francisco’s starting pitching depth heading into 2027 and beyond. The 25-year-old is likely to miss all of next season given the timing of the procedure. There should be some additional clarity on the exact type of procedure and recovery timeline in the coming weeks.

DeLauter is not expected to require a lengthy absence, but he’s been battling a lingering left hamstring issue since last week. The 24-year-old rookie standout was scratched from Monday’s lineup and will sit out his second consecutive contest out of an abundance of caution. It’ll be trade deadline acquisition Jo Adell taking over in right field in his absence.

Bivens returns to San Francisco’s relief mix with starter Carson Whisenhunt hitting the injured list with an elbow sprain. The 32-year-old has made a pair of scoreless appearances in the big leagues this season after making a career-high 54 appearances last year.

Whisenhunt is slated to undergo an MRI that will determine the severity of the issue. The 25-year-old, who has been one of the better pitching prospects in San Francisco’s system for a couple years, is highly likely to miss the final months of the season. The hope is that he won’t require surgery, which would require an extended absence that would stretch into next season.

Murdock returns to Pittsburgh’s relief equation after spending a couple weeks in the minors. The 28-year-old has tossed three scoreless innings across a pair of relief appearances in the big leagues this season. He’ll operate in low-leverage spots.

Curtis has tossed eight scoreless frames across a pair of relief appearances for the Pirates this season. The 24-year-old righty figures to return once rosters expand in September.

O’Neill hurt his shoulder on a diving catch attempt over the weekend. He’s been held out of the lineup for two consecutive games and will undergo imaging to determine whether he’s dealing with any structural damage. There should be some additional clarity on his status later this week.