MLB Player News

Daniel Palencia, who has been functioning as the Cubs’ closer in recent weeks, worked a perfect eighth inning against the heart of the Pirates’ lineup. That left Pressly to close it out and he didn’t betray his manager’s trust. The 36-year-old hurler got Adam Frazier, Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Tommy Pham each on ground balls to the right side of the infield. Pressly earned his fifth save of the season for his efforts. He’s not going to usurp the closer’s role back anytime soon, but it’s nice to see him get back on track.

Devers’ first double, which plated a run in the first, was a 406-foot shot to right-center that would have been a homer in 29 ballparks, but not at Oracle Park. He has 36 doubles this season. It’s his highest total since 2022, but he’s not approaching his career high of 54 from 2019.

Webb matched his season high with eight strikeouts, racking up 19 whiffs on 45 swings. He departed with a 3-1 lead, but it didn’t hold up, leaving him with a no-decision. He can’t really complain, though, given that he avoided a loss after allowing nine runs in two-plus innings last time out against the Pirates. Webb should make his next start Sunday against the Padres.

The Giants were hoping for a two-inning save from Smith in a 3-2 game, but they didn’t get it, mostly because of poor infield play. Joshua Báez led off the ninth with a routine grounder to short, but Christian Koss slipped and made a weak throw, resulting in a single. Thomas Saggese then hit a grounder up the middle that a diving Osleivis Basabe got a glove on but couldn’t corral. The Cardinals went on to tie the game on a walk and a sac fly, but Smith probably won’t be hurt by the result, especially after the Giants went on to win in extras.

McGreevy allowed six hits, walked two and struck out four in his 15th quality start this season. It went as his 13th no-decision to go along with a 6-9 record and a 3.92 ERA. He’s in line to face the White Sox on Sunday.

Working with a one-run lead, O’Brien intentionally walked Rafael Devers to start the inning and then gave up a game-tying single to Bryce Eldridge afterwards. He ended up preventing further damage, though. After a sac bunt and another intentional walk to load the bases, Drew Gilbert barely tapped a ball in front of home plate. It would have rolled foul, but Leo Bernal did a great job pouncing on it, touching home and then throwing to first for the double play. This blown save shouldn’t hurt O’Brien’s standing at all.

Kranick lost his spot with Washington after allowing 19 runs over 18 1/3 innings since returning from the injured list in mid-July. The 29-year-old reliever will presumably stick around with the Nationals to wrap up the season.

Hernández allowed two runs over three innings during a pair of relief outings for Cleveland after being called up at the start of the month. The 29-year-old righty has made 193 career appearances dating back to 2020.

Bethancourt didn’t end up making an appearance for the Pirates after being brought up in early September. The 35-year-old journeyman backstop has appeared in 428 games in the majors since 2013.

Yesavage, who threw a 34-pitch bullpen session in Florida on Monday, figures to make it back to Toronto’s pitching equation before the regular season concludes, but he’s at least a few steps away based on his throwing progression. The 23-year-old starter underwent left knee meniscus surgery back in early August. It sounds like he’s going to need at least one minor league rehab start next week before he’s an option for the Blue Jays again.

The forgotten man in Toronto, Santander has played just 54 games over the last two seasons combined due to shoulder issues. The 31-year-old slugger is unlikely to make much of a fantasy impact over the final few weeks of the season considering how much time he’s missed. He’ll need at least a handful of rehab games before he’s ready to return to the majors.