MLB Player News

Lagrange averaged 99.6 mph with his fastball, which was actually down from the 100.3 mph he came in at during his three previous outings. His control has also been better than expected, as he’s walked only four in 13 2/3 innings. Throwing like he is right now, there’s little doubt he could help the Yankees immediately as a middle reliever. However, it remains nearly certain that he’ll spend the first part of the season starting games in the minors.

Iglesias’ save was his 34th of the season. He’s had another great year even after the Braves’ offseason signing of Robert Suarez, who got four saves and hasn’t pitched since June. Iglesias has a 2.64 ERA and has shown no signs of slowing down at age-36.

Wesneski gave up four hits, walked three and struck out three. He bounced back after only lasting three innings in his previous start. Wesneski has completed at least five innings in five of his last six starts. He has a 3.50 ERA. Wesneski is lined up to face the Athletics on the road next weekend.

Bachar will start despite throwing an inning tonight in his first relief appearance since Aug. 26. Antwone Kelly will also likely figure prominently against the Royals.

Holmes gave up eight hits, walked none and struck out four. He improved to 10-5 with the win. Holmes has struck out more than four batters once in his last eight starts, though he has a 2.95 ERA in that span. He has a 3.47 ERA on the season. Holmes is lined up to face the Marlins on the road this weekend.

Jung’s home run was his 11th of the season. He hit a solo shot off Jose Soriano in the first inning. Jung has hit two home runs in his last three games. He’s quietly hitting .298 with an .817 OPS and 39 RBI this year.

Soriano gave up four hits, walked one and struck out eight. He fell to 12-8 with the loss. Soriano has a 4.73 ERA in nine starts since joining the Blue Jays. After posting a 1.66 ERA in his first nine starts of the season, he has a 3.72 ERA on the year. Soriano is lined up to face the Reds at home next weekend.

Lowe’s home run was his 33rd of the season. He hit a two-run shot off Royals reliever Steven Cruz to put the Pirates up 6-5 in the bottom of the eighth inning. Lowe has four home runs in his last five games. He’s hitting .262 with an .826 OPS and 93 RBI this year.

Montgomery entered with a one-run lead in the ninth inning. After walking the lead-off man and the runner moving into scoring position on a stolen base, he retired the next three hitters consecutively. Montgomery extended his scoreless streak to 22 2/3 innings. He has a 2.63 ERA this year. Montgomery has been a stabilizing force at the back of the Pirates’ bullpen after they spent the first half of the season searching for a closer.

Kerkering had nothing today after a poor outing Friday, yet Don Mattingly hung him out to try, letting him throw 36 pitches and give up four runs in the eighth against the Mets. He’s now allowed 12 runs and eight walks over seven innings in his last seven appearances. It really doesn’t seem like the Phillies pen is going to have much in the tank in October, in part because Mattingly’s ineptitude.