MLB Player News

The Braves had a four-run lead entering the final frame. Mark Melancon began the ninth inning and surrendered four hits and two runs. With the tying runs still on base, Braves manager Brian Snitker had seen enough and turned to the left-handed Blevins to strike out Michael Conforto for the final out. Blevins is unlikely to get more than one or two save chances down the stretch. The Braves bullpen is a mess despite adding Shane Greene, Chris Martin and Melancon at the deadline. In addition to Melancon’s latest meltdown, Martin allowed a run and Greene fired a clean eighth inning in this game. Greene is likely to see the next save chance the Braves create.

So this is happening, huh? Smith was signed earlier this week and has started two straight games at first base while going 3-for-8. It had been expected that Jerar Encarnacion would come off the IL and play first base, but he started this game in left field, so it’s clear Smith will get a runway with the first base job for now.

The 25-year-old hurler had allowed six runs on eight hits and a walk in his four-plus frames before departing with a trainer in the fifth inning. His velocity and spin rate were both down on Thursday, which may have sparked concern and been part of the reason for his removal. Look for the Cardinals to provide an update on his status as soon as more information becomes available.

Machado laced a 102 mph shot off Robbie Ray for his eighth home run of the season and also added a 107.2 mph single on the day. His was the only extra base hit of the day for the Padres, but Machado has been a steady presence for the team all season.

What a whirlwind of a season it has been for Hummel. Twice in the last two weeks he has signed one-year contracts with the Orioles, only to get designated for assignment a day or two later. This time, rather than accepting the outright assignment to Triple-A Norfolk, he has decided to test his luck on the open market, and you really can’t blame him for doing so. Expect him to land on his feet elsewhere in a couple of days.

The left-hander struck out nine and walked one while posting a 40 percent whiff rate and 40 percent CSW on the day. He dominated the Padres with his changeup and showed great command of the four-seamer in this one. It was another in a long line of great starts for Ray, who will now carry a 2.44 ERA into a start in Coors Field. He’s been too good to bench for that one.

He also struck out seven and walked three while posting a 48 percent whiff rate and 41 percent CSW. Cease was missing plenty of bats today, but he only had a 50 percent zone rate with the four-seam fastball, which led to some walks and deeper counts than he would have preferred. Still, this start had more good than bad in it, and it seems like Cease is set for a strong run of performance in the near future. It may not start next week against the Dodgers though.

Scott did allow a two-out single to Francisco Alvarez, but was able to get Luisangel Acuna to fly out to end the game and earn his 11th save of the season. It hasn’t been smooth sailing for Scott this season, and Kirby Yates is set to return this weekend, which could mean more of a save share than Scott has had up until this point in the season. Both he and Kirby need to be rostered in all league types for now.

Marte took Landon Knack deep for his fourth home run of the season and now has 15 RBI to go with a .240/.350/.394 slash line. It hasn’t been a great season so far for the 36-year-old, but with Mark Vientos on the IL, Marte only has to beat out Ronny Mauricio for regular starts at DH. He could provide some value in the short-term if he gets hot.

Alonso sent a 110.3 mph blast 408 feet for his 15th home run of the season. He also added a 112.6 mph single and is seeing the ball incredibly well of late, with four home runs in his last four games. He’s in the middle of a career-best season.

Smith is a bit of a forgotten man because the Dodgers have so many high-profile stars, but he’s hitting .327/.434/.494 on the season with 33 RBI. He’s been hitting in the middle of the order for the Dodgers and remains one of the safest bets at the catcher position.