MLB Player News

Sasaki (finger) could come off the injured list as early as Thursday against the Reds, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports.

It was previously believed Sasaki could return Sunday in Miami, but that's not in the Dodgers' plans. The right-hander hasn't pitched since August 26 due to a blister on his right middle finger. Sasaki has made 23 starts this season, posting a 4.60 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 117:48 K:BB across 119.1 innings. In seven starts since the All-Star break, Sasaki has a 3.05 ERA and 1.28 WHIP over 38.1 frames.

Skenes completed seven innings Saturday, allowing two runs on four hits and one walk while striking out four batters in a no-decision against the Cubs.

Skenes struggled a bit early, giving up a solo homer in both of the first and third innings. However, those were the only hits he allowed during those frames, and the All-Star hurler finished his outing with four straight scoreless innings. Overall, Skenes allowed only six baserunners and was very efficient, needing just 82 pitches (53 strikes) to complete seven innings. He was in line for the win upon his departure, but a late letdown by the Pirates' bullpen spoiled that bid. Though Skenes again didn't do much in the strikeout department, this was a strong performance against a tough offense after he gave up five runs over 5.1 frames the last time he faced the Cubs. Skenes will carry a disappointing 3.78 overall ERA into his next start, which is projected to be at home against Milwaukee.

Holmes allowed three runs (two earned) on five hits and four walks while striking out six batters over 5.2 innings versus Pittsburgh in a no-decision Saturday.

Holmes cruised through five scoreless frames but ran into trouble in the sixth. In that inning, the right-hander allowed three runs on three hits and two walks, with the big blow being a three-run blast off the bat of Ryan O'Hearn. The rough frame not only ended Holmes' bid for a win, but it also spoiled his chance at his eighth quality start. The 33-year-old was dominant over his final four outings in August, allowing just one run over 25 innings, but he's begun September by giving up 11 runs (10 earned) across 10 frames in his first two appearances. He's lined up to next take the mound in Cincinnati.

Luzardo (shoulder) said Saturday that an MRI revealed no structural damage, and he is hopeful of pitching sometime next week, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Luzardo is dealing with some stiffness and inflammation after firing a complete-game, two-hit shutout Monday against Atlanta. The lefty was due to start Saturday against Atlanta once again, but Tim Mayza will instead open for Philly while Luzardo gets his turn in the rotation skipped. The 28-year-old will take anti-inflammatory medication with an eye toward next weekend's four-game set with the Mets.

Manager Pat Murphy said that Harrison will be available out of the bullpen during Saturday's game against the Reds, Hunter Baumgardt of Fox Sports 920 Milwaukee reports.

Harrison was originally in line to start Saturday's contest, but Murphy said he believes moving the left-hander to the bullpen temporarily will help him get his confidence back after giving up 15 runs (13 earned) in just 7.1 innings over his last two starts. Shane Drohan will move up a spot in the rotation and fill in for Harrison as Milwaukee's starter Saturday.

Thornton (4-5) earned the win over the Yankees on Saturday, allowing two runs on five hits and one walk while striking out four batters over seven innings.

Thornton was pounded by San Francisco for a career-worst six runs over five frames in his previous start, but the rookie showed poise by rebounding with a strong effort against the Mets' crosstown rivals. The left-hander was efficient in needing just 81 pitches (61 strikes) to complete seven frames Saturday, picking up his seventh quality start in his 13th big-league outing. Thornton has been impressive during his inaugural MLB campaign, posting a 3.44 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 55:16 K:BB through 73.1 innings.

The Nationals claimed Hampton off waivers from the Yankees on Saturday and optioned him to Double-A Harrisburg.

Hampton has spent most of the season at Double-A Somerset, struggling to the tune of a 9.59 ERA and 2.16 WHIP across 35.2 innings. Despite his poor performance, the Nationals will add him to their 40-man roster and send him to their Double-A affiliate. Matt Waldron (chest) was transferred to the 60-day IL in a corresponding move.

The Cubs reinstated Cabrera (finger) from the injured list Saturday, Patrick Mooney of The Athletic reports.

Cabrera has made just one appearance in the majors since the All-Star break due to issues with his left hamstring and, more recently, a blister on his right middle finger. Now fully healthy, the 28-year-old will return to the active roster but move into the bullpen after posting a 5.68 ERA and 1.45 WHIP across 76 innings as a starter. His struggles continued into his rehab assignment (six earned runs allowed in 3.2 innings), so he will likely be limited to low-leverage work to begin with. Trent Thornton (ankle) was placed on the 15-day injured list in a corresponding move.

Wilkinson improved to 1-3 on the season after striking out two batters and allowing one hit over two scoreless frames of relief Wednesday in the Giants' 7-6 win over the Cardinals.

The back end of the San Francisco rotation looks fluid at the moment, but Wilkinson appears set to work in relief for the time being after posting a 6.14 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 8:4 K:BB In 14.2 innings while starting in each of his first four big-league appearances. He retired six of the seven batters he faced during his first relief outing, picking up the win after the Giants clawed back from a five-run deficit with a six-run bottom of the eighth.

Cavalli didn't factor into the decision in Friday's 4-3 win over the Angels, allowing two runs on three hits and two walks over six innings. He struck out nine.

The Nationals needed a three-run eighth inning to take Cavalli off the hook for a tough loss, but the right-hander still delivered his 18th quality start of the season on 96 pitches (60 strikes). Cavalli has finally emerged as the ace the team was hoping to get when it selected him 22nd overall in the 2020 First-Year Player Draft -- he hasn't given up more than three runs in a start since July 5, and over his last 12 outings he's reeled off a 2.13 ERA, 0.89 WHIP and 89:17 K:BB through 72 innings while posting a 7-1 record. He lines up to make his next start at home next week against the Phillies.