MLB Player News

Imanaga allowed just one run on four hits across five innings but did not factor into the decision in Tuesday's 8-2, extra-innings loss to the Marlins. He struck out seven and didn't issue any walks.

The lefty was sharp again Tuesday, though he needed 91 pitches to complete five frames, which likely prevented him from going longer into the game. Over his last four appearances, Imanaga has a sparkling 1.96 ERA with 23 strikeouts across 23 innings, and he's lowered his overall ERA from 4.01 to 3.74 in the process. He's not currently slated to take the mound again during the 2026 regular season, with the Cubs instead turning their attention to slotting Imanaga in near the top of their postseason rotation, assuming they lock up their spot soon. It's quite possible that the southpaw even serves as a Game 1 starter.

The Nationals optioned Kent to Triple-A Rochester after Tuesday's game against the Tigers.

Kent gave up one run in four innings on six hits and two walks while striking out three batters Tuesday, but his reward for picking up his second big-league win of the season will be finishing the year in the minors. The 23-year-old lefty will close the book on 2026 with a 5.94 ERA and 1.79 WHIP alongside a 30:25 K:BB across 36.1 innings.

Harris went 2-for-4 with a stolen base during Tuesday's 4-0 loss to the Reds.

Harris recorded his fifth multi-hit game over his last 10 games. The 25-year-old stole his 12th base of the season in the seventh inning, trying to rally a comeback for Atlanta. This year, Harris has slashed .291/.319/.488 with 26 homers, 85 RBI and 12 stolen bases over 604 plate appearances.

Ritchie (1-4) took the loss after allowing one run on four hits and three walks over five innings against the Reds on Tuesday. He struck out eight.

Ritchie made just one mistake, serving up a home run to Elly De La Cruz in the third inning. The right-hander struck out a season-high eight batters, breaking his previous high of seven. This year, the 23-year-old has posted a 4.79 ERA, 1.46 WHIP and 66:41 K:BB over 67.2 innings. Ritchie is slated to make his final start Sunday against the Marlins.

Myers went 1-for-4 with a solo homer and a strikeout during Tuesday's 4-0 win over Atlanta.

Myers stepped to the plate in the sixth inning and blasted his eighth long ball of the season to extend the lead for Cincinnati. That marked his second homer in his last five games. This year, the 30-year-old has slashed .260/.345/.381 with eight homers, 27 RBI and 10 stolen bases over 330 plate appearances.

Bachar will start Wednesday against the Cardinals in a bullpen game for the Pirates, Dominic Campbell of SI.com reports.

For the second time in four days, Bachar will work as an opener for Pittsburgh. The 31-year-old righty gave up one run on three hits during his lone inning of work against the Royals on Sunday, and he'll likely be pulled after pitching an inning or two against St. Louis.

De La Cruz went 2-for-3 with a homer, two RBI, two walks and a stolen base during Tuesday's 4-0 win over Atlanta.

De La Cruz got the scoring started in the third inning, launching a solo homer off JR Ritchie. The 24-year-old walked twice, marking three of his last four games with at least two free passes. Through 614 plate appearances, De La Cruz is slashing .288/.370/.521 with 29 homers, 76 RBI and 29 stolen bases this season.

Williamson (5-4) earned the win after allowing three hits over six scoreless innings against Atlanta on Tuesday. He struck out two.

Williamson made his first start since Sept. 2 against the Padres. The left-hander recorded his first quality start since April 6 on Tuesday. Through eight starts (11 games) this season, Williamson owns a 4.89 ERA, 1.41 WHIP and 33:27 K:BB over 49.2 innings. The 28-year-old is slated to start Game 162 against the Blue Jays on Sunday.

Lovelady will draw the start Wednesday for the Nationals in a bullpen game against the Tigers, Mark Zuckerman of NatsJournal.com reports.

Lovelady will make his sixth start of the season while the Nationals lean on their bullpen to get through Wednesday's series finale. The 31-year-old southpaw has given up three runs (one earned) in 2.1 innings since returning from the injured list and will likely remain in the game for only an inning or two.

Griffin went 2-for-4 with a stolen base and a strikeout during Tuesday's 2-0 win over the Cardinals.

With the two base knocks Tuesday, Griffin has now recorded at least one hit in seven of his last eight games. The 20-year-old snapped a 10-game drought with no stolen bases by swiping his 23rd bag in the eighth inning. This year, Griffin has slashed .271/.324/.397 with five homers, 31 RBI and 23 stolen bases.