All articles tagged with #relief pitching
Sandy Alcantara, a longtime Marlins ace, pitched in relief for the first time in nine seasons and earned his first career save to seal Miami’s 4-3 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks, preserving a sliver of playoff life as the club sits 7 1/2 games out with nine games remaining.
The Cubs placed Edward Cabrera on the injured list to let a blister heal and to assess whether his struggles are solely due to the blister or signaling a bigger issue. They’re planning to activate him in short, bullpen bursts once he’s ready, using September roster expansion to keep extra pitchers in-house. While a return to a rotation spot isn’t guaranteed, the organization and Cabrera appear open to a relief-rolling role down the stretch, with long-term questions about his development and a hoped-for rebound in 2027.
With the 2026 MLB Trade Deadline near, the Cubs are aggressively pursuing bullpen upgrades, eyeing San Diego’s Adrian Morejon and Mets righties Luke Weaver and Jeff Hoffman for high-leverage help rather than a splash closer. Morejon is a cheap rental with elite groundballs and 99 mph velocity; Weaver carries one year of control at $11M after a strong season; Hoffman offers closer experience and next-year cost, making him a potential fit if Palencia isn’t ready. The Padres’ willingness to sell and Mets' sell-off status shape the market, and a Weaver-led package could satisfy both bullpen and rotation needs. The bottom line: Chicago wants three impact relievers to boost postseason odds.
Padres reliever Mason Miller has burst onto the scene with a 26-game scoreless streak since August 2025, a 100+ mph fastball paired with an elite slider, and a blistering strikeout rate, fueling comparisons to legendary closers and fueling Cy Young chatter about his potential to redefine relief pitching.
Shohei Ohtani, after a strong pitching performance in Game 4 of the World Series, announced he will prepare to pitch out of the bullpen for the remaining games, marking a potential new role in his MLB career, as the Dodgers face a critical series against the Blue Jays.
The Dodgers secured a crucial win over the Diamondbacks with unexpected relief performances from Roki Sasaki and Clayton Kershaw, highlighting their improvisation and resilience as they approach the playoffs, reducing their magic number to one.
The Dodgers secured a crucial win over the Diamondbacks, aided by unexpected relief performances from Roki Sasaki and Clayton Kershaw, reducing their magic number to one and showcasing resilience and improvisation in their pitching staff ahead of the playoffs.
The Yankees face setbacks with Austin Slater sidelined for 4-6 weeks and Giancarlo Stanton returning to the outfield, while their struggling bullpen, despite recent acquisitions, continues to underperform, impacting their playoff push amid a recent losing streak.
The Dodgers suffered a 10-7 loss to the Twins, heavily impacted by sloppy relief pitching, defensive errors, and injuries, marking one of their worst performances in recent months.
Devin Williams, after a rough start to his closing role, managed to secure a save for the Yankees in a tense game, demonstrating resilience despite struggles, and highlighting the challenges of closing in high-pressure situations.
The New York Mets are considering trading veteran outfielder Starling Marte for relief pitching help, as they aim to strengthen their bullpen. This move comes after signing Juan Soto to a record deal, which has reshaped their outfield. Marte, who had a solid postseason but was limited by injuries in 2024, could be traded with the Mets willing to cover part of his salary. The team is in need of experienced relievers, with several bullpen members now free agents, and is exploring trade options to address this weakness.
The Atlanta Braves have placed pitcher Spencer Strider on the 15-day injured list with a right elbow UCL sprain and recalled Allan Winans to provide reinforcement for the relief corps. With several bullpen members likely unavailable for the upcoming game, Winans' ability to provide bulk innings and keep teams off balance with his pitching style will be crucial as the Braves face the Diamondbacks in their series finale, with Chris Sale set to start.
New York Yankees reliever Jonathan Loaisiga will undergo season-ending UCL surgery, marking the latest setback in his injury-plagued career. The surgery comes with a shorter recovery timeline of 10-12 months, and with Loaisiga set to become a free agent after the season, his future with the Yankees remains uncertain. The team is also dealing with other pitching injuries, including Scott Effross and Lou Trivino, while keeping an eye on Gerrit Cole's health. Despite the challenges, the Yankees are expected to continue pursuing bullpen options as they navigate their pitching concerns.
Mariners reliever Matt Brash may face a lengthy absence due to arm troubles, potentially jeopardizing his entire 2024 season. His breakout performance in 2023 was a significant contribution to the team's bullpen, and his absence would be a major blow. The team is exploring options to compensate for his potential loss, but the impact of a notable Brash injury at this stage of the offseason is significant.
The Los Angeles Angels have agreed to a $9 million contract with reliever Matt Moore for the second consecutive offseason. Moore, who had a successful stint with the Angels in 2023, has been performing well since transitioning to the bullpen. The Angels' recent signings, including Moore, reflect a focus on bolstering their relief corps. With payroll commitments still below last year's mark, the Angels may continue to pursue additions to their lineup and starting rotation in the coming weeks.