MLB Player News

Richards was placed on the 15-day injured list Thursday, retroactive to August 2, with neck inflammation.

It doesn't sound like an overly serious issue, but Richards will be missed in the Toronto bullpen as he spends at least the next two weeks on the shelf. The 30-year-old right-hander has posted a sharp 2.98 ERA with 83 strikeouts through 54.1 innings of work this season for the Blue Jays.

Akin (back) joined up with Triple-A Norfolk on Thursday to continue his minor-league rehab assignment, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

Akin surrendered three earned runs in just one inning of work Monday in his rehab debut in the Florida Complex League, but he is discomfort-free following a month-long absence from live competition to heal a lower-back injury. The 28-year-old left-hander could return to Baltimore's bullpen mix by early next week.

Swanson gave up a hit and struck out two in the ninth inning Wednesday to record his third save of the season in a 4-1 win over the Orioles.

Jordan Hicks worked the eighth inning against Baltimore's 2-3-4 hitters, suggesting that the recent trade acquisition is viewed as the top high-leverage option by manager John Schneider, but Swanson and Yimi Garcia -- who struck out one in a perfect seventh frame -- are also in the late-inning mix, and all three could see save chances while Jordan Romano (back) is sidelined. For his part, Swanson has been scored upon only once in his last 10 appearances, and on the season he sports a 3.44 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 57:18 K:BB through 49.2 innings with two wins and an MLB-leading 26 holds in addition to his saves.

Holton picked up the save in Wednesday's 6-3 win over the Pirates by striking out the only batter he faced.

Holton entered the game with two outs in the bottom of the ninth as the Pirates tried to mount a late comeback, down three with the bases loaded. After getting down to a full count, the lefty then managed to strike out Ke'Bryan Hayes looking on a changeup to slam the door on Pittsburgh and record his first save of the season. It was a nice bounceback effort for Holton after blowing a save in his last appearance, and he's now recorded at least one strikeout in four straight outings.

Harris (2-6) allowed eight runs on nine hits and three walks while striking out two over three innings to take the loss Wednesday versus the Dodgers.

Harris turned in one of his worst outings of the year, giving up a season-high three home runs in the rough start. He's lost six of his last eight appearances, and with the Athletics among the worst teams in the majors, he can't rely on much support from his offense even when he's on his game. Harris is now at a 6.98 ERA, 1.48 WHIP and 51:26 K:BB through 59.1 innings this season. He's tentatively lined up for another challenging start at home versus the Rangers next week.

Pressly picked up the save Wednesday against the Guardians, striking out two in a scoreless inning.

Pressly now has saves in two of Houston's last three outings. He's delivered a pair of perfect innings after struggling to a 7.71 ERA in his previous seven innings. The 34-year-old right-hander is now 26-for-30 in save chances this season with a 3.10 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 53:9 K:BB across 49.1 innings.

Hendriks (elbow) underwent Tommy John surgery Wednesday, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

At last check, Hendriks was taking encouraging steps forward in his recovery from a bout of right elbow inflammation, but something must have gone wrong in a recent throwing session. The veteran reliever made a triumphant return earlier this season after he recovered non-Hodgkin lymphoma, but he wound up appearing in only five games for the White Sox and will now be sidelined until at least late 2024.

Blanco was optioned to Triple-A Sugar Land following the Astros' 3-2 victory over the Guardians on Wednesday, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Blanco made a spot start in Wednesday afternoon's series finale versus Cleveland and scattered two earned runs on five hits and four walks over four innings while tallying three strikeouts. Phil Maton picked up the official win in relief.

Loaisiga (elbow) is expected to be activated from the 60-day injured list early next week, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Loaisiga began his rehab assignment Sunday at Single-A Tampa, striking out two over two perfect innings. He'll move his rehab to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Thursday for his second appearance, and he could get one final tune-up outing in the minors this weekend. If Loaisiga's surgically repaired elbow checks out OK, he'll likely rejoin the New York bullpen at some point during the club's upcoming three-game series versus the White Sox.

Toronto optioned Pearson to Triple-A Buffalo on Wednesday, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Pearson allowed four earned runs on one hit and three walks in a one-inning appearance Tuesday against the Orioles as his season ERA climbed to 5.31. Thomas Hatch is replacing him in the Blue Jays' bullpen.