MLB Player News

Pivetta gave up a run on two hits over three innings Saturday to record his first save of the season in a 9-5 win over the Royals. He struck out five without walking a batter.

A solo shot by MJ Melendez in the ninth inning was the only blemish on Pivetta's performance. The right-hander hasn't had the same success lately in long relief that he did right after the All-Star break, and over 24 innings since the beginning of August he carries a 6.00 ERA and 1.46 WHIP despite a 35:11 K:BB. Unless the Red Sox get desperate in their attempt to claw back into the playoff picture, Pivetta seems unlikely to return to the rotation in 2023.

Littell did not factor into the decision Saturday, allowing four runs on nine hits over 4.2 innings in a 7-6 loss to Cleveland. He struck out one.

Littell allowed hits to four of the first eight batters he faced, leading to two early runs coming across for Cleveland. He would go on to surrender four earned runs for the third consecutive start while recording just one strikeout. The right-hander also gave up a season-high nine hits in the contest and failed to make it through at least five innings for the first time in his last seven outings.

Holmes gave up a hit and struck out one in a scoreless ninth inning Saturday to record his 17th save of the season in a 5-4 win over the Astros.

Despite a rough stretch in August that saw Holmes get tagged for nine earned runs in 5.1 innings over six appearances, the right-hander hasn't actually blown a save chance since July 16, converting six straight -- although Saturday's save was his first in nearly a month. On the season, he sports a 3.29 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 61:19 K:BB through 52 frames, adding four wins and five holds to his save total.

May picked up the save Saturday against the Angels, allowing two walks over a scoreless inning.

May entered the game with a 2-1 lead in the ninth and proceeded to walk the first batter he faced on five pitches. However, the right-handed reliever was able to retire the next two batters before intentionally walking Shohei Ohtani and eventually getting out of the jam to record his 16th save of the season. May has converted each of his last six save opportunities and has not allowed an earned run since Aug. 13, lowering his season ERA to 4.03.

Duran earned a save against Texas on Saturday, allowing one unearned run on two hits while striking out two batters over one inning.

Duran entered in the bottom of the 10th inning after Minnesota took a three-run lead in the top of the frame. The right-hander retired the first two batters he faced before Jonah Heim laced a single to score the inherited runner. Robbie Grossman followed with an infield single to bring the winning run to the plate, but Duran struck out Josh Smith to escape the jam. The save was the 24th of the season for Duran, seventh most in the American League.

Clarke will serve as the Royals' opening pitcher for Sunday's game against the Red Sox, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Clarke is unlikely to work more than an inning or two before giving way to Zack Greinke, who will serve as a bulk reliever. Since returning from an elbow injury Aug. 18, Clarke has made four straight scoreless appearances out of the bullpen.

Adam will be placed on the 15-day injured list with a left oblique strain, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Adam last pitched on Sunday, and it's not clear whether he suffered the injury then or on another occasion. Either way, he's slated to miss the next couple weeks of action, which is a major blow to the Rays' bullpen. Pete Fairbanks blew a save Saturday but should have a tight grip on the closer job while Adam is out.

Bernardino (illness) rejoined the Red Sox in Kansas City on Saturday and could be activated from the COVID-19 injured list, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

Bernardino has already spent the minimum seven days on the COVID-19 IL and is eligible for activation beginning Saturday. The lefty reliever turned in a 2.84 ERA, 1.89 WHIP, eight strikeouts and one win in 11 August appearances.

Rosenberg is starting Monday's game at home against the Orioles, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

The Angels are still hoping to avoid using their starters on four days' rest, per Fletcher, and they don't have an off day until Sept. 14; therefore, Rosenberg may get a few more starts beyond Monday. He has given up five earned runs with seven walks and seven strikeouts over seven frames in two big-league appearances this season and had a 7.20 ERA, 1.80 WHIP and 33 strikeouts over 25 innings in his five most recent Pacific Coast League starts.

Gillaspie was designated for assignment Saturday.

The Orioles claimed Jorge Lopez off waivers from Miami, and Gillaspie loses his 40-man roster spot as a result. Gillaspie gave up six earned runs on 14 hits and five walks in nine innings as a big-league reliever this year.