MLB Player News

Smith struck out one in a perfect inning to earn the save in Friday's 4-2 extra-inning win over the Yankees.

Smith made sure Adolis Garcia's go-ahead home run in the top of the 10th inning was enough for the Rangers to get the win. This was Smith's 10th straight save conversion, and he's allowed just four runs over 17.2 innings in that span. The left-hander has been a stabilizing force at the back of the Rangers' bullpen with a 2.73 ERA, 0.84 WHIP and 33:8 K:BB over 29.2 innings while converting 14 of 15 save chances and adding four holds this season.

Murphy, who was recalled from Triple-A Worcester on Friday, could serve as the primary pitcher in Wednesday's game against the Marlins and see consistent work as a long reliever, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

The Red Sox only have four healthy starters, and the next open spot in the rotation comes up Wednesday. Murphy could be needed this weekend, but his most likely path to fantasy value is as the pitcher of record in the bullpen game next week against the Marlins. Murphy has shaky numbers on the season at Triple-A, but he hasn't allowed a run over six innings in the majors with an 8:1 K:BB.

Murphy was optioned to Triple-A Worcester on Friday, Mac Cerullo of the Boston Herald reports.

Murphy will return to Worcester after he was called up Thursday, failing to appear in the team's 6-0 loss to the Twins. The left-hander was expected to appear in Wednesday's upcoming matchup with the Marlins and it's unclear if that's still the case. The 25-year-old has tossed six scoreless innings with the Red Sox in 2023, allowing three hits while walking a batter and striking out eight others.

Murphy will likely take on a multi-inning role beginning next Wednesday against the Marlins, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports.

Boston's starting rotation is in flux following an injury to Tanner Houck (face), who joins Chris Sale (shoulder) on the injured list. The Red Sox have two days off in the next 11 and could roll with a four-man rotation through that stretch, but the team wants to keep its remaining starters on normal rest without naming a direct replacement for Houck. That means every fifth game could be a bullpen day featuring Murphy, who has been dominant since transitioning from starter to reliever with a 0.00 ERA and 8:1 K:BB in six innings over two big-league appearances. If the southpaw handles a bulk relief role, it's unclear who would open in front of him, but that decision likely hinges on bullpen usage during the games prior to Murphy's unofficial spot in the rotation.

Garza (0-2) took the loss Thursday, allowing three runs on four hits over one inning against Minnesota. He struck out two.

The right-hander got ambushed, surrendering solo homers to Carlos Correa and Byron Buxton in the first inning. He then gave up a leadoff single to Ryan Jeffers to start the second inning before being relieved by Brandon Walter. Garza has now allowed seven runs over 7.2 innings of work this month after maintaining a 1.42 ERA through May.

Hamilton (groin) will make another minor-league rehab appearance, which he hopes is his last, Saturday, Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News reports.

Hamilton started a rehab stint last Sunday and has thus far appeared in two games for Double-A Somerset, allowing one run and posting a 3:2 BB:K over 1.1 innings. If all goes well Saturday, there's a good chance that he'll be ready to return to the Yankees bullpen soon thereafter. Hamilton hasn't pitched in the majors since May 16. He was very effective before going on the IL, posting a 1.23 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 30:9 K:BB over 22 frames.

Chapman (3-2) struck out the side in a perfect inning to earn the win Thursday over the Rays.

Chapman pitched the eighth inning with the game tied 5-5, and the Royals pulled ahead in the ninth. He's allowed just one run and one hit through six innings in June, but he's also walked six while striking out 15. The southpaw continues to be effective in high-leverage spots with a 2.73 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 48:20 K:BB over 26.1 innings while adding two saves, eight holds and two blown saves this season.

Barlow earned a save against the Rays on Thursday, allowing one hit and striking out two batters in a scoreless inning.

Barlow faced a tough task in the outing, as he was summoned to go up against the heart of the Rays' order with KC holding a one-run ninth-inning lead. The veteran gave up a one-out single to Luke Raley but proceeded to strike out Randy Arozarena and Isaac Paredes to nail down the save. Though Barlow's 3.90 season ERA isn't anything to shout about, he's been effective in finishing off contests, recording nine saves in 10 chances.

Cox didn't factor in the decision against Tampa Bay on Thursday, allowing two hits and one walk while striking out four batters over 3.2 innings.

Kansas City opted for a bullpen game against the Rays, but Cox took on a healthy workload after entering in the second inning, tossing 53 pitches (33 strikes). His 3.2 frames were a career high, and the southpaw handled them effectively, allowing just a pair of singles and a walk while racking up 12 swinging strikes. Cox has yet to allow a run over 12.1 big-league innings and has compiled a 13:4 K:BB.

Sandlin (3-3) allowed a run on one walk and struck out one over two innings without giving up a hit to earn the win Thursday over the Athletics.

Oakland was able to open the scoring against Sandlin in the fifth inning after an inefficient four frames from starter Logan Allen. The Guardians quickly replied in their half of the frame to gain the lead didn't look back. Sandlin has allowed three runs, eight hits and four walks while striking out seven over eight innings through eight appearances in June. He has a solid 3.29 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 25:10 K:BB over 27.1 innings overall while primarily working in a low-leverage role.