MLB Player News

Pruitt (1-5) took the loss and was charged with a blown save Wednesday against the Guardians, allowing two runs (one earned) on three hits over one inning. He didn't issue a walk or record a strikeout.

Pruitt was entrusted with protecting a one-run lead when he entered in the eighth, but after inducing an inning-opening groundout from Gabriel Arias, the right-hander allowed the next three hitters to reach safely, capped off by a Steven Kwan two-run double that was augmented by a Ramon Laureano throwing error. Pruitt has now allowed an earned run in three of his last five appearances, with each of those instances resulting in a loss.

Pressly struck out two in a perfect ninth inning Wednesday to record his 14th save of the season in a 10-8 win over the Mets.

Both pitching staffs struggled in this one, combining for 16 walks, two hit-by-pitches and two wild pitches, but Pressly was unaffected by the general malaise. After a stretch in late May and June that saw the veteran reliever cough up runs in six of seven appearances, he's now kept the opposition off the board in three straight, leaving him with a 3.16 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 34:7 K:BB through 31.1 innings on the year.

Morgan (3-1) pitched a perfect inning and earned the win Wednesday over the Athletics.

The Guardians spent much of the game behind but finally pulled ahead in the eighth inning after Morgan kept the deficit to one run. The right-hander has been solid lately, allowing two runs, six hits and five walks over his last 11.1 innings while picking up a hold in that span. The 27-year-old reliever has a 1.78 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 31:9 K:BB through 30.1 innings overall. He's added a save and a hold, but he's unlikely to unseat Emmanuel Clase or Trevor Stephan from the top of the bullpen hierarchy.

Duran was tagged with a blown save against the Red Sox on Wednesday, allowing a run on one hit and one walk over two innings. He struck out two.

Duran entered in the eighth inning tasked with protecting a one-run lead. He allowed two of the first three batters he faced to reach base, resulting in the game-tying run, but retired the next five hitters as the game went into extra frames. It wasn't a terrible performance by the right-hander, though the run he allowed caused him to take his second blown save of the season. Duran has had few missteps overall, posting a 1.55 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 38:13 K:BB over 29 innings while collecting nine saves and one hold.

Clase earned a save against the Athletics on Wednesday, allowing a hit and a walk while striking out two batters over one scoreless inning.

Clase came on in the ninth inning to protect a one-run lead and allowed two of the first three hitters he faced to reach base. However, he notched a big strikeout of Ryan Noda with one out and the tying run on third base before getting Seth Brown to fly out to end the game. Clase thus recorded his seventh straight successful save opportunity and is now 22-for-27 in save chances this season. He is tied for the major-league lead in that category and is on pace to challenge his career-best total of 42 saves, which he set last season.

Kahnle earned a save against the Mariners on Wednesday, retiring both batters he faced, including one by strikeout.

Clay Holmes has recently regained a hold on the Yankees' closer position, but he was held out Wednesday after tossing 21 pitches over 1.2 innings the previous night. That allowed Kahnle to get a save opportunity after Michael King allowed two of the first three batters he faced to reach base in the ninth, and the former got the job done by allowing a sacrifice fly before striking out Eugenio Suarez to end the contest. Kahnle didn't make his season debut until June 2 due to a biceps injury, but he's been outstanding since then, pitching 7.2 scoreless frames with a 9:1 K:BB over eight appearances. He's earned two holds and figures to be one of the team's top high-leverage relievers moving forward.

Garza will serve as the Red Sox's opening pitcher Thursday against the Twins, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

Garza will start on the mound Thursday and likely stay in the game for an inning or two before turning things over to Brandon Walter, who will be making his MLB debut. Garza holds a 3.46 ERA and 1.23 WHIP through 13 innings on the season and threw two scoreless frames Monday against Minnesota.

Crochet received a cortisone shot Wednesday to treat the inflammation in his left shoulder, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.

Early estimates put Crochet somewhere between 2-to-3 weeks out from returning to game action, making it likely he returns shortly after the All-Star break. The 24-year-old lefty already missed over a month earlier this year while recovering from Tommy John surgery.

Walter will be promoted from Triple-A Worcester and appear in Thursday's game against Minnesota, Chris Cotillo of The Springfield Republican reports.

It's unclear whether or not Walter will be granted the start Thursday or follow behind an opener, but either scenario will allow for the 26-year-old lefty to make his first appearance in a major-league game. Walter has been rather unspectacular in Worcester this season, recording a 6.28 ERA and 1.67 WHIP through 61.2 innings.

Cuas will serve as the Royals' opener Thursday against the Rays, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

It will be his first career start, though Cuas is probably only going to work the first inning before giving way to a parade of other Kansas City relievers. Austin Cox could be the bulk man, per Rogers, and Brooks Kriske should also be available to cover a frame or two. Cuas, 28, carries a 4.15 ERA and 1.45 WHIP through 32 appearances this year.