MLB Player News

Chapman earned a save against the Athletics on Saturday, walking two batters and striking out one in a scoreless inning.

With the Rangers having lost seven of eight games and needing a win as they battle for a playoff spot, manager Bruce Bochy deployed both of his co-closers late in a close contest. Will Smith got the final out of the seventh and followed with a scoreless eighth, while Chapman was called upon to close things out in the ninth. The latter made things stressful for Texas fans with a pair of walks but was able to navigate past those to pick up the save. Though they've come 10 days apart, Chapman has picked up the past two saves for the Rangers. However, he hasn't exactly been sharp of late, giving up seven runs (five earned) and posting an 11:9 K:BB over his past 7.2 frames.

Lange tossed 1.1 scoreless innings to earn the save in Saturday's 3-1 win over the White Sox. He struck out two.

Lange has had a few hiccups here and there this season, though he now has 22 saves in 26 chances to go along with a decent 3.63 ERA. The righty has been scored upon only once in his last 12 appearances, and he has a 2.25 ERA during the stretch. Lange should remain locked in as Detroit's closer during the final weeks of the year.

Fujinami (7-8) struck out one without putting a runner on base over 1.2 innings to earn the win Saturday over the Red Sox.

Fujinami inherited a pair of runners in the fifth inning and saw them pull off a double steal to both get into scoring position, but he nullified the threat. He then pitched a tidy sixth inning and was ultimately awarded the win in a 13-12 Baltimore victory. With 4.2 scoreless innings and six strikeouts over four outings in September, it appears the Orioles are starting to get the best out of Fujinami. He still has a 7.15 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 79:39 K:BB through 73 innings this year, but he's been much more effective as a reliever with Baltimore than he was in any role with Oakland to begin the campaign.

Alcala (forearm) began a rehab assignment with Low-A Fort Myers on Saturday, broadcaster John Vittas reports.

Alcala struck out a pair in a clean inning and averaged 97.5 mph with his fastball. It was the first game appearance for the 28-year-old since he was diagnosed with a radial stress fracture of his right forearm back in mid-May. Alcala is aiming to rejoin the Twins' bullpen later this month.

Marinaccio was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Saturday.

Marinaccio tossed a scoreless innings against the Brewers on Saturday but needed 32 pitches to do so. The Yankees will announce a corresponding move prior to Sunday's contest, and it seems likely to involve a reliever.

Krook was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Saturday.

Krook was roughed up for four runs while failing to record an out in Saturday's loss to the Brewers. The Yankees will announce a corresponding move prior to Sunday's game.

Reyes was recalled from Triple-A Salt Lake on Saturday.

Reyes has already spent four separate stints on the active roster this season, all of which have been very brief. The 30-year-old righty owns a 7.45 ERA in 9.2 major-league innings this season and a 6.25 ERA in 36 frames for Salt Lake, so he's unlikely to see anything other than low-leverage work during his time with the team.

Cronin was placed on the 15-day injured list Saturday with blisters on his right hand.

The assignment was made retroactive to Wednesday, so Cronin could return as soon as Sept. 22. The White Sox are unlikely to rush him back, however, as he's allowed 10 earned runs in 7.2 innings of relief this season, walking as many batters as he's struck out (six). Jose Urena's contract was selected in a corresponding move.

Walter was optioned to Triple-A Worcester on Saturday.

Walter's latest big-league stint lasted seven days. It won't be one he remembers fondly, as he gave up 11 runs in 5.1 innings of work across a pair of relief appearances. Zack Weiss was called up to take his place on the roster.

Weiss was recalled from Triple-A Worcester on Saturday.

Weiss will get his first chance to pitch in a Red Sox uniform after being claimed off waivers from the Angels in late August. The 31-year-old righty owns a 5.79 ERA in 18.2 career MLB innings.