MLB Player News

Hader earned the save in Wednesday's 3-1 win over the Blue Jays, allowing no hits and one walk with two strikeouts in a scoreless ninth inning.

Hader was summoned to protect a two-run lead in the ninth inning and worked around a one-out walk to close things out. In 10 appearances since returning from the injured list June 3, the 32-year-old has converted all six of his save opportunities while posting a 0.90 ERA, 0.40 WHIP and 16:2 K:BB across 10 innings. After missing the first couple months of the season due to a bicep injury, Hader has quickly reminded everyone that he's one of the top closers in MLB.

Legumina will serve as the Rays' opening pitcher Thursday against the Royals, Ryan Bass of Rays.tv reports.

Legumina has given up two earned runs across his last two outings, but the Rays will trust him to handle the beginning of Thursday's series finale nonetheless. The 29-year-old was able to record five outs before being pulled during his last opening assignment, and he'll presumably remain in the game Thursday for a similar amount of time before turning the ball over to bulk reliever Ian Seymour.

Baker earned the save in Wednesday's 5-3 win over the Royals, allowing a run on one hit while striking out two in the ninth inning.

Baker gave up a solo home run to Josh Rojas with one out in the ninth that cut Tampa Bay's lead to two, but the right-hander rebounded to set down the next two Royals and pick up his 20th save this season. The homer marked the first run that Baker has given up in his last 13 innings. He's been excellent overall this season, posting a 2.01 ERA with 0.89 WHIP and 35:11 K:BB across 31.1 innings.

Jax (3-5) earned the win Wednesday over the Royals, allowing two unearned runs on five hits and two walks over five innings. He struck out seven.

It was a strong outing for Jax, as he set a season high with seven strikeouts. The right-hander has been excellent of late, allowing just two earned runs across 20 innings in his last four starts while posting a 21:4 K:BB. Since moving into Tampa's rotation, Jax has posted a 2.27 ERA with a 1.19 WHIP and 41:13 K:BB across 11 starts (43.2 innings). He's tentatively lined up for a rematch with the Royals on the road his next time out.

The Astros optioned VanWey to Triple-A Sugar Land on Wednesday.

VanWey allowed two runs (one earned) over three innings in a pair of relief appearances the last two days, so the Astros are replacing him with a fresh bullpen arm. Left-hander Colton Gordon was called up from Sugar Land to take VanWey's spot on the active roster.

Estevez (shoulder) threw a bullpen Sunday and is scheduled to throw another Wednesday, MLB.com reports.

Estevez has been on the injured list since April 1, originally due to a left foot contusion before suffering a right rotator cuff strain during a rehab assignment May 6. The veteran has steadily progressed in his recovery, and the move to bullpen sessions represents a positive step forward. If the right-hander comes out of Wednesday's session without any issues, he could quickly progress to facing live hitters.

Mears (shoulder) received an injection and began playing catch again Monday, MLB.com reports.

Mears threw a bullpen June 16 and was on the right track in his recovery from a right shoulder impingement, but the 29-year-old came out of the session dealing with the same soreness and pinching feeling that landed him on the shelf in the first place. After receiving an injection in his shoulder, the right-hander is back to throwing and will look to build up in rehab without any further setbacks. Before being placed on the injured list May 29, Mears posted a 5.12 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 15:11 K:BB across 19.1 innings.

Leiter (hip) began a throwing progression Monday, MLB.com reports.

Leiter was placed on the injured list Saturday (retroactive to Thursday) due to a right hip impingement, but he didn't require much down time before resuming throwing. The Athletics are hopeful that the right-hander can return to the big-league club when first eligible July 3. In 29.2 innings this season, Leiter owns a 4.85 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 31:10 K:BB with four saves.

The Twins recalled Funderburk from Triple-A St. Paul on Wednesday.

Funderburk will provide the Twins with another left-handed option out of the bullpen in what will be his third stint of the season with the big club. He's notched six holds and one save while pitching to a 3.44 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 10:16 K:BB in 18.1 innings over 21 appearances with Minnesota.

The Twins optioned Rojas to Triple-A St. Paul on Wednesday.

Minnesota moved Rojas to the minors and designated right-hander Austin Voth for assignment after the two pitchers covered the first six innings of Tuesday's 12-3 loss to the Dodgers. Prior to making the two-inning start for Minnesota, Rojas hadn't pitched for the big club since late May after he had been shelved due to triceps inflammation. The Twins will likely have the young lefty get further stretched out as a member of the rotation at Triple-A.