MLB Player News

Pagan pitched a scoreless inning against Seattle on Monday, allowing one walk and striking out two batters to earn the save.

Pagan was tasked with preserving a one-run, ninth-inning lead. He saw the tying run move into scoring position due to a two-out walk and stolen base, but the right-hander struck out Jesse Winker to end the threat. Pagan appears to be the current favorite over Jhoan Duran for ninth-inning duties thanks to a 2.45 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 11.9 K/9. He's blown three saves but has also successfully converted nine opportunities.

Krehbiel (shoulder) threw off a mound Monday, Andy Kostka of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Krehbiel began his throwing progression last week, and he's advanced to mound work. He threw 15 pitches, all fastballs, during the session. The 29-year-old will likely get another couple of sessions in to mix in his breaking balls. He's first eligible to come off the injured list Saturday.

Hearn allowed three runs on seven hits and three walks over 5.1 innings in Monday's win over Houston. He struck out three and did not factor in the decision.

Hearn was tagged with three runs in the first two frames but he settled with 3.1 scoreless innings after that. He's allowed three or fewer runs in four straight outings and seven of his last eight. Hearn owns a 5.37 ERA with a 50:28 K:BB through 12 starts this season. The 27-year-old is projected to start in Detroit this weekend.

Moore threw a perfect inning and earned a save over Houston on Monday.

Moore needed just six pitches to quickly retire the Astros in order and finish off the 5-3 win. He's riding a six-inning scoreless streak since coughing up three runs against the Rays on May 30. The veteran southpaw is sporting a 2.54 ERA with a 35:16 K:BB through 28.1 innings.

Alexander (elbow) was activated from the 15-day injured list following Monday's game against the White Sox, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Alexander remains a candidate to start Tuesday's matchup, though the club has yet to announce official pitching plans. Drew Hutchison's contract was selected from Triple-A Toledo, so he may also be in the mix for a start. Alexander last toed the rubber April 29 against the Dodgers, giving up four runs on three hits and two walks while fanning one over 2.1 frames.

Merryweather left Monday's game against the Orioles due to left side discomfort.

Merryweather is likely headed for further testing, as the severity of the injury is not yet known. He'll be considered day-to-day until further notice.

Daniel was optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake following Sunday's game against the Mets.

Daniel failed to make his big-league debut during his brief stint with the Angels, which lasted all of two days. The club has yet to make a corresponding move.

Hendriks is dealing with arm stiffness ahead of Monday's game against the Tigers, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Hendriks wasn't available out of the bullpen for Sunday's series finale against the Rangers, but he'll play catch prior to Monday's matchup. Manager Tony La Russa isn't yet sure whether the right-hander will be available against the Tigers on Monday but didn't sound too concerned about Hendriks' long-term availability.

Payamps was placed on the COVID-19 injured list for an undisclosed reason Monday.

Payamps was officially placed on the IL with no injury designation, but that usually means that a player is on the COVID-19 IL. Assuming that's the case, the right-hander will be eligible to return to action as soon as he clears the league's health and safety protocols. Right-hander Daniel Mengden's contract was selected Monday to provide additional bullpen depth.

Mengden's contract was selected by the Royals on Monday.

Mengden joined the Royals on a minor-league deal in early March, and he posted a 5.47 ERA and 1.49 WHIP in 52.2 innings over 12 appearances (11 starts) at Triple-A Omaha to begin the season. The right-hander pitched in the KBO last year but will join the Royals' bullpen after Joel Payamps (undisclosed) was placed on the COVID-19 injured list Monday.