MLB Player News

Mata (elbow) began a rehab assignment at Single-A Salem on Saturday, Alex Speier of The Boston Globe reports.

Mata was pitching in extended spring training last month, but he returned to minor-league game action Saturday and allowed an unearned run on no hits and two walks while striking out two in two innings. He generated 10 swings and misses during the outing and is expected to continue his rehab assignment at High-A Greenville this week.

Yarbrough (0-3) took the loss Sunday against the White Sox, allowing six runs on eight hits and two walks in 1.2 innings.

Yarbrough was roughed up for four runs in the first inning and, after allowing two runs, was removed with two outs and the bases loaded in the second. It was the first time in 56 big-league starts that the lefty failed to complete two innings. The outing raised his ERA to 5.65 and WHIP to 1.53. He tentatively lines up to make his next start Saturday or Sunday in Minnesota, though Yarbrough could be moved to the bullpen if the Rays elect to keep a five-man rotation intact when Shane Baz (elbow) likely returns from the 60-day injured list this weekend.

Santana (ankle) allowed a hit and a walk in two-thirds of a scoreless inning, earning his ninth hold of the season Sunday versus the Mariners.

Santana was hit by a comebacker in Saturday's contest, but the Rangers were never seriously concerned about his status. That turned out to be accurate, as he returned a day later with no obvious issues. The right-hander has a 1.40 ERA, 0.62 WHIP and 10:3 K:BB through 19.1 innings this season, serving as a high-leverage option as part of the setup path to closer Joe Barlow.

Moran earned a one-out save while allowing one hit in Sunday's win over Toronto.

Moran entered the game to preserve a two-run lead after Tyler Duffey coughed up a three-run homer in the ninth. He allowed a single to George Springer before forcing a Bo Bichette groundout to end the contest. The 25-year-old has 12 punchouts through 6.2 shutout frames at the MLB level this season.

Sewald allowed a walk in a scoreless inning to earn the save in Sunday's 6-5 extra-inning win over the Rangers.

Sewald got one out, then intentionally walked Corey Seager to get to Mitch Garver. The strategy worked, as both Garver and Kole Calhoun fouled out to earn Sewald his second save in as many appearances. The right-hander now has a 2.21 ERA, 0.84 WHIP and 19:7 K:BB across 20.1 innings while picking up four saves, three holds and two blown saves this season. He's on a 4.1-inning scoreless streak.

Clase struck out one in a perfect ninth inning to earn the save in Sunday's 3-2 win over the Orioles.

Clase was highly efficient during Sunday's outing, as he threw nine of his 10 pitches for strikes while retiring the side to preserve the Guardians' one-run lead. The right-hander has now picked up saves in his last two outings after being held without a save over six appearances between May 17 and June 1. Clase has converted nine of his 11 save chances in 2022, and he's posted a 2.11 ERA and 0.89 WHIP in 21.1 innings over 23 appearances this year.

Smeltzer allowed two runs on four hits and two walks over four innings in Sunday's win over the Blue Jays. He struck out one and did not factor in the decision.

Smeltzer got off to a poor start when George Springer launched a leadoff shot against him. The 26-year-old southpaw then kept Toronto off the board until Alejandro Kirk's solo homer in the fourth. Sunday's outing was the shortest of the year for Smeltzer and it was the first time he'd allowed a home run. He's now sporting a 1.93 ERA with a 13:6 K:BB through five starts. Smeltzer is projected to face the Rays at home next week.

Soto (2-3) allowed an unearned run on a hit and two strikeouts in 1.1 innings to take the loss during Sunday's game against the Yankees.

Soto has been effective as the Tigers' primary closer recently, and he had tossed 8.2 scoreless innings over his nine appearances prior to Sunday's outing while converting all six of his save chances during that time. Although he was charged with his third loss of the year since he allowed the Yankees' ghost runner to come across in the bottom of the 10th inning Sunday, he's built up decent job security as Detroit's preferred ninth-inning option.

Heasley (0-3) took the loss Sunday versus the Astros, allowing three runs on seven hits and two walks with five strikeouts in six innings.

Heasley didn't help his own cause much -- he hit one batter and added a pair of wild pitches, one of which led to the Astros' second run. The right-hander has posted consecutive quality starts, but he remains in search of his first win of the season. He's at a 4.62 ERA, 1.70 WHIP and 15:18 K:BB across 25.1 innings in five starts. Sunday was a step in the right direction in terms of limiting walks, as he allowed three or more in his other four outings. He'll try to find more control in a home start versus the Orioles next week.

Montero retired the only batter he faced to secure the save in Sunday's 7-4 win over the Royals.

Following Ryan Pressly's ejection for throwing inside and Phil Maton's inability to retire any of the three batters he faced, Montero was able to end a bases-loaded threat. He got Nicky Lopez to ground out to end the game. This was Montero's fourth save of the year, but his first since May 6. He's posted a 2.08 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 24:5 K:BB across 21.2 innings while adding six holds this season. Should Pressly face a suspension for his actions Sunday, Montero figures to be favored for potential save chances while he is absent.