MLB Player News

Lopez (4-4) allowed three runs on three hits and a walk in a third of an inning to take the loss against the Tigers on Sunday.

Lopez entered Sunday's game to preserve a tie in the top of the ninth inning, but he gave up a home run to lead off the frame before allowing two more runs to come across prior to his removal. The right-hander allowed at least two runs in five of his last six outings of the regular season, and he'll likely pitch out of the bullpen during the playoffs.

Jimenez (6-1) allowed no hits and a walk while striking out two in a scoreless inning to earn the win against the White Sox on Sunday.

Jimenez gave up at least one run in three of his final six appearances of the year, but he was sharp in Sunday's regular-season finale to earn his sixth win of 2021. The right-hander posted a 5.96 ERA and 1.52 WHIP in 45.1 innings and earned a save along with five holds across his 52 relief appearances this season.

Fulmer worked around a hit to pitch a scoreless ninth inning and record the save in Sunday's win over the White Sox.

The save was the 14th of the season for Fulmer, which was four behind Gregory Soto (finger) for the team lead. Fulmer had a nice rebound campaign in his second year back after Tommy John surgery, finishing the season with a 2.97 ERA and 73 strikeouts across 69.2 innings after recording an 8.78 ERA in 2020. The former starter looked comfortable in a relief role, and he should be a key member of Detroit's bullpen in 2022.

Alexander allowed one run across six innings but did not factor into the decision Sunday against the White Sox. He gave up four hits and two walks while striking out four.

Alexander left the game with a 2-1 lead but lost his chance at his third win of the year when the White Sox tied the game in the seventh inning. The lefty pitched well to end the season, allowing just four runs across 17 innings in his last three starts. The good stretch of games brought his ERA down to 3.81, which is a new career best. Alexander figures to give the Tigers an option as a starter or long reliever in 2022, potentially swinging between the two roles as he's done so far in his career.

Alcala struck out three in 1.1 perfect frames to earn the save in Sunday's win over the Royals.

Alcala recorded a 3.92 ERA and 0.97 WHIP in 59.2 innings during his third season with the Twins, but he was dominant late in the year and was rewarded with his first save of 2021 in Sunday's season finale. The 26-year-old tossed eight scoreless innings across his final eight appearances of the season and recorded three holds during that time.

Kowar (0-6) allowed five runs on five hits and a walk while striking out six in four innings to take the loss against the Twins on Sunday.

Kowar gave up four runs in the top of the first inning before recording an out, but he settled down later in his outing and retired nine consecutive batters across the next three innings. However, he was forced to finish the season with his fourth loss in his last five appearances. The right-hander made nine appearances (eight starts) during his first major-league season and recorded an 11.27 ERA and 2.08 WHIP in 30.1 innings.

Zimmerman (4-5) allowed three runs on five hits and recorded one strikeout while taking a loss against Toronto on Sunday. He recorded two outs.

George Springer launched a leadoff shot off Zimmermann to begin the first inning. Toronto scored two more runs in the frame and ended Zimmermann's day after just 28 pitches. He posted a 3.24 ERA in his previous five outings but saw his season ERA climb to 5.04 through 64.1 frames. Zimmermann finishes the 2021 campaign with a 56:21 K:BB and a 1.48 WHIP.

The Red Sox optioned Bazardo to Triple-A Worcester on Sunday, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

Bazardo didn't appear in a game after being recalled last Sunday. A lat injury kept him out for a big chunk of 2021, but he figures to compete for a bullpen spot with the Red Sox next season.

The Rangers optioned Otto to Triple-A Round Rock on Sunday.

Otto had a brutal debut season, starting six games and posting a 9.26 ERA in 23.1 innings. Unavailable to pitch Sunday after starting Thursday, he yields his roster spot to Matt Bush.

Maton (6-0) earned the win Saturday against the Athletics by recording one out, allowing one hit and one walk.

Maton recorded his sixth win of the campaign, and while he recorded just one out, he needed 19 pitches to get the job done (12 strikes). If this was his final outing of the campaign, then Maton will end the year with a 4.73 ERA across 66.2 innings in 65 appearances. He has posted an ERA above the 4.00 mark in each of his five big-league seasons.