MLB Player News

Ottavino pitched a 1-2-3 ninth inning while striking out two on his way to his 11th save in Wednesday's 3-2 win over the Rays.

The 35-year-old has now registered a save in three consecutive outings and will continue to serve as the closer until Matt Barnes (COVID-19) returns, at minimum. There's even a chance Ottavino retains the role beyond that point, considering Barnes has pitched to a 13.50 ERA since the beginning of August. In contrast, Ottavino has posted a 1.64 ERA since the start of last month and converted all four of his save chances during that span.

Naughton (0-1) allowed three runs on six hits and two walks while striking out two in 3.2 innings, taking the loss Wednesday versus the Yankees.

Making his first career start, Naughton was solid but a little generouswhile allowing eight baserunners. The Angels didn't support the southpaw very well, only getting on the board in the sixth inning, as opposing starter Gerrit Cole was nearly untouchable in the contest. It's unclear if Naughton will get another look in the rotation -- if he does, it could be versus either Texas or San Diego early next week.

Trivino has been managing back spasms over the past few days and was unavailable for Wednesday's loss at Detroit, Matt Kawahara of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Trivino hasn't pitched in a game since last Thursday, and he has an 0-3 record with two blown saves while giving up six runs in his past three appearances. It's unclear how the injury will affect the right-hander's availability for Thursday's matchup with the Tigers and the weekend series against the Blue Jays.

Soto pitched a 1-2-3 ninth inning with two strikeouts to record the save in Wednesday's win over the Athletics.

Soto didn't mess around in this one, as he fired 13 pitches (10 for strikes) and made quick work of the Oakland batters. Since a rough appearance on Aug. 17 in which he allowed five earned runs, the lefty has now tossed eight innings with only an unearned run coming around against him. Soto leads the Tigers with 17 saves, while Michael Fulmer is second with eight, so it definitely looks like the former is the preferred option in the Detroit bullpen for fantasy managers.

Manaea will start Friday's game against the Blue Jays, Matt Kawahara of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Manaea was slated to start Thursday, but he'll switch spots in the rotation with Frankie Montas, who apparently had some visa concerns ahead of the trip to Canada. Manaea has a 9.90 ERA over his past five starts and will attempt to get back on track in Toronto.

Barlow (0-2) took the loss Wednesday as the Rangers fell 9-5 to the Rockies, coughing up five runs (two earned) on one hit and two walks in two-thirds of an inning to blow his first save of the season.

The right-hander was called upon to protect a one-run lead in the ninth, and while three Texas errors behind him didn't help matters, Barlow's back-to-back walks with one out set the stage for Colorado's rally. One bad outing likely won't jeopardize his spot as the primary closing option for the Rangers, and the 25-year-old rookie still sports a 1.96 ERA and 20:9 K:BB through 18.1 innings.

Ortega's contract was selected from Triple-A Salt Lake on Wednesday.

Ortega began the year at Double-A Rocket City but advanced to Triple-A Salt Lake in late July. He performed well in nine relief appearances with the Triple-A club and posted a 3.75 ERA and 1.33 WHIP in 12 innings. The 24-year-old will be available to make his major-league debut out of the Angels' bullpen, but he should pitch in low-leverage situations.

Brasier (concussion) was activated from the 60-day injured list Wednesday, Julian McWilliams of The Boston Globe reports.

Brasier suffered a calf strain in spring training and sustained a concussion when struck in the head by a line drive while rehabbing, but he's now poised to make his first outing of the season for the Red Sox. The 34-year-old has been a significant bullpen piece for Boston over the past few years and could provide a boost for the final month of the season.

White Sox manager Tony La Russa said Lopez will start Saturday's game against the Royals, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

After striking out seven in five perfect frames last Friday against the Cubs in his return to the bullpen, Lopez will step back into the rotation during the upcoming weekend as a replacement for Lance Lynn (knee), who was placed on the injured list Tuesday. Lynn is only expected to miss one turn through the rotation, but Lopez could have the opportunity to pick up another start after Saturday if Lucas Giolito is slow to recover from the hamstring injury he sustained Tuesday.

Brentz (shoulder) was reinstated from the 10-day injured list Wednesday.

Brentz will return to the Royals' bullpen after a brief stay on the injured list, and he didn't require a rehab assignment prior to Wednesday's activation. The southpaw has made 17 relief appearances since the All-Star break and has recorded a 3.68 ERA and 1.23 WHIP in 14.2 innings during that time.