MLB Player News

McHugh picked up the save Saturday against the White Sox, striking out one over 1.2 innings without allowing a baserunner.

In classic Rays fashion, McHugh's two appearances this week include one start and one save. He retired all six batters he faced as the opener Monday against the Orioles and retired all five he faced Saturday. He was called on to protect a three-run lead with one out in the top of the eighth, and while he did allow a run to score on a groundout, he was able to kill the White Sox's rally and remained in the game to seal the deal after the Rays stretched the lead to four in the bottom of the frame. The save was the veteran's first of his nine-year career, and while he has an excellent 1.30 ERA on the season, the Rays' creative pitcher usage means he's likely to continue serving mainly in a multi-inning role rather than in the ninth inning exclusively.

Patino (3-3) earned the win Saturday against the White Sox, allowing two runs on five hits in six innings, striking out five while walking one.

The innings total tied a career high for the 21-year-old, who's flashed potential in his 12 outings this season despite a modest 4.53 ERA. He gave up a solo homer to Seby Zavala in the third and allowed another run on an RBI single by Eloy Jimenez in the sixth, but he didn't have to work out of too many jams throughout the game and came away with his second career quality start. He'll likely return to the mound during next weekend's three-game series in Baltimore.

Romano gave up one hit and struck out three batters in a scoreless ninth inning Saturday to record his 11th save of the season in a 3-0 win over the Tigers.

The flamethrowing right-hander gave up a single to Derek Hill on the first pitch he threw, then overpowered the heart of the Detroit order to close things out. Romano has had some ups and downs this year but hasn't actually blown a save since April 8, and he sports a 2.44 ERA and 60:20 K:BB through 44.1 innings.

Barlow tossed a perfect ninth inning Friday to record his eighth save of the season in a 4-2 win over the Cubs. He didn't walk or strike out a batter.

The right-hander needed only eight pitches (six strikes) to breeze through the top of the Cubs' order. Barlow has converted two straight save chances after blowing his prior two opportunities, and he remains the top closing option in the Royals' bullpen with a 2.55 ERA and 74:22 K:BB through 60 innings.

Jax and the Twins won't play Sunday against the Yankees after the game was postponed due to inclement weather.

Hurricane Henri is forecasted to hit the East Coast on Sunday, so the teams will be unable to play their series finale. The Twins haven't revealed their revised rotation plans, but it wouldn't be surprising to see Jax start on the road against the Red Sox on Tuesday.

Farmer signed a minor-league contract with the Rangers on Saturday.

Farmer was released by the Tigers on Tuesday after he was designated for assignment last weekend, and he'll now try to make an impression at Triple-A Round Rock. The right-hander made 36 relief appearances with Detroit this year and generated a 6.37 ERA and 1.73 WHIP in 35.1 innings.

Lopez will move to a bullpen role going forward, Nathan Ruiz of The Baltimore Sun reports.

Although Lopez had a strong start to August, he struggled in his last two outings and allowed 11 runs across 5.1 innings during back-to-back losses. While manager Brandon Hyde didn't reveal who would take the right-hander's place in the starting rotation, the Orioles are hopeful that Lopez will perform better out of the bullpen.

Canterino was placed on the 7-day minor-league injured list with a right elbow strain Saturday, Brandon Warne of Access Twins reports.

Canterino had been sidelined since May due to a right elbow strain, but he returned to action Sunday and allowed no hits and a walk while striking out eight in three innings at High-A Cedar Rapids. Unfortunately, it now appears he hasn't moved past the injury and will be forced to miss more time. It's not yet clear whether the right-hander is facing another lengthy absence.

Tate has not allowed a run in his last 4.2 innings.

The right-hander had a miserable stretch early in August in which he allowed six runs in just 1.2 innings, but he's corrected course since then. Tate has allowed just one hit and struck out two during his current scoreless streak. He has a 4.38 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 43:19 K:BB across 51.1 innings overall, as well as two saves and five holds.

Stephan (2-0) allowed just one hit and struck out two over three scoreless innings to earn the win Friday over the Angels.

Starter Sam Hentges only lasted four innings, so Stephan earned the win in a lopsided 9-1 contest. Through six appearances in August, Stephan has yielded four runs on seven hits and seven walks with seven strikeouts across 10.1 innings. The right-hander has endured an inconsistent season with a 4.57 ERA, 1.52 WHIP and 49:25 K:BB in 45.1 innings, serving mainly as a multi-inning reliever.