MLB Player News

Brentz earned the save against the Astros on Tuesday, pitching a scoreless ninth inning during which he allowed two walks and struck out two batters.

Brentz recorded his first career save Aug. 5, but despite his lack of high-leverage experience the Royals elected to bring him in to preserve a two-run, ninth-inning lead against baseball's top scoring team. He didn't make things easy for himself -- the southpaw threw only nine of 20 pitches for strikes and issued two free passes -- but he survived the wildness to notch the save. Brentz has been one of Kansas City's best relievers this season, posting a 3.21 ERA and 10.6 K/BB while collecting 12 holds despite a troublesome 5.7 BB/9. He appears to be near the top of the list for save chances among the team's closer committee.

Clase worked a perfect ninth inning with two strikeouts to pick up his 17th save of the season in Tuesday's 3-1 win over the Twins.

Clase was his normal overpowering self Tuesday night, with nine of his 15 pitches registering at 100 mph or faster. He struck out Mitch Garver and Miguel Sano before getting Rob Refsnyder to fly out to end the game. The right-hander has not allowed a run in his last 12 appearances and has a K:BB of 7:1 in August.

Morgan (2-5) allowed three hits and two walks with eight strikeouts through six innings of shutout ball, picking up the win in Tuesday night's 3-1 victory over the Twins.

Entering Tuesday, Morgan had allowed two or more earned runs in all 10 of his major-league starts. That streak ended in emphatic fashion against the Twins, as he tranquilized their bats to the tune of just three measly singles. The 25-year-old ran into a spot of bother in the second inning when loaded the bases with nobody out, but Morgan escaped via a strikeout and a double play. Since allowing at least one long ball in his first eight starts, the right-hander has gone three straight outings without allowing a homer. Cleveland has been patient with the rookie this season and it appears to be paying off, as his 3.52 August ERA is a marked improvement on his season number of 5.80.

Yarbrough (undisclosed) will be activated from the COVID-19 injured list and serve as the bulk pitcher Wednesday against the Orioles, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Yarbrough landed on the COVID-19 IL last week and will rejoin the Rays on Wednesday. The left-hander won't start but will work as the primary pitcher while Louis Head serves as the opener.

Soto (4-3) allowed six runs (five earned) while recording just two outs to take the loss Tuesday against the Angels. He gave up four hits and two walks while striking out one.

It was a horrendous outing for Soto, who gave up two home runs and saw his ERA climb from 2.79 to 3.67 in the process. The lefty had only allowed two or more earned runs four times in 50 appearances this season before Tuesday, and the Tigers will hope this is a blip on the radar than a sign of things to come. Soto leads the team with 15 saves and should stick in a prominent bullpen role, but it would be encouraging to see him string together a few clean outings to get back in a positive groove.

Manager Kevin Cash said that Feyereisen (biceps) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Durham on Wednesday, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

Feyereisen hasn't pitched since July 20 because of right biceps tendinitis. He most recently tossed a live batting practice session Friday, and now he's been granted clearance to pitch in a rehab outing with Durham. The right-hander will likely need to get multiple appearances under his belt before he's activated, but he appears to have a solid chance of rejoining the Rays' bullpen by the end of August.

Manager Charlie Montoyo said there is a "good chance" Mayza (elbow) will be activated from the 10-day injured list prior to Wednesday's game against the Nationals, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Mayza was placed on the injured list Aug. 7 with elbow inflammation, but he was able to return to the mound for a rehab assignment with Triple-A Buffalo on Sunday. It sounds like he's on track to rejoin the Blue Jays' bullpen after just the one rehab outing, though a roster move won't become official until Wednesday.

Loaisiga gave up three hits over two scoreless innings to record his fifth save of the season during a 5-3 win over the Red Sox in the first game of Tuesday's doubleheader. He struck out three without walking a batter.

The right-hander picked up his first save in five appearances, as the Yankees have been mixing and matching in the closer role while Aroldis Chapman (elbow) remains sidelined. With Loaisiga having thrown 34 pitches (23 strikes) in the matinee, look for Chad Green or another reliever to get the call if the Yankees have another late lead to protect in the nightcap. Loaisiga has been the club's best option of late though, as he's been scored upon only once in his last 11 games and 12.2 innings.

Manager Kevin Cash announced that Yarbrough will be activated from the COVID-19 injured list to pitch Wednesday against the Orioles, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports. The club has not determined whether he will start or serve as a bulk reliever.

Yarbrough was placed on the COVID-19 list Aug. 10. The southpaw is set to be activated Wednesday, and he should be in line to log the bulk of the innings, whether it's to start the game or in relief of an opener. Yarbrough's activation seems likely to push Shane McClanahan's start to Thursday.

Armstrong's contract was selected by the Rays on Tuesday.

Armstrong was acquired in exchange for cash considerations from the Orioles at the deadline. He's been mediocre at best for most of his seven-year big-league career, posting a 4.65 ERA over 151 innings of work. Mike Brosseau was optioned to clear a space on the active roster, while Kevin Padlo was designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man.