MLB Player News

Lopez allowed four runs on seven hits and one walk across 4.2 innings of a no-decision Saturday against the Royals. He had four strikeouts.

Lopez took an 8-1 lead into the fifth running when he finally ran into trouble, giving up three hits, a sacrifice fly, a walk and a wild pitch before giving way to the bullpen with two outs. Lopez, who is winless in his last seven starts (0-6), owns a 6.04 ERA and 1.63 WHIP in 89.1 innings this season while opponents are hitting .299 off him. The 28-year-old is scheduled to face the Nationals at home next week.

Munoz (elbow) threw off a mound Saturday.

Munoz had his rehab process from Tommy John surgery paused in March because of a setback. The right-hander appears to have made substantial progress since, however, as he's reached the important milestone of throwing a bullpen session. It's still not entirely clear if Munoz could become an option to join the Mariners' bullpen during the season's final months, but that will likely depend on how he progresses in the coming weeks.

Karinchak allowed a run on two hits and a walk in one inning, earning the save in Saturday's 3-2 win over Oakland.

Karinchak put the first two batters aboard and allowed a run on a sacrifice fly, but he was able to get out of trouble in the end. Emmanuel Clase pitched a clean inning for a hold in Saturday's contest. With both of Cleveland's top ninth-inning options a little shaky lately, manager Terry Francona will have to pick and choose based on matchups. Karinchak still has a 2.61 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 68:23 K:BB across 41.1 innings this year, to go with 10 saves, nine holds and two blown saves.

Soto tossed a perfect seventh inning to earn the save in the first game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Twins.

Soto was charged with a blown save Sunday during his final appearance prior to the All-Star break, but he began the second half of the year on a high note with his eighth save of the season. The southpaw didn't strike out any batters during his perfect inning, but he's now posted a 2.92 ERA and 1.35 WHIP in 37 innings across 39 appearances in 2021.

Norris (1-3) struck out two in two perfect innings to earn the win in the first game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Twins.

Norris entered Saturday's matinee after Jose Urena exited with groin tightness, and he held the Twins without a baserunner in the fourth and fifth innings. The left-hander had posted a 10.61 ERA and 2.46 WHIP in 9.1 innings across his 11 appearances leading up to the All-Star break, but he was effective in his first appearance of the second half and earned his first win of the 2021 campaign.

Zimmermann (biceps) could return in early-to-mid-August, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

This is the third time since he was placed on the IL on June 18 that the O's have estimated he was two or three weeks away, so we'll take this timetable with a grain of salt. Once healthy, Zimmermann will likely be sent to the minors to build back up.

Hernandez will start Sunday's game against the Orioles, Lynn Worthy of The Kansas City Star reports.

The righty has a 4.98 ERA and 30:15 K:BB in 21.2 innings this season, but all 12 of his appearances have come in relief. Hernandez did make three starts in 2020, so Sunday won't be an entirely unfamiliar experience for the 24-year-old. He enters an enticing matchup against Baltimore's underwhelming lineup.

The Tigers recalled Lange from Triple-A Toledo prior to Game 2 of Saturday's doubleheader against the Twins, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

The Tigers may have a couple bullpen games while Jose Urena (groin) misses time, so Lange will be called upon for additional pitching depth. He's certainly struggled with Detroit this year, posting a 7.31 ERA in 16 innings of work. Lange's performance at Triple-A has been better, though, as he's pitched four scoreless innings with six strikeouts across his last three appearances.

Vest was returned to the Tigers organization Saturday after going unclaimed on waivers.

The Rule 5 pick was designated for assignment Monday, resulting in his return to Detroit. Vest had a 6.17 ERA in 35 innings with the Mariners this season but could get an opportunity with the Tigers at some point in the second half.

Sewald picked up the one-out save Friday in the win over the Angels.

Sewald earned his third save of the season and second in back-to-back games. Kendall Graveman was unable to finish out the ninth inning and Seattle decided to call on Sewald to finish the game. The Mariners have been flexible this season with their closing situation as they have mixed and matched save opportunities. The 31-year-old has not allowed an earned run since June 1. During that stretch, he has fired 17 scoreless innings while striking out 29 and picking up three saves and five holds. He could be in line for more saves, especially if the Mariners decide to trade some arms before the trade deadline.