MLB Player News

Valdez allowed three hits and struck out two over three innings in Friday's 9-2 loss to Kansas City.

Valdez was utilized in a long-relief capacity after starter Keegan Akin struggled through three innings. This was Valdez's first scoreless outing since June 9, although he missed time with a lower-back strain during that span. It's unclear what kind of role the right-hander will have going forward -- he's logged eight saves this season but none since May 10. He's posted a 6.25 ERA, 1.67 WHIP and 33:8 K:BB across 31.2 innings overall.

Akin (0-5) took the loss against Kansas City on Friday, completing three innings and allowing six runs on eight hits and three walks while striking out two.

The Royals put at least one run on the board in each of Akin's three frames, and they crossed the plate four times in a big second inning. The southpaw needed 74 pitches to retire nine batters, and he has now given up at least four earned runs in each of his past seven outings. Given his 8.19 ERA, 1.80 WHIP and paltry 21.5 strikeout percentage, he doesn't carry much fantasy appeal. Akin is tentatively slated to next face Washington at home next Friday.

Clase (3-5) suffered the loss and blown save in Friday's 5-4 loss to Oakland, allowing two hits and two runs in one third of an inning.

Clase entered in the ninth protecting a one-run lead and surrendered a leadoff single to Elvis Andrus followed by a Jed Lowrie walk-off home run two batters later for his third straight blown save and third loss in four appearances. The 23-year-old righty has now allowed five runs in his last 3.1 innings, though his ERA still sits at 2.19 on the season.

Morgan threw five innings in a 5-4 loss to the Athletics on Friday, allowing three runs on seven hits and a walk with six strikeouts. He didn't factor into the decision.

Morgan's problem inning was a two-run third, when he allowed three hits, and the rookie also surrendered a single run in the third on a Mitch Moreland homer. The start was only his third allowing three runs or less in six turns, and the five innings matched a career high, though both benchmarks are a bit uninspiring. He currently lines up to pitch in Houston on Wednesday.

Manaea took the no-decision in Friday's 5-4 win over Cleveland, allowing three runs on seven hits with seven strikeouts in 5.1 innings.

Manaea held Cleveland scoreless through four innings but allowed a Roberto Perez solo home run in the fifth and permitted three baserunners and one run in the sixth before departing. The lefty broke out of his four-start losing streak and has now allowed three runs or less in 10 of his last 11 starts, pitching to a 3.28 ERA on the season.

Payamps was designated for assignment by Toronto on Friday, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

Payamps finds himself off the 40-man roster with Ryan Borucki (forearm) being activated from the 60-day IL. The right-hander posted a 2.70 ERA across 30 innings before being optioned to Triple-A on June 30, so he should have a strong chance of attracting interest on the waiver wire.

Borucki (forearm) was activated from the 60-day injured list Friday, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

Borucki has been on the injured list with a left forearm flexor strain since mid-May. He made two appearances after beginning a rehab stint with Triple-A Buffalo on July 7, striking out two while allowing one hit across two scoreless innings. He has a 4.05 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and 14:5 K:BB this season for the Jays.

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

Chris Bassitt was initially slated to pitch the series opener, with Manaea set to toe the rubber Saturday. The A's will instead go with the southpaw Friday followed by Frankie Montas on Saturday. The shuffle is possibly due to Bassitt throwing 24 pitches in Tuesday's All-Star Game, though the club has yet to officially comment on the change. Bassitt could still be in line to start Sunday's series finale.

King (finger) has played catch without discomfort and hopes to be activated during this weekend's series versus Boston, Randy Miller of NJ Advance Media reports.

King injured his right middle finger while lifting weights July 5 and was subsequently placed on the 10-day injured list. He recently indicated that he is doing better, explaining, "It's good now. It felt good throwing. It was pretty bad the first day. The swelling and pain have gone down considerably. I'll throw two of the three days (during the All-Star break) and probably throw a bullpen Thursday or Friday and see where I am." King has posted a 3.72 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 47:21 K:BB across 48.1 innings this season.

Anderson (elbow) felt good after throwing live batting practice in Port Charlotte on Friday, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

Anderson recently threw several bullpen sessions without experiencing setbacks, and he didn't have any issues when he progressed to facing live hitters Friday. Manager Kevin Cash didn't reveal what the right-hander's next step in his recovery would be, but he could be on track for a return in early August if he continues to make progress.