MLB Player News

Trivino (1-1) was tagged with the loss and the blown save Tuesday against the Blue Jays, allowing five runs on three hits and two walks while retiring only one batter.

For the second straight outing, Trivino was summoned in the eighth inning rather than the ninth. The results weren't pretty, as the right-hander allowed five baserunners and retired only one hitter. Trivino entered the contest with a 1.59 ERA, five saves and three holds, so it's unlikely that one poor outing will knock him out of a high-leverage role. However, given his usage over the past two outings, it stands to reason that the Athletics aren't committed to using Trivino exclusively as their closer.

Junis allowed a solo home run in one inning during Wednesday's 5-4 loss to Cleveland. He was charged with a blown save.

Junis continues to struggle in a bullpen role. He allowed the game-tying solo shot to Jose Ramirez in the eighth inning. Junis has allowed four homers in his last 14 innings, spanning two starts and two relief outings. The right-hander carries a 5.19 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 29:9 K:BB across 26 innings. Without a spot in the rotation, there's little to like about Junis' current usage.

Barlow earned a hold with 1.1 perfect innings in Wednesday's 5-4 loss to Cleveland. He struck out two.

Barlow was able to retire Harold Ramirez via groundout to end Cleveland's threat in the sixth inning. The 28-year-old Barlow then retired the side on 11 pitches in the seventh for his fifth hold of the season. Jakob Junis was charged with a blown save for allowing the game-tying home run to Jose Ramirez in the eighth inning. Barlow has been relatively effective with a 2.60 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 22:7 K:BB across 17.1 innings this season. He should continue to see mostly high-leverage work.

Yarbrough (2-3) earned the win against the Angels on Wednesday, pitching four innings and allowing one run on five hits and two walks while striking out three.

Yarbrough worked as the primary pitcher in the contest, entering the game in the third inning following a pair of scoreless frames by opener Andrew Kittredge. Yarbrough tossed 65 pitches in his four innings, throwing 40 for strikes and limiting Los Angeles to a lone third-inning run. The outing was the left-hander's shortest of the campaign, as he had tossed at least five frames in each of his previous six appearances. He'll carry a 4.58 ERA and 29:8 K:BB into his next appearance, though it's unclear whether that will again come as a primary pitcher or if he'll switch back to a traditional starting role.

Wittgren (2-1) earned the win Wednesday against the Royals after pitching a scoreless inning with three strikeouts.

Wittgren tossed 10 of his 17 pitches for strikes en route to his second win of the campaign, and he struck out the side -- retiring Jorge Soler, Hunter Dozier and Ryan O'Hearn in order. The 29-year-old righty has recorded a victory in each of his last two outings while extending his streak of scoreless appearances to four. He owns a 5.79 ERA across 9.1 innings.

Karinchak recorded his third save of the season Wednesday against the Royals after pitching a scoreless ninth inning with two strikeouts.

Karinchak tossed nine of his 14 pitches for strikes and didn't have problems slamming the door on Kansas City with a dominant ninth-inning performance. The right-hander has gone 3-for-4 in save opportunities this campaign but has converted his last three while also giving up just one run all season long -- that translates to a 0.64 ERA across 14 innings.

Soto (2-1) allowed two runs (one earned) on three hits across 1.1 innings but was able to earn the win in extra innings Wednesday against the Red Sox. He walked two and struck out two.

Soto worked the bottom of the ninth inning in a 3-3 game and escaped without allowing a run despite loading the bases. Manager A.J. Hinch decided to trot Soto back out there after the Tigers scored three times in the top of the 10th, but the lefty got the hook after allowing two of the first three batters to reach. Michael Fulmer then came on and secured his first MLB save, giving Soto his second win of the season. It wasn't the smoothest appearance for the 26-year-old, though he does still have a solid 3.46 ERA and should continue to see the bulk of the save opportunities in Detroit.

Raley (0-2) failed to record an out Wednesday, giving up three runs on two hits and a walk versus the Yankees

Raley entered with the game tied at 3-3, but he allowed three straight batters to reach base before Joe Smith took over on the mound. Smith allowed all of the inherited runners to score, leaving Raley with his second loss in as many outings. He has an unsightly 9.49 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 16:4 K:BB in 12.1 innings. He's also picked up a save and three holds, but it seems unlikely the southpaw will be trusted in high-leverage outings until he can put together better performances.

Fulmer retired the final two batters of Wednesday's 6-5, extra-inning win over the Red Sox to record the save.

Gregory Soto started the 10th inning with a strikeout but then allowed back-to-back singles, so manager A.J. Hinch turned to Fulmer with the right-handed Hunter Renfroe coming up. Renfroe reached on an error, but Fulmer buckled down and retired the final two batters to record his first MLB save. The 28-year-old started Tuesday's game but lasted less than an inning, so he was able to help the team out after five other pitchers were used Wednesday. Fulmer is still slated to start next Tuesday against Kansas City, though Hinch may juggle his rotation to give the righty a little extra rest.

Chapman pitched a perfect ninth inning to earn the save in Wednesday's 6-3 win over Houston. He struck out two.

Chapman has been nearly unhittable all season, as he's allowed just two hits and three walks in 11 innings. The Yankees' closer has yet to give up a run, and he owns a sparkling 26:3 K:BB in 11 appearances. He remains perfect in save chances, with all seven coming in his last eight outings.