MLB Player News

Jimenez is no longer the Tigers' closer, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

The 25-year-old allowed seven runs in his past two outings and appeared during the sixth inning Wednesday, with manager Ron Gardenhire confirming the change after the game. Jimenez has a 12.46 ERA, 1.85 WHIP and 9:4 K:BB through 8.2 innings this season and will look to get back on track in lower-leverage spots. Gregory Soto is a likely candidate to receive save chances based on matchups, though Jose Cisnero and Buck Farmer are also expected to be in the mix.

Farmer allowed three earned runs on four hits in the ninth inning of Wednesday's 7-6 win over the Cubs.

Farmer entered in a non-save situation with the Tigers up 7-3, but he quickly got into trouble, starting the frame by allowing four straight hits. He almost gave up a go-ahead home run on a fifth straight hit, but Anthony Rizzo's deep fly was caught right in front of the center field wall. Farmer wiggled out of the jam from there, retiring Javier Baez and Kyle Schwarber to end the game. Manager Ron Gardenhire said after the game that Joe Jimenez is no longer the closer, and Farmer, Gregory Soto and Jose Cisnero are expected to split save chances going forward based on matchups, per Chris McCosky of The Detroit News.

Hand pitched a perfect ninth inning to earn the save in Wednesday's 6-3 win over the Twins.

Hand had a three-run lead to protect, and he did so by retiring Luis Arraez, Miguel Sano and Ehire Adrianza on a combined 12 pitches. The 30-year-old Hand has produced perfect innings in his last three outings. He's lowered his ERA to 3.72 with a 1.03 WHIP, 13 strikeouts and nine saves in 9.2 innings this season. Hand has a strong grasp on the closing job for Cleveland.

Maton (2-0) pitched a perfect 1.2 innings and struck out one, earning the win Wednesday versus the Twins.

Maton got the last two outs of the seventh inning and also pitched the eighth. Cleveland rallied for three runs in the eighth, making him the pitcher of record, and Brad Hand was able to close things out. The 27-year-old Maton has a 0.93 ERA, 0.83 WHIP and 13 strikeouts across 9.2 innings in nine appearances this season.

Richards allowed two runs (none earned) on six hits and two walks while striking three across 4.1 innings Wednesday against the Orioles. He did not factor into the decision.

Richards allowed both of the runs in the opening inning, but limited the damage thereafter. He was regularly working out of trouble -- he allowed multiple baserunners in four of the five innings he pitched -- but kept the Rays in the game. Richards worked up to 86 pitches, a positive factor for his chances to work long enough in upcoming starts to earn a win. He currently lines up to make his next appearance working behind an opener Monday at the Yankees.

Abreu was optioned to the alternate training site after Game 2 of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Braves.

The right-hander served as the 29th man for the doubleheader but didn't pitch in either contest. Abreu has made one appearance this season and gave up two runs on three hits with a 2:2 K:BB over 1.1 innings.

Beeks was diagnosed with a torn UCL in his left elbow Wednesday and could require Tommy John surgery, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The 27-year-old was placed on the 45-day injured list and ruled out for the season with a left elbow sprain Wednesday, but the specific diagnosis of a torn UCL could indicate a much longer absence. Teammate Andrew Kittedge recently suffered the same injury and is attempting rehab before potentially undergoing Tommy John surgery, but the team has yet to provide the plans for Beeks' recovery.

Giles (forearm) felt good following his bullpen session Tuesday, Kaitlyn McGrath of The Athletic reports.

Giles' first bullpen session went well, and he'll throw another side session Friday as a result. Assuming that goes well, his next step could be a live batting practice session prior to potentially returning to the Blue Jays' bullpen. The right-hander has been sidelined since the end of July due to a right forearm strain.

Junis (back) was reinstated from the 10-day injured list and will start Wednesday against the Cardinals.

Junis was sidelined while he dealt with back spasms, but he'll be ready to start Wednesday's contest. He won't require an opener, although it's unclear whether he'll face any limitations with his workload. Prior to his injury, the right-hander posted a 4.00 ERA and 4:4 K:BB over nine innings during his two starts. Right-hander Chance Adams was optioned to the Royals' alternate training site in a corresponding move.

Gibaut was optioned to Texas' alternate camp site Wednesday.

This move comes after Gibaut was charged with three earned runs while recording just one out in Tuesday's loss to the A's. The right-hander now owns a 6.57 ERA, 1.62 WHIP and 14:9 K:BB across 12.1 innings this season. Nick Goody was activated from the injured list in a corresponding move.