MLB Player News

Garcia pitched two innings out of the bullpen Thursday for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, allowing one run on three hits while striking out five.

Although Garcia technically pitched as a reliever last week -- he came on in the second inning behind Ben Heller, who was making a rehab appearance -- Thursday was his first outing since officially being shifted to the bullpen. He looked comfortable in his new role, tossing 30 of 41 pitches for strikes and retiring five of six hitters via strikeout. Should Garcia continue to be effective out of the bullpen at the Triple-A level, he could be brought up to help bolster the Yankees' relief corps in September.

Tate was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk on Friday.

Tate was brought up to take the roster spot of Shawn Armstrong (forearm), who landed on the injured list in a corresponding move. Tate has appeared in two games with the Orioles this season, and has allowed six earned runs over five innings, good for a 10.50 ERA. Given that he threw multiple frames in both his last two appearances, Tate figures to slot into a long-relief role for the big club.

Armstrong was placed on the 10-day injured list retroactive to August 22 with a right forearm strain.

Armstrong threw a clean inning his last time out Wednesday, but he either picked up the injury as well, or saw an existing injury -- he had allowed seven earned runs over his previous six appearances -- get worse. It remains to be seen when Armstrong will be ready to return, but Dillon Tate will take his spot on the roster for now.

VerHagen is starting Friday's game at Minnesota, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

VerHagen has delivered three straight outings with one or zero runs allowed while throwing at least five innings, so he'll receive the starting nod Friday. Despite his recent form, the 28-year-old isn't a desirable fantasy option given that the Twins rank third in the majors in runs scored and first in homers. It's not yet clear if this is a spot start or if VerHagen will receive a more extended opportunity in the rotation.

Gearrin was claimed off waivers by the Yankees on Friday, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

Gearrin opened for the Mariners on Wednesday and allowed one run in one inning and was waived following the outing, allowing the Yankees to scoop him up. The 33-year-old has a 3.92 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 39:21 K:BB over 41.1 innings this season.

Banda (elbow) was activated off the 60-day injured list Friday and optioned to Triple-A Durham, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Banda has been on a rehab assignment since late June as he returns from Tommy John surgery, and he'll remain with Durham now that he's healthy. The 26-year-old has a 5.57 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 18:8 K:BB over 21 innings at Triple-A and will likely return to the majors when rosters expand in September, although Zachary Silver of MLB.com reports that's still being evaluated. "I think there's a chance of it," Cash said of Banda soon making his first big league appearance since May 2018. "With all of these guys, it's really a mixed bag. One outing, it's encouraging. One outing, it's not coming out his best. But we really don't value that -- the results -- too much. We know that it's a long road back."

Lovelady was optioned to Triple-A Omaha on Friday.

Lovelady was in the midst of a brutal stretch, giving up runs in seven straight appearances (10 total earned runs in 5.1 innings). Eric Skoglund was recalled to take his place in the bullpen.

Law (0-2) took the loss Thursday against the Dodgers, giving up three runs on three hits and a walk over two-thirds of an inning to blow his first save of the season.

With Ken Giles on the paternity list, Law was back in the saddle as Toronto's closer but he couldn't get the job done, ruining a combined shutout bid and handing the Dodgers another walkoff win. The loss snapped the right-hander's 14-appearance scoreless streak, but on the year Law still has a 5.13 ERA, 1.56 WHIP and 54:28 K:BB through 47.1 innings.

Richards will start Friday's game at Baltimore, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Richards was called up for his debut with the Rays on Sunday and will remain on turn in the starting rotation. The 26-year-old was limited to 71 pitches in that outing as he builds back up to a starting role, so he should have a slightly higher pitch ceiling Friday. Richards has a 4.53 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 109:52: K:BB over 115.1 innings this season.

Pagan pitched a perfect ninth inning to earn his 14th save in a 5-2 victory against the Orioles on Thursday.

After giving up three runs in a blown save Wednesday, the Rays couldn't have put their closer in a better situation Thursday. Pagan received another save chance to quickly get back on the horse, and he had a nice three-run lead in which to work. He responded with an uneventful ninth. Pagan has seven blown saves, but that's a little misleading, as not all of his opportunities have been conventional save chances. He owns 14 saves, a 2.30 ERA, 0.86 WHIP and 77 strikeouts in 54.2 innings this season.