MLB Player News

Giles recorded a four-out save with three strikeouts and two walks during a 4-3 victory against the Yankees on Tuesday.

The Blue Jays tried to get 29-year-old Joe Biagini through a second inning Tuesday night. After giving up a homer to begin the eighth, Biagini recorded the next two outs, but then another single forced the Blue Jays to turn to Giles. The Toronto closer walked his first hitter and then let two Yankees reach in the ninth, but he pitched out of trouble both times to nail down the save. Giles is 11-for-12 in save chances with a 1.13 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 40 strikeouts in 24 innings this season.

Lopez (3-6) yielded six runs on five hits with four walks and four strikeouts over four innings while taking a loss against the Nationals on Tuesday.

The White Sox spotted their starting pitcher a five-run lead in the first two frames, but by the end of the fifth, that lead was gone. Lopez let the Nationals back in the game by allowing a pair of homers, which has been an issue for him all season. Lopez has allowed at least one homer in five straight contests, and he's tossed up 10 long balls over his last seven outings. Overall, Lopez is 3-6 with a 6.62 ERA, 1.67 WHIP, .299 batting average against, 2.2 HR/9 and 64 strikeouts in 69.1 innings this season. He will get another crack at the Nationals in his next start at home Monday.

Smeltzer (0-1) took his first career loss after allowing five runs on five hits over 6.1 innings at Cleveland on Tuesday. He struck out two and walked three.

Smeltzer couldn't replicate the six shutout innings from his major-league debut last week, with the Indians taking him deep four times. The 23-year-old was actually in solid shape entering the seventh inning with only three runs allowed, but Roberto Perez and Jake Bauers hit back-to-back solo shots to end his evening. Michael Pineda (knee) will be eligible to return from the injured list this weekend, so Smeltzer may not receive another turn through the rotation.

Hand pitched a scoreless ninth inning to secure the save Tuesday versus Minnesota. He did not strike out or walk a batter.

Hand wasted little time Tuesday as he required only eight pitches to put down the Twins, though he did hit a batter. The 29-year-old is a perfect 17-for-17 in save opportunities and has a 1.09 ERA, 0.81 WHIP and 35:7 K:BB across 24.2 innings.

Martin was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock on Tuesday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Martin didn't fare well in Monday's start against the Mariners, as he surrendered two runs on four hits and three walks while fanning three over three innings of work. As a result, he's been banished to the minor leagues, opening up a spot on the 25-man roster for Reymin Guduan.

Alvarado (personal) remains in Venezuela with his family and isn't expected to return to the team for Tampa Bay's weekend series against the Red Sox, Josh Tolentino of The Athletic reports.

Manager Kevin Cash got in touch with Alvarado on Tuesday, and while the skipper was optimistic that the lefty would be back by the weekend, it seems unlikely at this point. Alvarado was placed on the family medical list Sunday.

Borucki (elbow) is slated to throw his third bullpen session Saturday, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Borucki has finally advanced to throwing off a mound, though the Blue Jays have been reluctant to offer up a timetable for the southpaw's return. "I know we're going to be patient with him," stated manager Charlie Montoyo. "When he's ready for 75-90 pitches, he'll be here."

Sadzeck was placed on the 10-day injured list Tuesday due to right elbow inflammation.

Sadzeck last pitched Sunday against the Angels, which appears to be when the injury cropped up. He's struggled out of the bullpen of late, allowing five runs (two earned) over his last four outings (4.2 innings).

Martin was recalled from Triple-A Nashville on Tuesday.

Martin will take the place of Kyle Dowdy (elbow), who was sent to the 10-day injured list. Martin has accrued a 7.20 ERA with nine strikeouts over 15 innings this season in the major leagues.

Mayza (forearm) was activated from the 10-day injured list Tuesday, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

As anticipated, Mayza is back from the shelf after missing the 10-day minimum due to left forearm tightness. Justin Shafer was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo in a corresponding move.