MLB Player News

The Blue Jays optioned Santos to Triple-A Buffalo on Sunday, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Santos was used out of the bullpen both of the previous two days and accrued 34 pitches, making it unlikely that he would be available in relief for the next day or two. As a result, the Blue Jays decided to send him back to the minors in favor of a fresh bullpen arm in Justin Shafer, who was called up from Triple-A in a corresponding move.

The Twins recalled Busenitz from Triple-A Rochester on Sunday, Dan Hayes of The Athletic Minnesota reports.

Busenitz had allowed six runs on nine hits in eight innings pitched with three saves at Triple-A since last appearing in the majors. He could be given an audition in the closer role with the Twins, but he'll need to demonstrate some success in the majors after posting a 6.23 ERA and allowing three home runs in 13 innings.

Gonsalves will be recalled from Triple-A Rochester and start Monday's game against the White Sox, Phil Miller of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Gonsalves will assume the rotation spot of Ervin Santana (finger), who was placed on the 10-day disabled list in a corresponding move. Monday's starting assignment will represent the long-awaited MLB debut for Gonsalves, who has consistently been regarded as one of the Twins' better pitching prospects over the last few seasons. The 24-year-old lefty moved up from Double-A Chattanooga to Triple-A in late April and has excelled over 100.1 innings in the International League, supplying a 2.96 ERA and 95 strikeouts.

Farmer will serve as the Tigers' opening pitcher for Sunday's game against the Twins, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

The Tigers initially planned to call up Jacob Turner from Triple-A Toledo to fill the opening in their rotation, but manager Ron Gardenhire apparently called an audible on that plan. Though Farmer was developed as a starter and picked up 11 turns through the Detroit rotation in 2017, he's worked exclusively in relief for the big club this season, submitting a 4.33 ERA and 1.57 WHIP in 52 appearances. Considering Farmer hasn't worked more than three innings in any of those relief outings, he'll likely face a strict pitch count Sunday in what amounts to a bullpen game.

Jimenez allowed two earned runs on a hit and two walks while retiring two batters in Saturday's win over the Twins.

Jimenez was called on for his customary eighth inning, but he didn't get through the frame, as he allowed a two-run home run to Mitch Garver and then walked another hitter before departing in favor of Shane Greene, who nailed down a four-out save. After making his first All-Star Game appearance this season, Jimenez has really struggled following the break, as he now has an 8.00 ERA and 1.56 WHIP across 10 appearances (nine innings).

Beeks is expected to cover most of the innings out of the bullpen for the Rays on Sunday against the Red Sox after opener Diego Castillo exits, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Castillo hasn't thrown more than 2.2 innings in any of his 29 appearances with the big club this season, so that probably represents the upper bound of his workload in his first MLB start. As a result, Beeks, who is available on four days' rest, should handle the bulk of the work in a matchup with the organization that drafted him. Beeks has been stellar in his three outings thus far in August, logging a 3.00 ERA, 0.73 WHIP and 15:5 K:BB in 15 frames.

Kimbrel struck out one in a perfect ninth inning Saturday to record his 37th save of the season in a 5-2 win over the Rays.

The closer had been scuffling in late July and early August, allowing runs in five of six appearances at one point, but he seems to be back on track now. Kimbrel's 37 saves already make up his highest total in three seasons with Boston, and a big finish to the campaign would allow him to challenge the career-high 50 he posted in 2013.

Diaz gave up a solo homer to the Dodgers' Max Muncy in the ninth inning Saturday and was charged with his fourth blown save of the season.

Diaz rebounded right away after serving up the homer, striking out Yasiel Puig and Joc Pederson to keep the game tied. The Mariners ended up winning in 10 innings. It was Diaz's first blown save since June 1. He still has a chance at becoming just the second pitcher ever to record 60 saves in a season.

Covey (4-10) allowed two runs on four hits -- including a home run -- over 5.2 innings in a loss to the Royals on Saturday. He struck out six and walked three.

This was a step forward for Covey, who came into the game with a 10.00 ERA and 2.00 WHIP in his last four starts. However, it wasn't enough to snap his streak of consecutive losses, which is now at five. After a nice run to begin the season, Covey has regressed in a major way and the blowup potential makes him tough to justify starting in any league, even with a matchup against the Tigers on tap.

Belisle (knee) threw live batting practice Saturday, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Belisle has been out since Aug. 7 with sore cartilage in his right knee. His return date is not yet clear, but he appears to be making progress in his recovery.