MLB Player News

Curtis was claimed off waivers by the Rangers on Tuesday and optioned to Triple-A Round Rock.

Curtis has a solid 3.73 career ERA in 31.1 major-league innings, but his walk and strikeout rates each sit at an ugly 17.7 percent. He could be called up when the Rangers need another lefty or a new long man in the bullpen. Brandon Mann was designated for assignment in a corresponding move.

Diaz worked around a pair of base hits to deliver a scoreless inning and claim his league-leading 42nd save of the season in Monday's 4-3 win over the Rangers.

Diaz wasn't quite as dominant as usual while allowing singles to two of the first three batters he faced, but he got Willie Calhoun to foul out and struck out Shin-Soo Choo swinging to strand the tying run at second base. With a 14.9 K/9, 1.96 ERA, 0.80 WHIP and a nine-save gap between him and any other MLB reliever, Diaz has unquestionably been the most valuable fantasy closer this season, a surprising development after an occasionally bumpy 2017 campaign.

Junis allowed one run on five hits and two walks across five innings in a no-decision Monday against the Cubs. He struck out eight.

Junis worked effectively to contain a formidable opponent, with the only run charged to his ledger coming on a wild pitch in the fourth inning. He reached eight strikeouts for the first time in over two months and likely could've gone deeper into the game had he not worked up a high pitch count early on. This bounce-back performance was a positive sign for Junis, who'd allowed seven earned runs across 10.1 innings over his last two starts. He still has a disappointing 4.98 ERA on the season and will look to improve upon that against the Cardinals in his next scheduled start.

Covey (4-8) allowed four runs on seven hits and one walk across 6.1 innings en route to a loss Monday against the Yankees. He struck out five.

Covey retired the first nine batters he faced, but a pair of two-run rallies from the visitors in the fourth and fifth innings provided all the major damage done against him. He got ahead of 19 of 27 batters and threw 64 percent of his pitches for strikes, but he's now allowed four or more earned runs in eight of his last nine starts to bring his ERA to 5.58. Things won't get any easier for Covey, who's scheduled to face the Indians in his next turn this weekend.

Alcala (back) was activated from the minor-league disabled list Monday, Brandon Warne of ZoneCoverage.com reports.

Alcala, who was acquired from the Astros in a trade last month, is set to make his debut with Double-A Chattanooga after spending the previous two weeks on the shelf with a right trapezius strain. The 23-year-old posted a respectable 3.54 ERA and 37:17 K:BB across 40.2 innings with Double-A Corpus Christi prior to being acquired by the Twins.

Barnes (4-3) set down the side in order, striking out one, in the 10th inning and picked up the win in Boston's 5-4 victory over the Yankees on Sunday.

Barnes' quick work set the stage for Andrew Benintendi's walkoff single in the bottom of the 10th. He's been stellar since mid-June, sporting a 1.04 ERA while striking out 34 over 17.1 innings. There had been talk of Boston trading for a reliever at the trade deadline, but the team appears happy with the current crop. Barnes has a 2.25 ERA (1.97 FIP) with a 14.1 K/9 while allowing just one home run over 48 innings.

Chapman allowed three runs (two earned) on one hit and three walks while striking out three in the ninth inning to blow the save Sunday against the Red Sox.

Chapman walked three of the first five batters he faced to get himself into trouble. However, it appeared he had escaped the jam until Miguel Andujar short-hopped a throw to first base that allowed the tying run to score. As a result, Chapman was charged with only his second blown save of the season in 31 chances. He still holds a strong 2.25 ERA and 0.98 WHIP to go along with 79 strikeouts across 44 innings. Due to his lengthy track record as an elite closer, there is no danger he loses save opportunities unless he is sidelined by injury.

Yarbrough allowed five runs on six hits and three walks while fanning six across 5.1 innings Sunday, though he didn't factor into the decision against the White Sox.

Yarbrough entered the game with two outs in the second inning after Hunter Wood opened the ballgame. Yarbrough gave up two runs in the fourth, two in the fifth and one in the seventh prior to exiting with a two-run deficit. The 26-year-old lefty has been roughed up in each of his last two outings, giving up 11 runs over 10.1 innings of work while recording 10 strikeouts. He owns a 4.24 ERA and 1.34 WHIP with 97 punchouts over 108.1 frames in 2018.

Hand surrendered one run on two hits while striking out one as he slammed the door in the ninth for the save Sunday against the Angels.

Hand allowed the tying run to reach base, but he went on to strike out David Fletcher to end the game. Since joining the Indians from the Padres, Hand has given up two runs over eight innings, and he figures to continue to serve as a high-leverage reliever moving forward with at least the occasional save chance depending on matchups. He owns a 2.92 ERA and 1.05 WHIP with 73 punchouts across 52.1 frames.

Diaz struck out two without allowing a baserunner to record his 41st save of the season Sunday against the Blue Jays.

Diaz had no problem closing out Sunday's game, retiring the Blue Jays with only 10 pitches. Despite not picking up a save since Monday, he continues to lead the league in saves. (Craig Kimbrel has the second-highest total with 33.) Diaz is also providing elite ratios, including a 2.00 ERA and 0.78 WHIP while striking out 89 across 54 innings.