MLB Player News

Devenski (2-2) allowed three runs on four hits in a third of an inning Thursday, taking the loss against Oakland.

Devenski was also tagged with a blown save, his second in the last five appearances. Last season at this time, Devenski was preparing for his first All-Star Game appearance; this year the break can't come soon enough for the right-hander. He's been a very effective reliever all season, but is finishing the first half on a down note. Devenski, whose season ERA was a tidy 1.34 through the end of June, has given up five runs, seven hits, two walks and a hit batsman over his last three innings.

Rodney recorded the final two outs without allowing a baserunner while striking out one to record his 21st save Thursday against the Rays.

Rodney entered the game after Ryan Pressly loaded the bases in the ninth inning. With the tying run at the plate, Rodney retired the final two batters of the game without issue -- one via strikeout and the other groundball. While he has blown five saves this season, Rodney is locked into the Twins' closer role unless he is dealt prior to the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline.

Chapman struck out one batter in a perfect inning to secure his 25th save in Thursday's 7-4 win over Cleveland.

Yet another strong outing for the hard-throwing lefty, bringing him to 25-for-26 in save chances this season. Chapman owns a terrific 1.38 ERA, allowing just six runs in 39 innings alongside a 67:15 K:BB.

Trivino picked up the save Thursday with a clean inning highlighted by two strikeouts against the Astros.

Trivino got the call in the ninth after getting each of the last two days off. He responded with a shutdown, 14-pitch inning that included four swinging strikes. Trivino continues to be a dominant reliever with elite ratios (1.31 ERA, 0.94 WHIP) that brings the added bonus of notching the occasional win or save.

Kimbrel fired a scoreless ninth inning, allowing just one hit and nailing down his 29th save in a 6-4 win over Toronto on Thursday.

Kimbrel is now 29-for-31 on save chances this season and has locked down 20 in a row. He owns a strong 1.86 ERA along with a 58:15 K:BB in 38.2 innings this season. The 30-year-old flamethrower remains one of baseball's elite closers.

Barria will return to the Angels' rotation after the All-Star break, Jeff Miller of the Los Angeles Times reports.

The Angels optioned Barria on Thursday, but the plan is to have him rest at Triple-A during the break before rejoining the major league club when his next turn in the rotation comes. Barria has made 13 major-league starts this season, notching a 3.55 ERA with 52 strikeouts in 66 innings.

Barria was optioned to High-A Inland Empire on Thursday, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Barria will head to the minors to make room on the 25-man roster for the return of Tyler Skaggs (groin) from the disabled list. With the All-Star break looming, the Angels are trying to avoid an extended break from pitching for the 21-year-old right-hander, so he'll get a start at High-A. Barria sports a solid 3.55 ERA and 1.21 WHIP with a 52:19 K:BB over 66 innings this season.

Jimenez is expected to return to an eighth-inning setup role beginning Friday, when the Tigers intend to activate closer Shane Greene (shoulder) from the 10-day disabled list, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

Jimenez, who was named the Tigers' lone All-Star representative last weekend, received two save opportunities while Greene was sidelined and converted one of them. The 23-year-old will see his fantasy value take a major hit with Greene's reinstatement, but Jimenez should at least remain a useful ratio stabilizer in AL-only and deeper mixed leagues upon rejoining the setup ranks. Jimenez has posted a 2.85 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 10.1 K/9 across 44 appearances on the campaign.

Hu was recalled from Triple-A Durham on Thursday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Hu has struggled to a 4.66 ERA and 1.43 WHIP with a 55:23 K:BB over 67.2 innings for the Bulls, but he'll be added to Tampa Bay's bullpen for its upcoming series with the Twins. The 24-year-old right-hander will take the place of Willy Adames on the 25-man roster.

Barnes (knee) completed a bullpen session Tuesday, Mike Wilner of Sportsnet 590 The Fan reports.

Barnes, who has been on the shelf since late June with knee tendinitis, is scheduled to throw off the mound again Friday. If that goes well, Barnes could be cleared to face live hitters a few days later before beginning a minor-league rehab assignment. The 28-year-old looks on track to return from the 10-day disabled list shortly after the All-Star break and will likely fill a middle-relief role for the Blue Jays once activated.