MLB Player News

Treinen picked up the save against the Indians on Friday, working around a hit and a walk and logging one strikeout in a scoreless ninth inning to close out a 3-1 victory for Oakland.

Treinen has been an absolute machine all season, and he kept his standout campaign rolling with his 21st save of the year, and his fourth in the past five days. His 0.89 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 49:12 K:BB through 40.2 innings are All-Star-caliber, and anyone who was able to nab Treinen late on draft day is currently reaping major benefits.

Covey (3-3) was torched for nine runs (eight earned) on eight hits and three walks over just 2.1 innings in a loss Friday to the Rangers.

Covey was rocked for four home runs, including two three-run blasts. He had given up just two over 44.1 innings before Friday's start, so this was a shocking collapse from a pitcher whose game plan relies on grounders and keeping the ball in the park. Covey has been dealing with hip soreness dating back to his previous start June 23, and after a performance like this, it's easy to wonder if that soreness was indicative of a larger problem. His next turn is scheduled for Wednesday against Cincinnati.

Alvarado recorded the final out to pick up his second save Friday against Houston.

The Rays went to the lefty Alvarado to turn around switch hitter Marwin Gonzalez. The substitution worked, as Gonzalez grounded into a fielder's choice on the first pitch to end the game. Expect Sergio Romo to continue to get the bulk of save opportunities in Tampa Bay, but the Rays are obviously not shy to play the percentages in the ninth inning.

Busenitz was sent back down to Triple-A Rochester, Dan Hayes of The Athletic Minnesota reports.

Busenitz was roughed up his first time out in the majors, allowing three runs over 1.1 innings, but he picked up a win with 1.2 scoreless innings Thursday against the White Sox. The decision to return him to Triple-A came down to the fact that Busenitz still has options remaining, as the Twins needed to open up a roster spot for Saturday's starter Adalberto Mejia. Expect Busenitz back in Minnesota at some point this season.

Stanek will open Saturday against the Astros, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports Friday.

Wilmer Font was forced to leave Friday's game, which will lead to some rearranging of the Rays' starting plans going forward. Stanek will open for the second time in three days after holding Houston scoreless over 1.2 innings with three strikeouts and two walks allowed Thursday. He will look for a similar result in the rematch Saturday.

Yacabonis was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk on Friday, Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports.

Yacabonis has pitched three times for the Orioles this season, allowing six earned runs in 6.1 innings. Ryan Meisinger and Paul Fry were called up to replace him and Yefry Ramirez.

Giles was not used in a save situation Thursday as Hector Rondon closed out Houston's 1-0 win over Tampa Bay.

Giles hasn't pitched in a save situation since June 12, an opportunity he converted, although there haven't been many chances for the Astros since then. The only game that qualified as a save chance between then and Thursday night was against the Royals on June 17. In that game, Rondon got the save after Giles was used in the eighth inning to face the heart of Kansas City's lineup. Houston's bullpen situation is best described as having co-closers. Giles remains perfect in save opportunities on the year, but there's been enough bad outings in non-save situations for manager A.J. Hinch to feel the need for another ninth-inning option.

Yarbrough (7-4) allowed one earned run on seven hits and a walk while striking out four across 6.1 innings to take the loss Thursday against the Astros.

Yarbrough entered the game with two outs in the second inning and worked in and out of trouble for much of his appearance. However, he managed to induce 10 groundballs and allowed only one extra-base hit -- a home run to Jake Marisnick -- which limited the damage. He'll look to use this appearance to get him back on track, as he had allowed 15 earned runs in his last 25 innings prior to Thursday's effort.

Barria (5-4) allowed two earned runs on four hits and two walks while striking out four across 5.1 innings to take the loss Thursday against the Red Sox.

Barria's sole blemish came only a solo home run by Rafael Devers, with the second earned run coming as a result of the bullpen failing to strand a runner that was on first base when he exited the game. He continues to get results without a standout skill -- he has a strikeout rate of 7.4 K/9 and a groundball rate of 38.7 percent -- so it seems unlikely that he will be able to maintain his 3.40 ERA and 1.20 WHIP all season. However, he has a nice base to work from as he has exhibited good control -- he has allowed just 2.5 BB/9 -- and has a 13.1 percent infield flyball rate, so it is unclear just how much correction is coming.

Kimbrel walked one and struck out three to earn the save Thursday against the Angels.

Kimbrel struck Mike Trout out to secure his 24th save of the season; the second-highest total in the American League. He remains one of the most dominant closers in the game and has converted 15 consecutive save chances successfully.