MLB Player News

Kimbrel walked one and struck out two over a scoreless 1.1 innings to pick up his 23rd save of the season in Wednesday's 9-6 win over the Angels.

This is just the second time all season that Kimbrel was brought in for more than three outs and the first time it was for a save situation. During spring training, manager Alex Cora talked about using Kimbrel in this manner, but it's been pretty much by the book for the closer. He's now converted 23 of 25 save opportunities.

Diaz allowed a hit and struck out two in a scoreless 11th inning Wednesday to pick up his 30th save of the season in an 8-7 win over the Orioles.

He's now seven saves clear of Aroldis Chapman and Craig Kimbrel for the major-league lead, and Diaz is only four shy of tying the career high he set in 2017. The 24-year-old continues to blossom into an elite closing option, boasting a 68:13 K:BB through 42 innings on the year to go with his sharp 2.57 ERA.

Yacabonis will start Thursday's game against the Mariners, Brittany Ghiroli of MLB.com reports.

The 26-year-old righty had a 3.14 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 39:19 K:BB in 51.2 innings (13 starts) at Triple-A prior to his promotion. That strikeout rate (18.8 percent) does not bode well for his success against major-league hitters. He has never made a start in the big leagues, sporting a 5.48 ERA and just nine strikeouts in 23 career innings as a big-league reliever. Yacabonis is an incredibly risky fantasy option going forward.

Jimenez pitched a scoreless inning in Wednesday's loss to the Athletics, allowing one hit and striking out two.

After giving up three earned runs in his most recent outing Monday, this was a nice bounce-back effort for Jimenez, who threw a season-high 37 pitches (29 for strikes). The 23-year-old now has a solid 2.58 ERA this season, and he could be next in line for saves if the Tigers decide to trade veteran closer Shane Greene at some point.

General manager Dan Duquette said Harvey will remain shut down as his shoulder "needs a little more time" to recover, Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports.

Harvey went in to get his shoulder examined by Dr. James Andrews, who determined that the 23-year-old will need to take it easy for a bit longer before resuming a throwing program. The pitcher suffered the freak injury while diving to get out of the way of a foul ball in the team's dugout during a game earlier this month.

Graterol was promoted to High-A Fort Myers following Wednesday's game, Jeff Johnson of the Cedar Rapids Gazette reports.

Graterol started eight games for Low-A Cedar Rapids, posting an impressive 2.18 ERA and 0.95 WHIP with a 51:9 K:BB across 41.1 innings. The 19-year-old right-hander will likely spend the rest of the season with Fort Myers, and starting the 2019 campaign at Double-A is definitely in the cards if all goes according to plan.

Pomeranz (biceps) is expected to head to Triple-A Pawtucket on Monday for a rehab assignment, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports.

Pomeranz didn't seem to experience any physical problems during Wednesday's 30-pitch simulated game, though he admitted that he wasn't able to throw his curveball for strikes, which is to be expected after a lengthy absence. The left-hander has been sidelined since the beginning of June due to left biceps tendinitis, but he appears to be on the verge of a return to the big leagues if all goes well next week. Manager Alex Cora did not say whether Pomeranz will require multiple appearances at the minor-league level and it wouldn't come as a surprise if he winds up pitching a couple times for Pawtucket.

Covey (hip) will take the mound in Texas on Friday, Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Covey was forced to leave Saturday's start against Oakland due to right hip soreness but was able to toss a side session earlier this week without experiencing any problems. Over eight starts this year, he's posted a 3.45 ERA and 1.42 WHIP with a 36:20 K:BB.

Morris was sent down to Triple-A Salt Lake on Wednesday, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.

Morris pitched 2.1 innings of relief during Tuesday's loss to the Red Sox, allowing one earned run on four hits and one walk while striking out two. The Angels sent the right-hander back to Salt Lake in order to replenish their bullpen, calling up Jake Jewell to take his place. Expect to see Morris back in a middle-relief role with the big-league club in the near future.

Yacabonis was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk on Wednesday, Steve Melewski of MASN Sports reports.

As expected, Yacabonis will join the Orioles after being scratched from his scheduled start with the Tide on Tuesday. He appears to be in line to take the hill for Thursday's series finale in place of Dylan Bundy, who hit the DL with an ankle injury earlier this week.