MLB Player News

Kimbrel picked up his 11th save of the season Saturday against the Blue Jays, striking out two in a scoreless inning.

Kimbrel needed just 10 pitches -- nine of which went for strikes -- to close the door on the Blue Jays, and he's now 11-for-13 on save chances this season. The flamethrower has kept the bases clean in two straight appearances after blowing a save against the Yankees. He now owns an elite 2.08 ERA, 0.75 WHIP and 26:4 K:BB through 17.1 innings.

Fulmer (1-3) took the loss to the Mariners in the second game of Saturday's doubleheader, allowing six runs on five hits -- including two homers -- over 4.1 innings. He struck out five and walked three.

Seattle touched Fulmer up for homers in the fourth and fifth innings, sinking the right-hander to his third loss on the campaign. Fulmer was behind in the count throughout most of the evening, throwing first-pitch strikes to just 11 of 21 batters. He's seen his ERA jump from 2.80 to 4.37 over his last two starts with 11 combined earned runs allowed in 10 innings. The 25-year-old will look to trend back in the right direction with the walks and homers, starting in a rematch against these Mariners on the road next week.

Junis (4-3) took the loss after allowing four runs on six hits and two walks across 5.2 innings Saturday against the Indians. He struck out seven.

Junis pitched well for the most part but struggled mightily against Michael Brantley and Francisco Lindor, who accounted for five of the six hits and all four runs scored against the right-hander. It was just the third time through eight starts this season that Junis gave up more than two runs, and it was also just the third time he failed to last six innings. The 25-year-old will carry a respectable 3.53 ERA and 45:11 K:BB (through 51 innings) into his next start, which will come at home against a difficult Yankees team.

Graveman, who picked up his first win over the Yankees on Friday, is dealing with a sore right shin stemming from a line drive he absorbed during the start, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Manager Bob Melvin downplayed the severity despite the fact the right-hander was still limping a bit Saturday, calling Graveman "a tough guy." The Athletics skipper also conceded that Graveman's regularly scheduled side session for Sunday was somewhat in doubt, but that it would take place no later than Monday in the event of a postponement. The 28-year-old's strong effort Friday (one earned run over six innings) was a welcome sight after the rough 0-4 start to the season and the loss of Trevor Cahill to the disabled list with an elbow impingement.

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

Pruitt will take the roster spot of Ryne Stanek, who was optioned to the minors in a corresponding move after being used out of the bullpen the previous two days. It's unclear if he'll slide into a long-relief role or if the Rays will ask him to make a spot start, as he started his most recent appearance for the Bulls. Pruitt owns a 4.91 ERA across 14.2 innings with the Rays this season and a 6.75 ERA across eight innings with Durham.

Andriese struck out two over three innings but didn't factor into the decision in the second game of Saturday's doubleheader, allowing one run on a hit and a walk in a 10-3 win over the Orioles.

A solo shot by Trey Mancini accounted for the only run off Andriese, who threw 26 of 41 pitches for strikes before getting the hook in yet another Rays bullpen game. While the 28-year-old does have starting experience, Tampa appears content to leave him in a swing-man role, and he hasn't had an outing longer than 3.1 innings this season as a result. Unless he's given a chance to stretch his arm out further, wins will likely be tough for Andriese to come by no matter how well he pitches in his rare starts.

Stanek was optioned to Triple-A Durham on Saturday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Stanek was likely unavailable to pitch Sunday after being used in each of the last two day, so he'll head back to the minors in exchange for a fresh bullpen arm. He produced a solid 2.45 ERA and 7:2 K:BB across 3.2 innings during his brief stint in the majors, so he should be back with the big club when additional bullpen help is once again needed.

Banda was optioned to Triple-A Durham on Saturday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

As expected, Banda will head back to the minors after serving as the team's 26th man during Saturday's doubleheader against the Orioles. The 24-year-old ultimately went unused. He owns a 3.50 ERA and 44:16 K:BB across seven starts (36 innings) with the Bulls.

Chapman tossed one scoreless inning Saturday against the Athletics, walking three and striking out one.

Chapman was brought in to preserve a tie game in the top of the ninth inning and just barely managed to keep the game tied. He began by walking the bases loaded before striking out Mark Canha. He then got out of the jam with some help from left fielder Brett Gardner, who caught a flyball and just barely threw out Matt Olson tagging up to score. Chapman now has 35 strikeouts and eight walks in 18 innings, ratios more or less in line with the numbers he's posted throughout his career.

The Angels optioned Morris to Triple-A Salt Lake on Saturday, Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Morris returns to Salt Lake for the second time this season, prompted by the return of starting pitcher Nick Tropeano (shoulder) from the disabled list. The 25-year-old has allowed three runs on six hits and five walks over 6.1 innings with the Angels this season.