MLB Player News

Giles struck out the side for his third save Monday against the Yankees.

Giles has been sharp all season long, but the Astros have yet to hand him many save opportunities -- he has converted all three. The surprise with Giles, typically one of the nastiest relievers in the league, is that this is his first appearance with multiple strikeouts, and he has just seven now in 10 innings pitched. Giles managed 195 strikeouts over just 128.1 innings in his first two seasons with the Astros. Apart from the reduced total of strikeouts, it looks like he's earned the confidence of manager A.J. Hinch again. Giles has recorded eight consecutive scoreless outings and retired 21 straight batters.

Alvarado worked around a hit and a walk while recording the final two outs of Monday's win over the Tigers to notch his first save of the season.

Alex Colome had pitched three of the last four days, so it was Alvarado who got the call after Chaz Roe loaded the bases with one out in the ninth. The lefty actually allowed two inherited runners to score, but he was able to close out the frame and preserve the win. Alvarado's first career save wasn't the result of his best work, but he still has a 2.57 ERA and a 1.00 WHIP on the season. Colome has struggled mightily at times this season and could perhaps cede some save opportunities to Alvarado in the future if the matchup calls for his skill set.

Martin left Monday's game against the Indians with forearm cramps, Levi Weaver of The Athletic Dallas reports.

Martin exited the game with the team trainer after surrendering the lead Monday, but it doesn't appear overly serious. He'll be listed as day-to-day and shouldn't be required to miss significant time.

Martin exited Monday's game against the Indians with an undisclosed injury, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Martin received a visit from the team trainer following a Jose Ramirez double and left the game immediately after. He gave up four runs on four hits across 0.2 innings before walking off the field. It's unclear if Martin's injury is overly serious, but more news on his status should surface following Monday's game.

VerHagen will join the rotation in Triple-A Toledo, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

VerHagen has made 73 career major-league appearances, just three of them starts. He started 19 games for Toledo last season and will start there again for the time being. The Tigers aren't particularly deep in their rotation, but VerHagen's career 5.04 ERA hardly makes him an enticing candidate for a starting role.

Norris was placed on the 10-day disabled list with a strained left groin.

Norris suffered the injury during Sunday's loss to the Orioles. He's battled groin injuries in 2017 as well. The 25-year-old struggled to a 5.87 ERA in his first 15.1 innings for the Tigers this year. Chad Bell was called up to take his place on the roster.

Leclerc was recalled from Triple-A Round Rock on Monday.

Leclerc was called up to replace Martin Perez, who was placed on the disabled list with elbow discomfort. It will be Leclerc's third stint in the Rangers' bullpen so far this season. He's yet to give up a run in 6.2 innings, striking out six batters while walking three.

Curtiss was recalled from Triple-A Rochester on Monday.

Curtiss will replace Tyler Duffey on the active roster and in the Twins' bullpen. The 25-year-old owns a sharp 2.89 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 17:2 K:BB through 9.1 innings of relief (five appearances) with the Red Wings so far this season. Curtiss struggled during a late-season promotion in 2017, however, compiling an 8.31 ERA and 1.27 WHIP across 8.2 frames, so he'll likely be utilized in a low-leverage role with the big club to start off.

Merritt (arm) is close to beginning a minor-league rehab assignment, Joe Noga of Cleveland.com reports.

Merritt has been pitching at extended spring training over the past couple of weeks while he works his way back from a "tired arm" and a sore left knee. He's set to throw once more at extended spring training, and if everything goes off without a hitch, he'll be cleared to join a minor-league affiliate for a rehab stint.

Beeks allowed two runs on three hits and one walk while striking out 11 over 5.2 innings for Triple-A Pawtucket on Saturday.

As the warmer weather creeps into New England, pitchers are allowed to go deeper and throw more pitches. That's resulted in Beeks reaching double-digit strikeouts in two straight games -- he struck out 10 in six innings April 21. He's 2-1 with a 1.37 ERA and is holding opponents to a .178 batting average over 19.2 innings. Those are much better numbers than he posted at the same level last year, despite an elevated BABIP (.431). His early years suggested a better fit in the bullpen, which is where he may end up if he's promoted to Boston in 2018, but Beeks has developed a cutter to give him a four-pitch mix and could be changing scouts' outlook with his early season performance for the PawSox.