MLB Player News

Leclerc recorded two outs and picked up a hold in Monday's 5-3 win over the Angels. He walked three batters during the 29-pitch appearance.

Called upon to protect a 5-2 lead in the eighth inning, Leclerc was able to retire two of the first three batters, but was pulled from the contest after loading the bases. Though closer Alex Claudio was able to put out the fire and spare Leclerc of any damage to his ERA, it was another unsettling outing from the rookie right-hander, who has shown a lack of control in recent weeks. Dating back to the beginning of July, Leclerc has posted a 15:16 K:BB over 14.2 innings, which could eventually prompt manager Jeff Banister to explore other options for setup duties.

Hendriks fired a scoreless sixth inning in Monday's 7-3 loss to the Orioles.

The 28-year-old right-hander is enjoying a relatively rare stretch of consistency, as he hasn't given up an earned run in four straight appearances. While a modest sample, it's an encouraging sight, considering Hendriks was touched up for four runs apiece in two separate July outings and gave up three runs (two earned) in the two appearances prior to his current streak. His 3.00 ERA over seven August outings represents his best mark since a dominant May (1.46).

Pagan notched his fourth hold in Monday's 6-5 win over the Braves, allowing an earned run on two hits over two-thirds of an inning.

Pagan has now been touched up for three earned runs over the 1.1 innings encompassing his last two appearances, a relative rarity in what has been a solid campaign overall. He managed to escape with a hold Monday, despite giving up a triple and sacrifice fly in the sixth after inheriting a three-run lead. The 26-year-old right-hander remains a viable fantasy asset in AL-only and deep formats, particularly now that he's started to see some hold opportunities.

Mengden has a 6.43 ERA, 1.57 WHIP and six strikeouts in seven innings over two starts for Triple-A Nashville in August.

He is on the 40-man roster, so if he were pitching well, Mengden would be in line for some big-league innings in September. Based on his production since returning from a rib injury, he probably profiles better in a long-relief role than in the rotation.

The Tigers plan to have Norris (groin) make one more rehab start with Triple-A Toledo before he's activated from the 10-day disabled list when rosters expand Sept. 1, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

Since restarting his rehab assignment earlier this month, Norris has made two starts with Toledo, with his most recent outing coming Monday, when he worked around a hit and four walks to churn out 3.1 scoreless frames. Though Norris has underwhelmed this season with a 5.29 ERA and 1.67 WHIP over 85 innings, he should still have a rotation spot waiting for him when he's activated, as the Tigers still view the 24-year-old as a key part of their nucleus. The prospect of regular starts in September could make Norris worth stashing in AL-only formats, but he'll likely need to prove effective first before warranting a pickup in most other settings.

Chavez surrendered two hits while striking out six over three scoreless innings in a loss to the Rangers on Monday.

Chavez was demoted to a long-relief role after struggling mightily (5.43 ERA) as a starter. The 34-year-old has transitioned well to the bullpen, posting a 1.00 ERA and a 13:0 K:BB ratio over nine innings. Chavez's recent run of success could earn him another shot in the rotation should a spot open up due to injury, but a lack of hold and save opportunities in his current role limits his fantasy value.

Goldberg was optioned to Triple-A Charlotte following Monday's doubleheader.

Goldberg had a four-out scoreless appearance in the conclusion of Monday's doubleheader, but he still exits the clubs with an 8.25 ERA over 12 innings of work. He had a horrid 3:14 K:BB -- no, that's not backwards -- in his 11 appearances, so he clearly needs to fix his control issues before he has any chance of sticking in the majors for the long term.

Fulmer was returned to Triple-A Charlotte after serving as the 26th man in Monday's doubleheader against the Twins. He lasted just 1.1 innings and allowed six runs on four hits and three walks as the Game 2 starter.

Fulmer gave up an 8.49 ERA over 11.2 innings in his first major-league stint in 2016, and he doesn't look any more ready for the big time here in 2017. He may get another look when rosters expand, but considering his struggles at Triple-A (5.61 ERA, 1.56 WHIP over 24 games), there's no reason to expect him to contribute in a significant way anytime soon.

Diaz pitched a scoreless ninth inning to collect his 28th save of the season during Monday's win over Atlanta.

There have been periodic struggles all season for the young righty, but Diaz has now converted 10 consecutive saves and boasts a serviceable 3.67 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 12.0 K/9 for campaign. Considering the instability of the closer market, Diaz's strikeouts and saves carry plenty of fantasy value.

Pomeranz (back) threw a bullpen session Monday and is ready to make his scheduled start Wednesday against the Indians, Tim Britton of The Providence Journal reports.

Pomeranz had to leave Friday's game with back spasms, but he was optimistic that he'd be ready to go by Wednesday, and it looks like those plans will come to fruition. Prior to Friday, Pomeranz had managed to string together a series of solid outings, as he'd picked up three wins and posted a 2.30 ERA and 1.31 WHIP over his previous five starts.