MLB Player News

Barnes (6-3) allowed four runs -- three earned -- on three hits without retiring a batter in Sunday's 5-3 loss to the Royals.

Barnes came on in the eighth inning with Boston up 3-1, but he couldn't offer the kind of relief he's generally provided this season. He entered the game having allowed just two runs on seven hits and five walks while striking out 17 over his previous 17.1 innings. It may just be a blip, but it's a blip that comes at the trade deadline and might just spur the Red Sox to add another bullpen arm, like the Mets' Addison Reed, who can also fill in at closer when Craig Kimbrel is unavailable.

Lawrence is expected to see long-relief work for the time being as part of the domino effect of Steve Cishek's recent trade to the Rays, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

Manager Scott Servais will apparently turn to Lawrence whenever he needs a multi-inning bullpen option for the time being. Right-hander Emilio Pagan, who's thrived as a long reliever in multiple stints with the big-league club this season, will slide into Cishek's previous high-leverage role in the seventh and eighth innings.

Pagan is slated to see more high-leverage relief work due to the recent trade of Steve Cishek to the Rays, Greg Johns of MLB.com reports.

Pagan has been impressive in a multi-inning role since returning to the Mariners on July 7, apparently earning manager Scott Servais' trust to the point where he's ready to afford him some of the high-stakes work Cishek used to see. The 26-year-old right-hander has posted a solid 2.45 ERA and 22:6 K:BB over 22 big-league innings this season.

Valdez was shelled in Sunday's start against the Angels, as he allowed seven runs (six earned) on seven hits and a walk in two innings of work. He also struck out two. He didn't factor into the decision.

Valdez did pitch in the third inning, although he failed to record an out in six batters and was promptly removed from the contest. The 32-year-old required 51 pitches to complete the two frames, and just 33 of those went for strikes. Amazingly, he didn't take the loss due to a seven-run outburst in the bottom of the ninth by the Blue Jays. Despite that, his ERA now sits at a lofty 6.59 mark on the season, making him fairly unattractive even if he does hold a rotation spot. If Aaron Sanchez (finger) is unable to return from the disabled list, Valdez could remain in the rotation and make his next scheduled start Saturday in Houston.

Chavez was stuck with a no-decision Sunday against the Blue Jays despite logging five innings while allowing four runs, seven hits and two walks. He also struck out a pair.

The three-run third was the only real rough patch for the veteran hurler, as he managed to hold the Blue Jays' bats in check while putting himself in line for the victory. However, he was not able to get the victory after the Angels' bullpen imploded and allowed seven runs in the bottom of the ninth. Chavez did his part by making a serviceable 94-pitch start, although the outing raised his ERA to 5.43. He'll look to move back into the win column in his next start Saturday when the Halos play host to the Athletics.

Colome pitched a scoreless ninth inning Sunday against the Yankees to pick up his 30th save of the season.

The final frame didn't come without its fair share of drama, however, as Colome managed to put two guys on for the meat of the Yankees' order. He managed to get Aaron Judge to pop out and Matt Holliday to ground out to end the threat, though, getting his team the W with a 24-pitch outing. Colome now has a 3.59 ERA on the season, and although his strikeout rate isn't great, his solid job security as the Rays' closer makes him a valuable fantasy asset nonetheless.

Athletics manager Bob Melvin said Sunday that there's a "decent chance" Graveman (shoulder) will make his next start with the big club, Joe Stiglich of NBC Sports California reports.

With Jharel Cotton (finger) beating him back from the 10-day disabled list to start Sunday against the Twins, Graveman doesn't have an obvious path to a rotation spot at present, though that could certainly change if the Athletics end up trading away Sonny Gray prior to Monday's deadline. If the Athletics aren't satisfied with the offers on the table and opt to keep Gray, manager Bob Melvin could still choose to include Graveman as part of a six-man rotation until poor performance necessitates another pitcher's removal from the starting ranks. Graveman served up eight runs in nine innings during his three-start rehab assignment at Triple-A Nashville, but his most recent outing Saturday was the best of the lot. He covered four innings in the start, giving up one run on four hits and two walks while striking out five batters.

Wilson is highly likely to be traded sometime Sunday, Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reports. The Cubs are currently the frontrunner in trade talks.

Rosenthal added that the Dodgers, Nationals and Astros are also in the mix for the Tigers' closer, though Chicago is currently the most likely landing spot. Wilson is 13-for-15 in save opportunities this year and sports a 2.68 ERA, 16:13 BB:K and 0.94 WHIP through 40.1 innings, so it's no surprise that a handful of contending teams are interested in his services. Stay tuned -- likely for a trade announcement Sunday or Monday. Perhaps fantasy owners could speculate on Shane Greene or Bruce Rondon in case they fall into save opportunities with a Wilson swap.

Pomeranz allowed one run on seven hits and one walk across 6.2 innings in a no-decision against the Royals on Sunday. He struck out four.

Pomeranz pitched well in this one, inducing 15 swinging strikes and getting nine groundball outs during his time on the mound. He was only scored upon via an RBI double from Alcides Escobar in the fourth inning and was on the hook for his 11th win before some late bullpen struggles saw the Royals finish on top. Pomeranz has been effective of late, delivering four quality starts in his last six tries to lower his ERA to a solid 3.46. He will look to continue his strong recent form Friday against the White Sox.

The Royals traded Puckett and minor-league pitcher Andre Davis to the White Sox on Sunday in exchange for outfielder Melky Cabrera and cash considerations.

The 22-year-old Puckett, an early selection in the 2016 first-year player draft, is held in high esteem by scouts for his plus changeup and above-average command. He's had uneven results at High-A Wilmington this season, producing a 3.90 ERA and 98:46 K:BB over 108.1 innings, but gives the White Sox yet another promising pitching prospect to dream on. He'll likely stick around at the High-A level and report to Winston-Salem with his new organization.