MLB Player News

Alexander (2-3) picked up Saturday's win over the White Sox after stranding two inherited runners in his only inning of work.

With Chicago threatening to push their lead to 4-0, Alexander stepped in and delivered a motivating effort in relief of starter Jason Vargas. The Royals went on to score five runs in the bottom of the sixth, giving Alexander his second win this month. Now in his third MLB season, the southpaw has logged a career-high 27 appearances and 39 innings while posting an impressive 2.08 ERA.

Shaw (3-4) retired a single batter to collect his third win of the season during Saturday's victory over the Blue Jays.

Shaw entered the game and retired Kevin Pillar in the top of the 10th inning, and then Francisco Lindor hit a solo homer in the bottom of the frame to seal the win. With a 2.76 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, and a 7.5 K/9, Shaw is a serviceable fantasy asset in deep leagues, but if closer Cody Allen were ever bumped from his job, Andrew Miller would likely be next in line for saves and not Shaw.

Belisle is likely unavailable out of the bullpen until Monday's game with the Dodgers, Brandon Warne of ZoneCoverage.com reports.

Belisle tossed 2.2 innings in Friday's contest, so it seems like the Twins are content not using one of their better relievers for a bit in an effort to keep him healthy for the stretch run. After a rough start to the season, the right-hander has settled down and hasn't allowed a run over his last 9.1 innings.

Santiago's (back) rehab assignment is expected to be three starts long with Triple-A Rochester, Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Given this timeline, it would seem that Santiago is on pace to return to the Twins in early August, although no firm date has been revealed at this time. There's still some question as to whether he'll return as a starter or as a reliever given his recent struggles in the rotation, but things should clear up as he progresses in his rehab assignment.

Valdez is expected to start Tuesday's game against the Athletics, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

There was some speculation that the veteran would move in to start if Aaron Sanchez (finger) landed on the disabled list, and with the latter condition coming true, Valdez will likely take his spot. This designation hinges on Valdez not appearing in relief in the meantime, but if all holds true, he would line up to face Oakland ace Sonny Gray in the second game of the series.

McHugh (elbow) was reinstated from the 60-day disabled list and will start Saturday's game against the Orioles.

As anticipated, the right-hander will make his 2017 debut Saturday night. McHugh has been a serviceable rotation member the past few years, and he'll look to give the Astros a boost as they take on right-hander Chris Tillman and the Orioles.

Junis was recalled from Triple-A Omaha on Saturday.

Junis will make a return trip to the big leagues after continuing to impress as a member of the Triple-A rotation. Now that Nathan Karns (forearm) is out for the season, the pitching prospect could be up in Kansas City to take Travis Wood's rotation spot, although there is also a chance that he is simply up to provide more bullpen depth. To make room for Junis on the active roster, Billy Burns was sent back to Omaha.

Smith was recalled from Triple-A Buffalo on Saturday.

Smith will return for his second stint with the big-league club this season, and he'll look to stick around longer this time around. He spent just two days with the Blue Jays near the end of June, making one appearance. The right-hander has posted a 4.43 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 17:3 K:BB in 19 appearances with Buffalo.

Pagan fired three scoreless innings in Friday's 5-1 loss to the Yankees, allowing two hits and a walk while recording a strikeout.

The rubber-armed right-hander has now pitched the equivalent of a quality start over his last three outings, allowing just one earned run on five hits and three walks over 7.1 innings while also notching five strikeouts. Pagan's ability to eat up innings is a welcome addition to a bullpen that's often seen a heavy workload while supporting what has at times been a makeshift starting rotation.

Boxberger (2-1) gave up an earned run on a hit and two walks over an inning in Friday's 4-3 extra-inning loss to the Rangers.

The veteran reliever was asked to preserve a 3-3 tie after closer Alex Colome worked the ninth, but surrendered a go-ahead infield single to Elvis Andrus that marked the first run he'd given up this season. Boxberger had otherwise been excellent through his first six outings, so Friday's hiccup notwithstanding, he remains one of the more trusted late-inning options for manager Kevin Cash.