MLB Player News

Kimbrel worked around a hit to record his 20th save Sunday against the Astros.

The hit marked the first batter to reach base against Kimbrel since he issued a walk June 6, breaking a streak of four perfect appearances. Kimbrel has now recorded 14 saves in a row and has his ERA down to 0.85.

Manager Jeff Banister said that Martinez will likely start Tuesday's game against the Blue Jays, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Tyson Ross' return from the 60-day disabled list over the weekend was expected to relegate Martinez to the bullpen during the upcoming week, but Andrew Cashner's surprising move to the DL with an oblique strain ended up creating another vacancy in the rotation. Given the nature of the injury, Cashner seems likely to miss more than the 10-day minimum, but Martinez may only be asked to make one start in his stead. Cole Hamels, who has been out for the last two months with an oblique injury of his own, is set to make his second rehab start at Double-A Frisco on Wednesday and could be cleared to join the Rangers rotation thereafter, likely assuming Martinez's starting role in the process.

Santiago (shoulder) will make a rehab start for Triple-A Rochester on Wednesday, LaVelle E. Neal III of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

The Twins initially left the door open for Santiago to come off the disabled list and rejoin the rotation this week, but after assessing his health following a 45-pitch bullpen session Saturday, the organization determined it was in the lefty's best interest to make a cameo in the minors before being activated. Assuming Santiago's shoulder checks out fine following the start, he'll likely displace fifth starter Nik Turley in the Twins rotation the following week.

Farmer was sent down to Triple-A Toledo on Sunday.

A promising beginning to Farmer's season was stamped down over his past two starts: He allowed six runs in just 2.1 innings on Tuesday, and the Rays touched him up for seven runs over 2.1 innings on Sunday. After Farmer allowed 14 hits and five home runs in those two starts, his demotion prior to Anibal Sanchez's impending arrival Monday was an easy move for the Tigers.

Chapman (shoulder) was activated from the 10-day disabled list Sunday.

Chapman endured no complications with his inflamed left rotator cuff during his rehab appearance with Double-A Trenton on Friday, so he'll rejoin the Yankees ahead of their series finale with the Athletics. Though Dellin Betances has been lights out since stepping into the closer's role after Chapman went on the DL a little over a month ago, it's expected that Chapman will settle into the ninth-inning role once he's eased back into the bullpen mix.

Whalen was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma on Sunday, Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle reports.

Whalen tossed two scoreless innings in Saturday's loss to the Rangers, so his demotion to the minors has less to do with his performance than it does the Mariners' desire to get a fresher arm in the bullpen. Max Povse was added to the active roster to assume Whalen's role as the club's long reliever.

The Mariners purchased Povse's contract from Double-A Arkansas on Sunday, Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle reports.

In order to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for Povse, the Mariners designated Dillon Overton for assignment and optioned Rob Whalen to Triple-A Tacoma. Povse has worked exclusively as a starter with Arkansas, registering a 3.46 ERA and 32 strikeouts in 39 innings, but it's expected that he'll work in long relief while he remains with the big club.

Crockett was optioned to Triple-A Columbus on Saturday, MLB.com reports.

Crockett was sent back to the minors as part of a flurry of moves during Saturday's doubleheader with the Twins. Since Crockett represented the Tribe's most expendable reliever, he was optioned prior to Game 1 in order to open up a spot on the 25-man roster for pitcher Ryan Merritt, who started that contest. Merritt was then optioned to Triple-A after his start to clear a spot for third baseman Giovanny Urshela, who entered the lineup in the nightcap.

Armstrong was recalled from Triple-A Columbus on Sunday.

Armstrong will rejoin the big club for the fourth time this season after previously making nine appearances out of the bullpen for the Tribe, compiling a 6.00 ERA and 13 strikeouts over 12 innings. The Indians will likely limit Armstrong's exposure to high-leverage work while he remains with the team, so he won't have an easy path to fantasy relevance.

Colome struck out one and allowed just one hit in 1.2 scoreless innings to earn his 19th save of the season Saturday against the Tigers.

It was smooth sailing for Colome, who notched his first save in nearly a week after recording the final five outs. He was brought on in the eighth inning with a runner on second base but was able to strike out Alex Presley before ending the inning with a Nick Castellanos groundout. Colome now owns an impressive 1.95 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 29 strikeouts in 32.1 innings this season, while his 19 saves remain tied for the second-highest total in all of baseball.