MLB Player News

Armstrong was optioned back to Triple-A Columbus on Monday.

Already in his second stint with the Indians this season, Armstrong allowed just one walk and struck out three while tossing 2.2 scoreless innings of relief before being sent back to Columbus. The 26-year-old now owns a 5.62 ERA through eight innings (five appearances) with the Indians this season, though all five runs he gave up came in one outing. Armstrong will likely see another chance with the big-league bullpen in 2017, but most of his innings should continue to come in low-leverage situations. The move clears room on the roster for the hot-hitting Yandy Diaz, who was recently recalled from Triple-A.

Kimbrel was called on to get the final outs of the eighth inning in Boston's 17-6 win over Minnesota on Sunday.

What started as a save situation for Kimbrel -- Boston was leading 7-6 with the tying run at third base when he entered the game -- turned into a hold when the Red Sox pushed 10 runs across the plate in the ninth inning. Rather than have Kimbrel come out for the ninth inning, manager John Farrell used Joe Kelly to mop up the game. This marks the first time Farrell's called on Kimbrel in the eighth inning, which suggests he's not that confident in the group of relievers he's been using in setup duty. With Tyler Thornburg -- who was acquired to be the primary setup man -- on the 60-day disabled list with a shoulder injury, the eighth inning may remain a dance for Farrell. He's lately settled on Matt Barnes, but the veteran has allowed three runs, four hits (two home runs) and two walks over his last two innings.

Robertson mopped up Sunday's 4-0 loss to Baltimore with a scoreless inning.

Robertson made his first appearance in eight days, as the White Sox have not needed the services of their closer. The rebuilding Sox have managed to stay relevant early on with the second-best ERA in MLB, but their subpar bats (.238 team average) have left Robertson with few save chances.

Giles retired all three batters he faced to record his eighth save of the season in Sunday's 5-3 win over the Angels.

Giles had blown a save against the same team in his previous outing, but he breezed through the bottom three hitters in the Angels' lineup Sunday, striking out two. Houston's closer has eight saves in nine opportunities.

Chapman allowed three runs on three hits while walking two and striking out two in two-thirds of an inning for his first blown save of the season in Sunday's 18-inning win over the Cubs.

It doesn't happen often, but Chapman blew this one for his first failure in eight chances on the year. He's allowed runs just twice in 13 appearances spanning 12 innings pitched in 2017. The flamethrowing southpaw has fanned 20 for an elite 15.0 K/9 and walked just six, so there's really nothing to worry about after this minor hiccup.

Belisle gave up six runs on six hits and two walks while retiring just one batter in Sunday's loss to Boston.

Belisle was starting to take over as the primary setup man for the Twins with the struggles of Ryan Pressly, but he fell apart in a key spot with the Twins down one run in the ninth inning. Belisle had an 8.5 K/9 before Sunday, but he's now allowed 11 walks in 13 innings. His wildness could put his setup role in doubt.

Diaz struck out two in a clean ninth inning to earn his sixth save of the year in Sunday's 4-3 win over the Rangers.

Diaz has now secured six of his eight save chances this season and lowered his ERA to 4.05 in the process. Things have been a little shaky for the hard-throwing right-hander, but fantasy owners can't complain about his 12.8 K/9. Diaz is in no danger of losing the closing role anytime soon and is a fine ninth-inning option.

Wilson recorded his eighth hold of the season in Sunday's loss to the Athletics. He gave up one hit and struck out one in a scoreless inning of work.

WIlson's eight holds have him tied for third in the majors in that category, and he has a strong 1.32 ERA this season. With Francisco Rodriguez blowing his fourth save of the season and posting an 8.49 ERA, Wilson could be next in line for the closer role if Detroit decides to make a change.

Norris got a no-decision in Sunday's loss to the Athletics, allowing five runs (four earned) on eight hits and two walks. He struck out four.

A strong showing from Detroit's offense spared Norris the loss, but the young lefty wasn't particularly sharp in this one. He'll take a 4.55 ERA into his next start Saturday on the road against the Angels.

Axford (shoulder) threw another bullpen session Sunday, this time reaching 30 pitches, MLB.com's Jane Lee reports.

Axford tossed a 20-pitch session Thursday, and with another successful outing Sunday, the reliever is now lined up to throw live batting practice Wednesday. Should everything go as planned, the Athletics would then send Axford out on a rehab assignment.