MLB Player News

Kimbrel allowed a game-tying solo home run in the bottom of the ninth inning, but he was bailed out by his offense and collected his first win of the season with a scoreless 10th inning.

Kimbrel also stuck out five Blue Jays over the two innings, so while it's unfortunate he blew the save opportunity, it was still a solid fantasy output. It wasn't as if he was going to go all season without allowing a run, either. Sporting a 2.00 ERA with six saves, a win and 17 strikeouts through nine innings, Kimbrel is off to an impressive start.

Hendriks fired a scoreless ninth inning in Wednesday's 9-1 win over the Rangers, recording a strikeout.

Hendriks needed only 11 pitches, eight of which he threw for strikes, to close out Oakland's blowout win. The 28-year-old right-hander likely needed a low-leverage situation like Wednesday's to restore some confidence, considering he'd given up two earned runs apiece in his three prior trips to the mound. Hendriks' ERA remains an unsightly 9.53, but Wednesday's effort closely resembled the dominant pair of appearances that the veteran reliever opened the season with. As per John Hickey of the East Bay Times, despite the struggles, the veteran reliever is encouraged that his pitches have been largely precise this season, as opposed to the significant location problems he encountered during a similarly rough start in 2016. "I don't feel like that at all this year. Now I can throw a two-strike breaking ball and I can throw the fastball where I want to," he said. "I'm getting a fair amount of swings and misses on my fastball. So I know that my fastball is there. I'm not far away."

Saupold was optioned back to Triple-A Toledo after Thursday's game.

Saupold made just one appearance during his brief stint with the Tigers, striking out two and walking one in a scoreless frame against the Rays. He'll head back to the minors for now, but he could see another call up should the Tigers need bullpen support in the future.

Bass had his contract purchased from Triple-A Round Rock on Thursday, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports.

Bass will likely head to the bullpen where he could serve as a long-relief option if needed. The 29-year-old put up impressive numbers at Round Rock before earning the promotion, allowing just two hits over 8.1 scoreless innings while striking out 16 batters.

Hauschild was designated for assignment Thursday, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports.

The Rangers purchased Anthony Bass' contract and opted to designate Hauschild for assignment. Hauschild has turned in a handful of rough outings this season. Over four games (eight innings), he's allowed 10 runs on 14 hits, five of which were home runs.

Valdez had his contract selected from Triple-A Nashville on Thursday.

Valdez will step in to make a spot start for the injured Kendall Graveman (shoulder). The 32-year-old has impressed in two starts with the Sounds, posting a 2.70 ERA and 0.80 WHIP across 10 innings. He'll look to carry that strong showing into Thursday's start against the Mariners. To make room for Valdez on the roster, Bruce Maxwell was sent to the minors and Marcus Semien (wrist) was transferred to the 60-day disabled list.

Lawrence has been confirmed as Toronto's starter Saturday against the Angels, Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith reports.

He was the favorite to land the second spot start of the weekend, with Mat Latos getting the other, and that came to fruition. Lawrence will face Tyler Skaggs and the Halos after notching a 1.80 ERA and seven strikeouts in five innings (two starts) for Triple-A Buffalo. However, he has not gone more than three innings in a start this season, so he is not a good bet to go more than around five innings in this start. With J.A. Happ (elbow) expected back fairly soon, this could just be a spot start for Lawrence.

Hauschild was tagged for five runs on seven hits -- including three homers -- and one walk over 3.1 innings of relief in Wednesday's 9-1 loss to the Athletics.

With the Rangers trailing 4-0 by the time starter Martin Perez was pulled with two outs in the bottom of the fourth inning, manager Jeff Banister decided it was a good opportunity to have Hauschild, a lightly-used Rule 5 pick, eat some innings. Hauschild wasn't able to stop the bleeding for the Rangers, and at this point, the organization may find it increasingly difficult to justify using the 27-year-old even in lower-leverage situations. He's turned in an 11.25 ERA (10.70 FIP) and served up five homers over four appearances spanning eight innings.

Hart recorded one out Wednesday against the Reds en route to his first hold of the campaign.

The left-handed specialist has yet to allow a run this season through five outings, a feat that only one other Orioles pitcher (Brad Brach) has accomplished. Hart is off to a good start, owning a nifty 6:0 K:BB through 4.1 innings. With Zach Britton (forearm) sidelined for a bit, Hart could be in line for a few more high-leverage opportunities than otherwise expected.

Covey, who was lit up by the Yankees for eight runs Wednesday, is expected to make another start according to White Sox manager Rick Renteria, Colleen Kane of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Renteria immediately added that he would let the media know if that changes. Covey, a Rule 5 selection, was in a tough spot Wednesday pitching in the baseball cathedral that is Yankee Stadium. If the White Sox were to replace Covey, who is scheduled to start next Tuesday against the Royals, they have long reliever Anthony Swarzak on hand. Or, they could dip down to the minors for one of their top pitching prospects, but it might be too early to expose those hurlers.