MLB Player News

Neal threw three scoreless relief innings for his second save Monday against the Royals.

Neal was jettisoned from the rotation in favor of Monday's starter, Ross Detwiler, but Neal's three scoreless innings marked the best performance of the night from any Oakland pitcher. The 27-year-old may be in line for another chance at a start down the stretch, but he owns a rough 4.81 ERA in his rookie season.

Norris went 6.1 innings of two-run ball Monday, allowing five hits and two walks while fanning 11 but taking the no-decision as the Tigers rallied late to beat the Twins 4-2.

All 11 of Norris's strikeouts were swinging, as the young left-hander kept the Twins in check for most of the night. Still, the Tigers were trailing when Norris left the game in the seventh thanks to a pair of solo homers from Brian Dozier and Kurt Suzuki. The 11 strikeouts were easily a career-high at the major league level for Norris, who had a K/9 rate of 9.85 in the minor leagues. The 105 pitches and 6.1 innings were season-highs for Norris, who now has a 3.81 ERA over 10 starts for the Tigers in 2016.

Jimenez has been named a Baseball America 2016 First-Team All-Star. He totaled 30 saves with 78 strikeouts in 53.2 innings across three levels.

Jimenez wasn't called up when rosters expanded despite climbing from Class A to Double-A to Triple-A this season. Instead, the team wants him to work on his secondary pitches in instructional league. Jimenez's fastball has been described as "unbelievable," but his changeup and slider are considered just okay. The hope is that instructional league will help him find some consistency as he tries to explode his game to the next level.

Barnes pitched 1.1 innings, allowing one run on one hit and a walk while striking out two Sunday against the Red Sox.

Barnes, making his second go-around at the MLB level this year, has been solid since getting recalled as part of roster expansions at the beginning of the month. Despite Sunday's run, the 26-year-old has impressed with a 2.70 ERA and 0.90 WHIP through four appearances. Barnes has struck out five and walked two over his 6.2 September innings.

Colome struck out two in a perfect ninth inning Sunday to pick up his 32nd save of the season in a win over the Yankees.

He's been scored upon just once in his last 16 appearances, posting a 1.23 ERA and 20:3 K:BB in 14.2 innings over that impressive stretch. Colome should head into 2017 as one of the elite closing options on draft boards.

Andriese (7-7) held the Yankees to one run on six hits over five innings in Sunday's win. He struck out two.

After starting the season 6-0, Andriese dropped seven straight decisions including five of his last six starts before snapping the skid Sunday. He'll try to make it two in a row Saturday in Baltimore.

Kimbrel notched his 25th save of the season Sunday, striking out two and walking one in the ninth inning of Boston's 11-8 win over Toronto.

The Red Sox used their potent offense and much-maligned bullpen to overcome Clay Buchholz's early dismissal (three innings, six runs) and give Kimbrel an opportunity to seal a win. While Kimbrel has had some problems in non-save situations, he's been as advertised when protecting a lead. He's blown just two saves out of 27 chances.

Diaz struck out two in a scoreless ninth inning Sunday against the A's to earn his 15th save.

Diaz had little trouble protecting Seattle's 3-2 lead, bookending his outing with a pair of called strikeouts. The 22-year-old rookie has emerged as one of baseball's most reliable closers since taking over ninth-inning duties at the beginning of August, converting 15 of 16 save opportunities. He has a 2.30 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and a 15.9 K/9 rate in 43 innings.

Merritt was recalled from Triple-A Columbus on Sunday.

Merritt pitched exclusively as a starter at Triple-A this season but tossed 5.1 innings out of the bullpen earlier this season with Cleveland. He will likely serve in the same role again, giving the club an option to go multiple innings if needed.

Tonkin (shoulder) had no issues following a bullpen session Friday and should be available to return Sunday, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Tonkin has been out since Sept. 2 due to shoulder fatigue, but it sounds like he'll be able to return to duty in the next few days.