MLB Player News

Andriese (6-2) gave up two earned runs on a hit and a walk over 1.2 innings in Sunday's 5- 1 loss to the Tigers.

Andriese has now dropped two straight decisions after starting out the season by winning five starts and his first bullpen appearance back on June 15. The 26-year-old had garnered his first hold of the season in his previous trip to the mound on June 30 by pitching three innings of shutout ball in the opening tilt of the four-game set versus the Tigers on Thursday, but gave up a leadoff double to Ian Kinsler and intentionally walked Miguel Cabrera in the eighth before being pulled for Xavier Cedeno. Cedeno subsequently allowed both of Andriese's runners to score, saddling him with the loss. Despite the hiccup, Andriese remains one of the Rays' most viable options for longer relief stints.

In seven appearances since his demotion from Toronto to Triple-A Buffalo on June 13, Venditte has posted a 1.74 ERA with 12 strikeouts over 10.1 innings.

Venditte has improved his ERA in all seven outings since returning, and has it down to a season-low 3.09 in Buffalo. He's been called to the bigs a few times this season, but hasn't done much to earn himself a permanent gig up there. In eight games this season with the Blue Jays, Venditte posted a 5.19 ERA and 1.73 WHIP. It's unclear whether his recent success will earn him another shot with Toronto.

Rodriguez is scheduled to undergo an MRI on his shoulder Sunday, Joe Stiglich of CSN California reports.

The reliever has already been diagnosed with a shoulder strain, and the MRI figures to reveal the extent of the damage. He left Sunday's relief appearance after recording just one out. Stiglich acknowledged the possibility of a DL stint for Rodriguez depending on the results of the MRI, so the A's could be making a roster move in the near future if Rodriguez winds up having to miss extended time.

Mengden (1-4) allowed four runs on seven hits and four walks while striking out five over 5.1 innings to take the loss Sunday against the Pirates.

After holding the Pirates scoreless through four innings, Mengden fell apart and gave up all four of his runs in the fifth and sixth innings, leading to his fourth loss of the year. This was the first time in five starts that he's allowed more than three earned runs in a game, and he has a 3.48 ERA on the season. He'll make his next start Friday at the Astros.

Rodriguez exited Sunday's game with an undisclosed injury, John Hickey of the Bay Area News Group reports.

Rodriguez was able to record one out in the eighth inning of Sunday's game against the Pirates before team trainers came out to check on him. The nature of Rodriguez's injury is unclear at this point, but if he has to miss additional time, it'd be a blow to a shallow Oakland bullpen.

May (back) is expected to be activated from the disabled list Monday, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

In his recent rehab stint with Triple-A Rochester, May allowed one run on one hit and no walks while striking out six in 3.2 innings. Expect him to resume a role in middle relief, at the very least, upon his return to the 25-man roster.

McHugh (5-6) allowed two runs on five hits and four walks while striking out nine over 5.2 innings to take the loss Sunday against the White Sox.

Despite struggling to keep runners off the bases, McHugh left the contest with only a 2-1 deficit before the bullpen allowed it to grow in an Astros' loss. He's now allowed two or fewer earned runs in each of his last four starts to lower his ERA to 4.50 on the season. He'll make his next start Friday against the Athletics.

Robertson pitched a scoreless ninth inning on one hit and a walk while striking out two to earn the save Sunday at the Astros.

Robertson was protecting a three-run lead, which made his 23rd save of the year one of the easier ones he's earned, despite putting a pair of runners on base with two outs. He's now converted 13 straight save opportunities and has a 3.28 ERA on the season.

Putnam (elbow) played catch from 60 feet Friday and Saturday, MLB.com's Scott Merkin reports.

The reliever is expected to play catch again Monday, though it's uncertain whether he'll be cleared to increase his distance. Putnam remains hopeful that he'll avoid surgery to address his sore elbow, and things seem to be trending in the right direction now that he's at least throwing again.

Jackson was optioned to Double-A Frisco on Sunday.

Jackson had a horrendous outing in Saturday's loss to the Twins, giving up six runs on five hits and two walks over 1.2 innings to inflate his season ERA to 10.80. Until he shows an ability to generate less hard contact in the minors, don't expect him to be in line for another promotion to the big leagues.