MLB Player News

Diekman walked one while picking up the first save of his five-year career Thursday against the Astros.

The 29-year-old left-hander was called on to provide Sam Dyson with a much-needed day off, and Diekman got the job done after inducing a game-ending double play. Surprisingly, the team's Opening Day closer, Shawn Tolleson, didn't even see the field in this one. Diekman has been extremely valuable in leagues that count holds, and his ratios and strikeouts seemingly have him next in line to close (even as a lefty) with Tolleson bumped down the bullpen hierarchy.

McHugh lasted just 3.2 innings, giving up four runs on seven hits while walking one and striking out six in Thursday's loss to the Rangers.

Thursday marked the first time all season that McHugh couldn't get past the fourth inning. Things went south quickly for the right-hander after he cruised through the first two innings without allowing a baserunner. In the bottom of the third, the first four Rangers got aboard in what wound up being a three-run inning. The situation didn't improve when Prince Fielder sent a ball 414 feet into the stands to lead off the fourth. Two more hits in the inning and McHugh's day was over. His ERA ballooned back over 5.00 after a brief, two-game hiatus from the five-plus mark. Things won't exactly get any easier when he heads to St. Louis for his next start Wednesday.

Axford tossed a scoreless inning in Oakland's 4-0 loss to Milwaukee on Wednesday.

Axford has been highly efficient of late, allowing only four baserunners and striking out eight batters in his last 5.2 innings of work. During that time, he's lowered his ERA from 3.79 to 2.92 and his WHIP from 1.32 to 1.18.

Jackson was optioned back to Triple-A Round Rock on Thursday, Stefan Stevenson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Catcher Robinson Chirinos was activated from the disabled list Thursday, so Jackson will head to Triple-A to free up a spot on the 25-man roster. The right-hander has made five appearances for the Rangers on the season, allowing 11 hits and six earned runs over 7.2 innings. He's fared better at Round Rock, where he holds a 3.68 ERA and 1.36 WHIP.

Devenski has pitched well recently in long relief, compiling a 1.08 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 11:3 K:BB over over his last 8.1 innings (four appearances).

Devenski, who moved from the Astros' starting rotation to the bullpen a few weeks ago, has a 2.74 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 39:12 K:BB over 42.2 innings this season.

May retired the only batter he faced in Wednesday's win over Miami. He hadn't pitched since June 1 due to an undisclosed injury.

He had been held out for being "a little sore" according to manager Paul Molitor. However, Molitor said he wanted to work him back into the mix slowly and tried to limit his outing Wednesday.

Colome earned his 17th save in a 6-3 victory over the Diamondbacks on Wednesday.

Arizona recorded two hits and a walk to begin the frame with Paul Goldschmidt coming to the plate, but Colome struck out Goldschmidt and then induced a ground ball double play to end the game. Despite the rocky appearance, Colome remains the Rays closer despite Brad Boxberger healthy again. Colome is 17-for-17 in save opportunities with a 1.00 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 35 strikeouts in 27 innings.

Mahle was optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake following Wednesday's game against the Yankees, Pedro Moura of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Mahle stuck around despite struggling a lot in his relief appearances but his outing Wednesday appears to have been the final nail in the coffin. The 23-year-old southpaw will now head back to minors for some more seasoning but still has plenty of time to work his way back into the Angels' bullpen.

Kelly has been diagnosed with a Grade 1 strain of his right groin, and will miss his next start for Triple-A Pawtucket, Scott Lauber of ESPN.com reports.

Kelly was roughed up for seven earned runs in his last start for the Red Sox, and was subsequently sent to Pawtucket to work on some mechanical adjustments. Unfortunately, he suffered a right-groin injury in his Tuesday start, which has since been diagnosed as a Grade 1 strain. He will officially miss his next scheduled start, and there is currently no timetable for a return.

Graveman will have his next scheduled start moved up to Saturday against the Reds, John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

With Rich Hill (groin) suffering a setback Wednesday, the A's will bump the remaining members of their rotation up by one day. Graveman will be pitching on the road Saturday in the hitter-friendly Great American Ball Park. He has struggled mightily on the road this season, notching a 7.71 ERA with a 1.82 WHIP across 28.0 innings away from his home park in 2016.