MLB Player News

Rangers pitcher Nick Martinez had a rough start Wednesday against the Twins, lasting just 3 2/3 innings while giving up seven earned runs as Texas was blown out 11-1. 

While only four of the runs were earned, Martinez allowed a season-high three home runs to put himself in a very early hole. When it was all over, Martinez had given up a career-high 11 hits. 

After starting 4-0, Martinez is 3-7 over his last 12 starts. During that timeframe, his ERA has risen from 1.96 to 4.09. 

Despite producing a quality start in Wednesday's 7-4 win over the Royals, Tigers pitcher Daniel Norris received a no-decision for his effort.

Norris allowed four runs (three earned) on six hits over 6 1/3 innings of work. He also struck out two and walked three. His ERA now stands at 4.24.

It was his eighth start of the season and he now has three quality starts.

Closer Brad Boxberger made things interesting, issuing two walks to bring the tying run to the plate before finishing off the Rays' 9-6 victory over the Braves on Wednesday. 

Boxberger has now earned 29 saves on the season, including two straight after suffering back-to-back losses. The closer threw 26 pitches, but did bring his ERA down to 2.89. 

White Sox closer David Robertson worked a perfect ninth inning to record his 23rd save of the season on Tuesday. Robertson struck out a batter and needed just 11 pitches to retire the side in order and preserve the 3-0 win over the Angels.

This was Robertson's first save opportunity (and third appearance) since July 27. He is 23-for-28 in save chances this season.

Angels left-hander Hector Santiago pitched fairly well on Tuesday, but was ultimately left with his sixth loss of the season. Santiago allowed three runs on four hits over 5 1/3 innings, walking one and striking out four. But the Angels' offense was shutdown by Carlos Rodon, as the White Sox blanked the Angles 3-0.

Santiago (7-6) gave up a pair of runs in the fourth, before allowing a solo home run to Trayce Thompson in the fifth, accounting for all the damage against him. Still, he needed 92 pitches to get through his outing, and was given no run support in this one.

Santiago has seen mixed results lately, going 2-2 with a 4.32 ERA over his past six starts. 

Athletics pitcher Kendall Graveman saw his winless streak extend to a sixth straight start with a loss to Toronto on Tuesday. 

Since his last win on July 4, Graveman is 0-4 with two no-decisions. He gave up four runs in 4 2/3 innings. It's the fifth start in the last six that Graveman has given up three or more runs, although only two were earned on Tuesday.

Graveman failed to last five innings for the second time in four starts.  

The Rangers recalled pitcher Keone Kela on Tuesday, reports MLB.com. Kela produced a 3.30 ERA over 43 2/3 innings earlier this season.

To make room for Kela, the Rangers optioned pitcher Luke Jackson to Triple-A. Jackson never appeared in a game for the Rangers during his brief call up.

It remains to be seen if the recent struggles of Mariners closer Carson Smith are over, but he certainly appears to be back on track.

Smith managed his third straight scoreless outing Sunday against Texas to nail down his 12th save. He allowed a leadoff infield single to Rougned Odor, but retired the next three to shut it down.

The Rangers will open their three-game series at Minnesota on Tuesday with pitcher Yovani Gallardo on the mound, reports the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

Gallardo will be followed by Nick Martinez on Wednesday and Cole Hamels will wrap up the series Thursday.

Rays pitcher Brad Boxberger pitched a perfect ninth inning to close the door on the Mets on Saturday.

Boxberger earned his 28th save of the season during the 5-4 win. He now has a 3.52 ERA.