MLB Player News

Tigers manager Brad Ausmus confirmed starting pitcher Buck Farmer is moving to the bullpen, as Matt Boyd will be joining the rotation Wednesday.

However, Farmer's demotion to the bullpen might not last long since he could start Saturday vs. Boston, if Alfredo Simon (groin) is sidelined.

The Tigers announced starting pitcher Matt Boyd, who was acquired in a the David Price trade with the Blue Jays last week, will make his Detroit debut Wednesday against the Royals. Buck Farmer was originally slated to start Wednesday.

Daniel Norris and Jairo Labourt were also acquired in the Price trade. Norris made his Tigers debut Sunday and it went extremely well. He allowed one run on four hits and one walk in 7 1/3 innings during a 6-1 win over the Orioles.

Boyd, who is also a left-hander, made two starts this season for Toronto. However, he lost both of them, while posting a 14.85 ERA.

He has had much better success in the minors, going 9-2 with a 1.65 ERA in 19 starts between Double-A and Triple-A this season. In his career, 2013 sixth-round pick is 15-12 with a 2.48 ERA in 272 minor-league innings.

Athletics starter Jesse Chavez was hit early and often in his outing against the Orioles on Monday. The right-hander allowed six runs on nine hits over just 3 2/3 innings. He threw 46 of 77 pitches for strikes, as the A's lost 9-2 on Monday.

Chavez (5-11) got off to a rocky start in this one, as he was down 3-0 before getting a chance to settle in. He gave up a three-run home run to Chris Davis in the very first inning. Caleb Joseph also touched up Chavez for a two-run blast in the fourth inning, as Chavez suffered his worst start of the season.

With the poor outing, Chavez's ERA rose to 3.88. He has now given up four or more runs in four of his past six starts, posting a 6.52 ERA over that stretch.

Despite struggling during the appearance, Mariners pitcher Carson Smith was able to shut the door on the Rockies during Monday's 8-7 win.

Smith allowed three hits, which led to one run, but he recorded the final three outs to receive his 10th save of the season. He also struck out two.

Smith has converted 10 of his 12 save opportunities this season.

Rays closer Brad Boxberger pitched a scoreless ninth inning to convert his 12th save opportunity in a row, Monday against the White Sox. 

Boxberger allowed two hits, but he was able to protect a one-run lead and earn his 27th save of the year. 

White Sox closer David Robertson gave up a run in the ninth inning to break a tie and take the loss, Monday against Tampa Bay. 

Pitching in his first non-save situation in six appearances, Robertson allowed two hits and a walk. It was the first time he's given up multiple hits since June 30, and he took his first loss since June 19, dropping to 4-3. 

The Rays officially demoted starting pitcher Matt Moore to Triple-A Durham on Monday. To take his spot on the roster, corner-infield prospect Richie Shaffer was promoted from Durham.

Moore, who missed the start of the season recovering from Tommy John surgery, went 1-3 with an 8.78 ERA in six starts.

Shaffer, who was a 2012 first-round pick (25th), posted a .263/.361/.539/.900 slash line between Double-A and Triple-A this season. He also had 21 doubles, 23 home runs and 59 RBI in 94 games.

Switch-pitcher Pat Venditte was expected to be recalled to the Athletics after completing a rehab assignment for a shoulder injury in Triple-A Nashville, but instead Oakland optioned the reliever back to the minors for more work, per the San Francisco Chronicle. 

Venditte appeared in four games with the Athletics this season, but has pitched well in relief at Triple-A, compiling a 1.63 ERA. 

Rays closer Brad Boxberger pitched a perfect ninth, striking out the side and preserving a one-run lead over Boston on Sunday. 

Boxberger recorded his 26th save of the year and 10th straight converted save opportunity. 

Boxberger has eight scoreless outings in his last nine appearances.  

Astros starting pitcher Collin McHugh was dominant during his start against the Diamondbacks on Sunday.

McHugh allowed only one run on eight hits over seven strong innings of work. He struck out six batters and gave up just one walk while picking up his 13th win of the season.

With the win, McHugh improved to 13-5 on the year with a 4.27 ERA.