MLB Player News

Athletics pitcher Kendall Graveman fell to 6-6 after losing his second straight decision, Tuesday against Toronto. 

Graveman gave up six runs, the most he's allowed since April 25. He allowed six hits and three walks in 5 1/3 innings. 

Brian Johnson took a loss in his MLB debut for the Red Sox, against Houston on Tuesday. 

Johnson lasted just 4 1/3 innings, giving up four runs on three hits. He walked four and struck out three.

Mariners reliever Carson Smith picked up his eighth save, Tuesday against Detroit. 

Smith converted his eighth straight save opportunity, by getting a four-out save. He stranded one runner and protected a two-run lead.

Rays reliever Brad Boxberger worked a perfect ninth inning to nail down his 24th save of the year on Tuesday night. Boxberger struck out a batter en route to preserving the 1-0 win over the Phillies.

Boxberger now has five consecutive scoreless outings since allowing four runs on July 7. 

Athletics pitcher Pat Venditte is scheduled to throw an inning at Class A on Thursday, reports The San Francisco Chronicle.

Venditte will throw right handed Thursday and then left handed Saturday. Venditte is on the disabled list with a right shoulder strain.

With Thursday's off-day, the Rays opted to alter their rotation plans for a weekend series against the Orioles. 

Chris Archer will open the three-game series on Friday. Erasmo Ramirez will start Saturday before Matt Moore wraps up the series Sunday.

Rangers pitcher Nick Martinez was hit hard during Monday's start at Colorado.

He allowed seven runs on seven hits over four innings during the 8-7 loss. Martinez surrendered a two-run home run to Troy Tulowitzki in the second inning. He also struck out two and walked two during the outing.

Martinez was called up Monday to make the start. He now has a 3.82 ERA and is winless in his last five starts.

Rays pitcher Matt Moore received his first loss of the season during Monday's 5-3 loss to the Phillies.

Moore allowed four runs on five hits over 4 2/3 innings of work. He also struck out three and walked three. It was his fourth start of the season. He is now 1-1 with a 7.23 ERA.

Moore has not pitched more than five innings in any of his starts this season.

Angels starting pitcher Hector Santiago was dominant in his start against the Red Sox in Game 1 of a doubleheader on Monday.

Santiago allowed just one run on eight hits in five innings of work. He was masterful with the strike zone, as he managed to fool and strike out a season-high 10 batters.

With the win, Santiago improved to 7-4 on the season with a solid 2.30 ERA. He has 108 strikeouts and 35 walks in 113 1/3 innings this year.

The Rangers recalled pitcher Nick Martinez on Monday, the team announced. Martinez will start Monday's game at Colorado. He is 1-4 with a 5.91 ERA in his last six MLB starts.

To make room for Martinez, the team optioned pitcher Anthony Ranaudo to Triple-A. Ranaudo had a 7.63 ERA in 15 1/3 innings this season.