MLB Player News

If closers indeed yearn to return to the mound a day after blowing a save, White Sox right-hander David Robertson must have been really relieved when he got the call Saturday. He messed up royally Friday night.

Robertson arrived to lose a game against Texas in which Chris Sale had pitched eight shutout innings and fanned 14. But the former slammed the door on the Rangers this time around with a 1-2-3 inning, which began with a strikeout of torrid Prince Fielder.

He has pitched scoreless ball in eight of his last nine appearances - though that stat might not placate Sale.

Mariners reliever Carson Smith saved his fourth straight game, Friday against Houston. 

Smith has recorded saves in four of his last five appearances. He started the ninth with a three-run lead and retired the side in order, striking out one. 

White Sox closer David Robertson snapped a streak of four straight save opportunities converted. Robertson gave up two runs in the ninth inning, blowing his fourth save of the year and dropping to 4-2 with the loss to Texas. 

Robertson entered with a one-run lead. He gave up two hits, walked two and allowed two runs to score. He struck out two batters. 

"It's frustrating. I feel awful because with how well Sale pitched tonight and I went out there and blew it," he said. "I'm supposed to pick the guys up right here, that's what I'm here for, and I couldn't nail it down."

Rays reliever Brad Boxberger earned his second save in as many days, in Friday's win over Cleveland. 

Boxberger had blown his first two saves of June before Thursday. 

Boxberger defended a three-run lead with a scoreless ninth. He allowed two walks but struck out a batter and didn't allow a hit. 

Rays pitchers Jake Odorizzi (oblique) and Andrew Bellatti (shoulder) are scheduled to throw off the mound Saturday and throw full bullpen sessions Monday, according to the Tampa Bay Times. The duo have played catch multiple times this week.

Indians relief pitcher Bryan Shaw picked up his first save of the season on Thursday against the Cubs.

Shaw was put in a save opportunity because regular closer Cody Allen enetered the game after starter Danny Salazar was pulled after just 4 2/3 innings. Shaw needed just 13 pitches to close out the ninth inning.

Shaw has a 2.28 ERA with 21 strikeouts in 23 2/3 innings of work this season.

Rays closer Brad Boxberger had little trouble recording his 16th save Thursday, shutting down the Nationals in the ninth. 

Boxberger allowed a harmless single and struck out two batters before inducing a weak ground ball to first to end the frame. It's Boxberger's first save since May 31 - in the interim, he's blown two saves, picked up two wins and registered a hold. 

Boxberger lowered his ERA to 2.92 with the solid inning of work. 

Astros starting pitcher Collin McHugh picked up his seventh win of the season in Thursday's game against the Rockies.

McHugh threw six innings, allowed four hits and three earned runs. His command was spotty as he walked five batters but managed to strike out eight others.

McHugh (7-3) has a 5.04 ERA this season.

Athletics pitcher Kendall Graveman allowed two earned runs in Thursday afternoon's 3-1 loss to the Padres. 

Graveman went seven innings, allowed five hits, walked one batter and struck out six. Graveman threw 96 pitches, the fewest in his past five starts. 

Graveman now has a 4.02 ERA this season. 

His next start is projected for June 24 against the Rangers. 

The Indians recalled pitchers Kyle Crockett and Jeff Manship from Triple-A Columbus on Thursday. They also optioned infielder Zach Walters to Triple-A.