MLB Player News

Rays reliever Brad Boxberger made his return to action Wednesday against the Angels after sitting out a few days due to triceps tightness.

It was a successful return to the hill, as the right-hander tossed a perfect eighth inning for his first hold of the season. He had one strikeout.

Boxberger has a 2.82 ERA through 24 relief appearances. He is also 15 for 16 in save chances.

The Twins recalled pitcher Michael Tonkin to the 25-man roster and optioned shortstop Jorge Polanco to a Double-A affiliate. 

The Twins also designated pitcher Tim Stauffer for assignment.

Tonkin was recently with the Rochester Red Wings, the Triple-A affiliate of the Twins. With the Twins this year, he's posted a 5.63 ERA and 1.50 WHIP over eight innings of relief this season.

White Sox closer David Robertson recorded his 13th save of the season in his team's 4-1 win over the Astros on Wednesday.

Robertson needed just eight pitches to close out the ninth inning. He has a 2.03 ERA in 26 2/3 innings this season.

With Andrew Miller heading to the disabled list, Dellin Betances will assume the role as the Yankees closer for at least the near future. Betances, who was unavailable to pitch on Wednesday due to workload, has been dominant this season so far.

"I feel good right now," Betances said, per NJ.com. "I just have to take the same mentality that I've done in the eighth just try to take it to the ninth. Same for the other guys. I feel good. I'll be ready."

The big right-hander has a microscopic 0.28 ERA over 32 1/3 innings pitched this year. He also owns a 54:14 K:BB ratio. He has three saves in his career, including two this season.

After completing his second rehab outing Tuesday, Rays pitcher Matt Moore will make another start at Class A on Monday, reports the Tampa Bay Times.

If Monday's start goes well, he would then pitch at Triple-A next Saturday. Moore is on the disabled list with an elbow issue. He has not pitched for the Rays this season.

Rays starting pitcher Matt Moore (elbow) was sharp in his second rehab start for Class A Charlotte on Tuesday, tossing four scoreless innings. He allowed three hits and one walk, while striking out four.

"I really do feel better about the whole thing because we did get through four innings," Moore said, per MLB.com. "That many up and downs, that's new to me right now, so to not be in any kind of discomfort and to still feel the same, first through the fourth -- I'm very happy with that."

Moore has allowed two unearned runs in 6 1/3 innings on his rehab assignment. Moore will make another start for Class A Charlotte before likely moving on to Triple-A Durham to complete his rehab assignment.

"It helps to just normalize things for me, as far as routine goes," Moore said. "I kind of have normal days like it was 14, 15 months ago, where you have days when you're supposed to feel sore and you're not supposed to feel that great, but as you get closer to that fifth day, you start to feel better."

Rangers pitcher Nick Martinez did not allow a run over six innings of work during Tuesday's 2-1 win over the Athletics.

Martinez only allowed one hit during the outing while striking out three and walking three. He received his fifth win of season for his effort and his ERA now stands at 2.65.

Martinez (5-2) has earned a quality start in three of his last four starts and he is 2-2 during that time. His next expected start is scheduled for Sunday against the Twins.

White Sox pitcher David Robertson recorded the final three outs to earn his 12th save of the season during Tuesday's 4-2 win over the Astros.

Robertson allowed one hit and struck out one during the appearance. Robertson has converted 12 of his 15 save opportunities this season.

Despite producing a solid outing Tuesday, Twins pitcher Trevor May was on the losing end during the 2-0 loss to the Royals.

May (4-4) scattered seven hits which led to one run over six innings of work. He also struck out five and walked three during the outing. His ERA now stands at 4.16.

After Tuesday's outing, May has earned a quality start in four of his last five starts and he is 2-1 over those starts. His next expected start is scheduled for Monday at St. Louis.

While Mariners pitcher Carson Smith struggled during his outing Tuesday, he was able to close the door on the Indians to earn his second save of the season.

Smith allowed a solo home run to Yan Gomes in the ninth inning, but he recorded the final three outs to close the 3-2 win.