MLB Player News

Mariners closer Fernando Rodney set down the Rangers in order in the ninth inning Tuesday to earn his sixth save of the season and his second in as many nights.

Rodney fanned two batters in the inning and now has 10 strike outs in 9 1/3 innings this season.

Yankees relief pitcher Chris Martin worked a nearly perfect ninth inning in New York's 4-2 win over the Rays Tuesday. 

Martin allowed a single with two outs to Steven Souza, but forced Asdrubal Cabrera into a ground out to end the game. Martin, who earned his first save of the season, lowered his ERA to 2.70 in 10 innings of work with 10 strikeouts and one walk.

Twins starting pitcher Trevor May has been cleared to start Thursday against the White Sox, manager Paul Molitor said Tuesday. He left his last start Saturday against the Mariners after taking a line drive off his arm.

May is 1-1 with a 4.91 ERA through three starts. He has 13 strikeouts in 14 2/3 innings.

Rays pitcher Alex Colome will make his return to pitching staff Friday against the Orioles, with Chris Archer starting Saturday and Nathan Karns going Sunday, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

Colome, who is currently on the 15-day DL with an illness, was expected to get the ball for one of Tampa Bay's three games over the weekend. Colome has a 2-0 record with a 2.66 ERA in 23 2/3 innings of work so far this season.

Blue Jays reliever Brett Cecil is returning to the closer's role, manager John Gibbons announced Thursday. Gibbons added Aaron Loup and Roberto Osuna will serve as the primary setup relievers.

Cecil was removed as the team's closer April 9 after a rocky start to the season. Rookie Miguel Castro was elevated to the closer's role after Cecil was removed from the ninth-inning responsibilities.

Castro initially thrived in the closer's role before running into his own issues. He is 0-1 with a 9.82 ERA, two saves and two blown saves in his last five outings. Gibbons said he will use Castro in low-leverage situations to help get him back on track.

Despite producing six solid innings of work, it was not enough to earn Astros pitcher Collin McHugh a win during Monday's victory over the Padres.

McHugh tossed six innings and allowed three runs on seven hits. He also struck out five batters, while walking none. His ERA now stands at 2.92.

"McHugh ran into a little bit of trouble, and I think he threw close to 30 pitches in the one inning, which took a lot out of him," Astros manager A.J. Hinch said after the game, per MLB.com. "When I hit for him in a National League game, he was pretty tired. Again, he threw well and certainly early in the game looked like he was in total control. It was a nice win."

The no-decision was the first time this season McHugh (3-0) failed to record a win for his efforts.

"All four of those guys with two outs [in the fifth], I had two strikes on," he said. "So it's real frustrating not to be able to make that big pitch when you need it. I'm used to being able to, at least the last little bit, being able to make those pitches."

His next projected start will be Saturday against the Mariners.

Closer Fernando Rodney (S,5) allowed a hit and a walk in the ninth inning but perserved the Mariners' 3-1 victory over the Rangers on Monday.

Rodney is now 5 for 6 in save opportunities this season.

Red Sox starter Joe Kelly was touched for five runs on five hits in six innings of work Monday to take a no-decision against the Blue Jays.

The Blue Jays reached Kelly early as Devon Travis knocked an RBI single and Russell Martin came through with a two-run double in the first inning, putting the Red Sox behind 3-0.

Travis added a solo homer of Kelly in the fourth inning.

"I was shaky the whole night with my fastball command," Kelly said. "Up and down is exactly how you put it." 

Kelly, who struck out 10 in the game, was clocked a couple of times Monday hitting 100 MPH.

"The positive is you’re not going to find better arm strength, better velocity,” Red Sox manager John Farrell said about Kelly. "It's electric stuff and as he begins to harness it and understand when he’s most effective."

Kelly's next start is scheduled for Sunday against the Yankees.

After pitching in two games Sunday, White Sox manager Robin Ventura said pitcher David Robertson would possibly be available to throw in Monday's game at Baltimore, reports CSN Chicago.

Robertson earned a win during the first game Sunday, he then pitched the ninth inning of the second contest to earn a save.

The White Sox are the underdogs (+130) at Baltimore on Monday.

Twins pitcher Trevor May declared his arm 100 percent after playing long toss Monday, FOX Sports North reports.

"No problems," he said, per TwinCities.com. "I'm actually blown away by how quickly any pain went away. At this point, it feels like I banged it against a door."

May was hit in the arm by a line drive Saturday but said he'll continue his normal throwing routine in advance of his next start, which should come Thursday against the White Sox. May owns a 4.91 ERA and 13:2 K:BB ratio in 14 2/3 innings over three starts.

"It feels good -- 100 percent," May said, per MLB.com. "Right now, my plan is to continue on like I'm throwing a bullpen tomorrow, the same as always. I don't expect anything to get worse. I'll just keep treating it today and see if I can completely get it gone in the next couple days."