MLB Player News

After an interview with Athletics general manager Billy Beane, Comcast SportsNet Bay Area reports that Jason Hammel will likely stick as the fifth starter over Jesse Chavez.

Chavez owns a 3.44 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 119:41 K:BB ratio in 125 2/3 innings. Hammel has lost his first four decisions with his new club. He owns a 3.87 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP over 21 starts (125 2/3 innings).

Angels pitcher Hector Santiago (3-7) pitched two innings of relief in extras and picked up the win Thursday night against the Orioles. Making his fifth relief appearance of the season, Santiago pitched the 11th and 12th innings, and allowed two hits and two walks while striking out two in a 1-0 victory. He owns a 3.76 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP over 79 innings of work.

Mariners closer Fernando Rodney worked his way past a hit and struck out two in a scoreless frame for the save Thursday night. He needed only 15 pitches to close out a 6-5 win over the Indians. The right-hander has converted 30 saves in 33 tries, with a 2.06 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP over 43 2/3 innings of relief.

White Sox pitcher Zach Putnam is likely to go on a short rehab assignment next week, before he can return from inflammation in his right shoulder.

Putnam has been playing catch and working out with the team's trainers since going on the disabled list a week ago. 

The Yankees have claimed pitcher Esmil Rogers off waivers from the Blue Jays, reports YES Network. Rogers had a 6.97 ERA and 1.69 WHIP in 16 relief appearances before being designated for assignment.

The Red Sox acquired starting pitcher Joe Kelly and outfielder/first baseman Allen Craig from the Cardinals Thursday in exchange for starting pitcher John Lackey, according to baseball analyst Peter Gammons.

The Astros are looking to trade DH Chris Carter, according to the New York Post. Carter is batting .212 with 111 strikeouts in 92 games, but he has 21 homers and is slugging .474.

The Post reports the Astros would also be willing to listen to trade offers for starting pitchers Jarred Cosart, Dallas Keuchel and Collin McHugh.

Yankees closer David Robertson recorded his 27th save Tuesday despite surrendering two earned runs on two hits and three walks while striking out one in the ninth inning of his team's 12-11 win over the Rangers.

Robertson started the inning off with a strikeout, but a single, walk and sacrifice put two runners in scoring position with two outs. After the next batter walked to load the bases, Elvis Andrus delivered a two-run single. Robertson walked the bases loaded again but was able to retire the next batter to finish off the game. He owns a 2.88 ERA and 68:14 K:BB ratio in 40 2/3 innings.

Rangers pitcher Nick Martinez took a loss Tuesday after giving up six earned runs on six hits and three walks in 5 2/3 innings and striking out two in his team's 12-11 defeat against the Yankees.

Martinez (1-7) gave up a first-inning solo home run but held a 4-1 lead after five innings. The Yankees offense caught fire in the sixth, scoring seven runs before the inning was up and tacking on a few more in the seventh. Martinez owns a 5.08 ERA and 34:35 K:BB ratio in 78 innings. He's scheduled to face the White Sox Monday.

Orioles pitcher Ryan Webb earned a win Tuesday, giving up two hits and striking out one in a scoreless inning of work in his team's 7-6, 12-inning victory over the Angels.

Webb (3-1) has had a rough July, giving up seven earned runs in 5 1/3 innings, but Tuesday's win was a ray of sunshine for the reliever. He owns a 3.67 ERA and 34:9 K:BB ratio in 41 2/3 innings.