MLB Player News

Astros pitcher Josh Fields was unable to shut the door on the Blue Jays Thursday in Toronto.

Fields entered the game in the ninth inning and allowed a two-run double to Adam Lind. He was charged with three runs -- two earned -- on two hits and one walk while striking out over two-thirds of an inning. Anthony Bass relived Fields and picked up a one-out save.

Fields has allowed three earned runs over 3 2/3 innings pitched in four appearances.

Astros pitcher Anthony Bass picked up his first save of the season Thursday night against the Blue Jays in Toronto.

Bass, who allowed three runs his last time out, entered the game for Josh Fields in the ninth inning, who was charged with two runs. He needed just seven pitches as he forced Maicer Izturis to ground out for the final out of the game. Bass owns a 6.75 ERA over his first four innings pitched.

Red Sox starting pitcher prospect Matt Barnes, who was bothered by a shoulder injury in spring training, tossed 3 2/3 innings during an extended spring game Wednesday, per The Providence Journal. Barnes appears closer to an assignment with Triple-A Pawtucket.

Rays pitcher Matt Moore will need further evaluation before the team determines whether he needs surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching elbow, the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Moore visited Dr. James Andrews Wednesday and underwent a more detailed MRI involving dye being injected to provide a higher contrast. Moore is hoping to pitch through the injury, but Tommy John surgery would knock him out for the remainder of the season if the team decides to go that route.

Yankees pitcher David Robertson threw from flat ground Wednesday, Sportsradio 66 WFAN reports.

Robertson is in a holding pattern as the team determines his next step. He's recovering from a groin strain that earned him a trip to the disabled list Monday.

Athletics right-hander Jesse Chavez became the latest victim Wednesday of the inability of closer Jim Johnson to close.

Chavez pitched his second fine game, yielding just one run on six hits in seven innings with no walks and nine strikeouts. But Johnson blew a three-run lead in the ninth and forced his team to win it in extra innings. Chavez has given up just two earned runs in 13 innings this season with 13 strikeouts. He will try again for his first win Monday against the Angels.

Indians closer John Axford was able to work out of trouble in the ninth inning to secure his fourth save during a 2-0 win in the first game of Wednesday's doubleheader against San Diego.

Axford allowed a leadoff single to Yonder Alonso before striking out Yasmani Grandal. Jedd Gyorko drew a walk, and both runners moved into scoring position after a wild pitch. However, Axford escaped the jam by getting Will Venable to strike out and Xavier Nady to fly out to end the threat.

Axford also recorded a one-out save during Tuesday's 8-6 win against the Padres.

Rays pitcher Matt Moore will see Dr. James Andrews Wednesday, according to the Tampa Bay Times. 

The team will know by Wednesday afternoon whether Moore will need surgery to repair a torn ligament in his elbow. Moore is hoping for the best. "Hopefully we'll be able to find a place where maybe the surgery isn't the option No. 1, and we'll be able to get to a place of comfortability so I can finish the year,'' he said. 

Moore's initial MRI was "inconclusive," so the team decided to fly him to see Dr. Andrews for a more detailed exam. Though Moore said he felt good Tuesday, things became more pessimistic as the day went on. "It's kind of a weird situation as far as the severity of things … how much they've jumped from what I was thinking earlier this morning," Moore said. 

Moore said if he has to have surgery, he would get the procedure done immediately. 

Mariners closer Fernando Rodney picked up his second save of the season Tuesday, walking two and striking out two in his team's 5-3 win over the Angels.

Rodney didn't allow any hits or runs in the outing, and he's surrendered just one hit and no runs this season. He also owns a 5:2 K:BB ratio in 2 2/3 innings over three appearances.

Angels pitcher Hector Santiago lasted just 4 1/3 innings Tuesday, giving up four earned runs on five hits and three walks while striking out six in his team's 5-3 loss to the Mariners.

All four runs scored upon Santiago (0-2) came in the fourth inning, with three coming on one swing by Mariners designated hitter Corey Hart. The Angels starter was removed after surrendering a one-out double in the fifth inning, having thrown 94 pitches in the outing. He'll bring a 7.71 ERA and 10:6 K:BB ratio into his matchup with the A's Monday.