MLB Player News

Rays closer Fernando Rodney came on and quieted the Orioles in the ninth inning for a save Tuesday night in Baltimore. 

Rodney entered in a sticky situation after Baltimore got within three runs after a Matt Wieters two-run homer in the ninth off Wesley Wright. Rodney got three quick outs to end the threat. He needed 13 pitches and struck out one to earn his 29th save. 

Rodney, who lowered his ERA to 3.83 with the save, has earned saves in back-to-back appearances against Baltimore. 

The Royals optioned reliever Will Smith to Triple-A Omaha Tuesday, the Kansas City Star reports. Smith's demotion clears space for Justin Maxwell's return off the bereavement list. 

The left-handed reliever appeared has been up and down for the Royals a few times this season. Smith appeared in one game in his latest recall and went 2 2/3 innings. He allowed a run on two hits with three Ks. Smith has a 3.27 ERA overall this season for K.C. 

Rays starting pitcher Matt Moore (elbow) had another productive throwing session Tuesday. He said there's been "very significant" progress the last few days.

Moore said he was pain-free after throwing his changeup off flat ground Tuesday, which he added was "big." Moore is now slated to throw a bullpen session Wednesday.

Blue Jays starting pitcher Esmil Rogers ended up with a no-decision Tuesday after he couldn't hold a four-run lead during the first game of a doubleheader against the Yankees. The right-hander was charged with four runs on seven hits and two walks, while striking out four in five-plus innings.

Rogers was leading 4-0 before Robinson Cano cut the deficit to one with a three-run homer in the third inning. Rogers was lifted in the sixth inning after allowing a leadoff single to Alex Rodriguez. Rogers was no longer in line to win once Rodriguez scored on Chris Stewart's go-ahead, three-run homer with two outs.

Rogers is winless in his last 11 starts (0-5), but he will look to change his fortunes next time out. With Tuesday's doubleheader, Rogers will pitch either Sunday at Houston or Monday against the Yankees depending on what the Blue Jays decide to do with their rotation.

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire told MLB Network Radio Tuesday he hasn't decided who will replace Kyle Gibson, who was demoted to the minors Monday, in the rotation. Though, he listed Anthony Swarzak, Liam Hendriks and Scott Diamond as candidates.

"He's thrown up to 50-60 pitches already, so we're thinking about (Swarzak)," Gardenhire said. "The history of (Swarzak) as a starter hasn't been good, but he's been pitching real well and he may be one of the guys that fills in. Hendriks and Diamond are down there too."

The Twins recalled reliever Michael Tonkin from Triple-A Rochester Tuesday to take the roster spot of starting pitcher Kyle Gibson, who was demoted to the minors following a disastrous start Monday against the Mets.

Tonkin made just one relief appearance earlier this season for Minnesota, tossing 1 1/3 scoreless innings.

Rays closer Fernando Rodney earned his 28th save Monday in Baltimore. Rodney gave up a hit and a walk in the ninth, but recorded three outs to close out the one-run win. 

Rodney struck out a batter over 17 pitches. His ERA is now at 3.91. It has been a rocky season for Rodney, but he's gone four straight scoreless appearances. 

Rays pitcher Matt Moore played catch Monday, and is making progress toward his return, according to the Tampa Bay Times. 

Moore said playing catch went well. He could toss a bullpen Wednesday, in hopes of throwing a simulated game Saturday. That would put him on track to start against the Angels next week. 

Moore has a 3.41 ERA in 21 starts. 

Red Sox pitcher Rubby De La Rosa has been optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket, according to WEEI.

De La Rosa only appeared in five games. In 5 2/3 innings, he has a 4.76 ERA. It's unclear if De La Rosa will return to the rotation in the minors.

Mariners reliever Danny Farquhar set down the Rangers with ease Sunday, locking up a 4-3 win and his seventh save of the season. The right-hander needed only eight pitched as he retired the side in order to secure the win.

Farquhar is 7 of 8 in save chances since taking over the closer's role. He owns a 4.91 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP in 39 1/3 innings of relief this season.