MLB Player News

The Twins recalled reliever Michael Tonkin from Triple-A Rochester to replace Caleb Thielbar on the roster. Thielbar went on the bereavement list. 

Tonkin, who has a 1.89 ERA and 1.11 WHIP over 38 innings with Rochester, has not pitched in the majors. He's expected to pitch in middle relief. 

A Dodgers scout was dispatched to Milwaukee this week to scout Brewers' relievers, according to CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Danny Knobler. While Milwaukee has said Jim Henderson is off limits, the team is willing to discuss trading John Axford, Francisco Rodriguez and Mike Gonzalez. 

"Axford's a risk," said one scout from another team who saw him recently. "His stuff is good, but the command isn't there. I'd be worried about putting him in the eighth inning. K-Rod's changeup is really coming back. He might help someone."

The Dodgers aren't the only team scouting Milwaukee relievers. According to FOXSports.com, the Tigers, Orioles and Diamondbacks have scouted Brewers' relievers, according to major-league sources.

White Sox starter Hector Santiago couldn't get deep enough into Monday's outing against the Cubs to earn a quality start. After the game was delayed 29 minutes at the start due to rain, Santiago lasted just 5 1/3 innings.

The good news for the starter is that he didn't suffer a defeat. Santiago took the no-decision as his offense tied the score on the Cubs in the sixth inning on Gordon Beckham's steal of home.

Santiago gave up two earned runs on five hits and two walks over his time on the mound. He threw 101 pitches and struck out three batters. His ERA is now at 3.49 for the White Sox. The 25-year-old has taken three straight no-decisions, but he's given up just four earned runs over his last 12 1/3 innings with 12 Ks. Santiago will make his next start Saturday at Philadelphia.

Rays closer Fernando Rodney earned his 20th save Monday at home against the Twins.

Rodney was asked to get the final two outs after the Twins closed to within 7-4 in the ninth. He needed eight pitches to get the job done. His ERA is now at 4.10.

Rodney has notched saves in four straight appearances and has gone 20 for 25 on the year. He has not allowed a run over his last nine appearances for Tampa Bay.

The Royals have optioned pitcher Will Smith to Triple-A Omaha, the club announced Monday.

Smith has enjoyed moderate success with Kansas City this year, as he owns a 3.86 ERA and 15 strikeouts to just one walk in six appearances covering 16 1/3 innings. Smith will likely return to the Royals at some point this year, and he could be returning to Omaha to stretch out as a starter. He has a 2.88 ERA in 68 2/3 innings, largely as a starter, in Omaha this season.

Athletics reliever Jesse Chavez earned his first career save as he pitched the final four innings of Sunday's 10-4 win over the Royals. The right-hander allowed three hits and a walk while striking out four over four shutout innings.

Chavez is 1-2 with a 2.95 ERA over his last 10 appearances (21 1/3 innings). He has 3.16 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP in 16 appearances.

Rays closer Fernando Rodney struck out one and pitched a perfect ninth inning as he secured his 19th save of the season in a 3-0 win over the White Sox Saturday night.

Rodney has not allowed a run over his last 8 1/3 innings. He has a 4.17 ERA and a 1.36 WHIP over 36 2/3 innings.

Rays starter Matt Moore (12-3) turned in a dominant outing as he won his fourth consecutive start Saturday night against the White Sox. The left-hander permitted allowed five hits and two walks while striking out six over 6 1/3 scoreless innings in a 3-0 victory.

Moore has not surrendered a run over his last 13 1/3 innings. He bounced back from a three-start losing streak with four straight wins, lowering his ERA from 4.12 to 3.42. He is scheduled to make his next start Thursday at home against the Twins. He is 6-2 with a 3.52 ERA in nine starts at Tropicana Field.

Blue Jays starting pitcher Esmil Rogers was rocked in Thursday's 11-1 loss to the Tigers, giving up seven earned runs on 11 hits and two walks while striking out four in five innings.

Rogers (3-4) had been pitching fairly well heading into Thursday, surrendering seven earned runs in 25 2/3 innings over his last four starts. He's scheduled to face the Indians next week.

Rays closer Fernando Rodney threw a scoreless 11th inning for his 18th save in a 5-3 win over the Astros Thursday. He walked one, struck out one and didn't allow a hit.

Rodney, who has a 4.29 ERA, hasn't allowed an earned run since back-to-back two-run outings in mid-June.