MLB Player News

Rays closer Fernando Rodney earned his 10th save Wednesday in Miami and needed only two pitches to do it.

Rodney finished up Roberto Hernandez's gem as he recorded the final out. His ERA is at 5.40. Rodney has gone 10 for 15 in save situations in an ugly season but has now recorded three straight scoreless performances.

Blue Jays pitcher Esmil Rogers made a surprise spot start Wednesday night in Atlanta and was surprisingly dominant.

Unfortunately, as a reliever, he only threw 62 pitches and left after 3 1/3 innings without being able to factor into the decision despite a 3-0 lead at the time of his departure.

Rogers allowed just three hits and two walks over 3 1/3 shutout innings. He struck out four batters and his ERA is at 4.03 on the season.

Wednesday's performance was Rogers' longest outing of the season, though he's gone at least three frames in three straight. Still, he is not likely to receive another start for Toronto.

The Mariners have optioned starter Brandon Maurer to Triple-A Tacoma, MLB.com reports.

Maurer took a beating with Seattle. The rookie allowed 40 runs (38 earned) in 49 1/3 innings, a 6.93 ERA. He served up 10 home runs in as many starts. He likely remains in the Mariners future plans, but he'll need some minor league seasoning if he is to be a useful major-league starter.

The Rays have promoted starter Alex Colome from Triple-A Durham but will use him in relief, the Tampa Bay Times reports Wednesday.

Colome, 24, entered the season ranked as baseball's No. 81 prospect, according to ESPN.

Orioles reliever Pedro Strop, who is on the disabled list with a back injury, threw about 20-25 pitches off a bullpen mound Wednesday, The Baltimore Sun reports. He was thinking about his back discomfort, but said he felt fine.

Strop also performed a drill at shortstop, the position he played before switching to the mound. He isn't moving to SS, however. It was just a chance for him to go back to his usual throwing motion without thinking in an effort to figure out what was wrong with his pitching.

Mariners starter Brandon Maurer didn't fare too well Tuesday at home against the Padres. He had a 1-0 lead after three innings, but it all came apart from there.

The 22-year-old gave up a two-run homer to Jedd Gyorko in the fourth inning and a solo shot to Alexi Amarista in the fifth. In all, he allowed six runs -- five earned -- on nine hits and a walk over 5 2/3 innings. He struck out two and took the loss to fall to 2-7 in his rookie season with a 6.93 ERA.

Maurer may not get many more opportunities as he's now dropped four straight decisions over a span of five outings. He's shown plenty of potential, but he's also not getting it done right now. His next start is currently scheduled for Sunday at Minnesota.

Rays closer Fernando Rodney pitched the ninth inning Tuesday at home against the Marlins. He entered with the score tied at six. 

Rodney ended up securing the victory to improve to 2-2 on the year, as he threw a 1-2-3 inning with a strikeout. The Rays won the game on Desmond Jennings' RBI single in the bottom of the ninth. Rodney's ERA is at 5.48. 

He had blown saves in two of his previous three appearances. 

Twins pitcher Liam Hendriks, who is on the minor-league DL with an elbow injury, is near activation for Triple-A Rochester, the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports Tuesday. Hendriks will return to the Red Wings' rotation. 

When Esmil Rogers takes the mound Wednesday, he will become the 10th pitcher to make a start for the Blue Jays in the season's first two months. Rogers said Tuesday to MLB.com that he was surprised by the chance.

"I wasn't looking for the opportunity, but they gave it to me. I'll take it, and I'll try to do my best," Rogers said. "They surprised me a little bit, but I know after getting the opportunity the last couple of games to throw three innings, I think they saw I can start, and they gave me the opportunity to start now."

Rogers has been used exclusively as a reliever since 2011, and he has a 6.24 ERA in 22 career starts in the major leagues. 

Astros reliever Josh Fields was called up to Triple-A Oklahoma City Tuesday, where he will continue his minor-league rehab assignment. Fields is recovering from a forearm injury and has made seven appearances between Class A and Double-A.