MLB Player News

In Matt Moore's first three starts this season, the Rays noticed the young pitcher had failed to piece together an all-around dominant performance despite permitting just two combined runs. But that long-awaited showing came Monday against the lumbering Yankees' lineup when the left-hander allowed just two hits -- both to Robinson Cano -- over a season-high eight innings with nine strikeouts to improve to 4-0.

"The thing that I saw was that he has built off of the first three (starts)," Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon said of Moore. "The first couple starts, he got through some moments, was not really sharp. But today he was sharp. [Monday] was the first night I thought he put everything together since the beginning of the season. Matt was really the story."

Astros reliever Josh Fields (forearm) threw a 30-pitch bullpen session Monday, MLB.com reports. Fields was throwing at 90 percent intensity. He is gradually increasing the intensity each time out and should be ready to face hitters in a few days. 

Fields is hoping to return from the disabled list early in May. 

Rays starter Matt Moore improved to 4-0 with another stellar outing Monday night at home against the Yankees. Moore sent CC Sabathia to defeat by dominating the Yankees offense. 

The young, burgeoning ace allowed just two base hits while striking out nine over eight impressive innings. He threw 117 pitches, a career-high, and tied his career-high with the eight frames. 

Moore gave up one run on a Robinson Cano homer in the fourth inning, but was otherwise untouchable. He walked three and his ERA actually grew from 1.00 to 1.04. 

The 23-year-old has yet to give up more than two runs in any outing and he's already mowed down 29 hitters over his first 26 innings. His WHIP is outstanding at 0.92. Moore will look to win his fifth game to start the season when he next takes the mound Saturday in Chicago. 

Royals reliever Will Smith was optioned to Triple-A Omaha Monday after being recalled Sunday to provide bullpen depth for a doubleheader against Boston. Smith was not needed against Boston.

The Royals have recalled Will Smith for Sunday's doubleheader to take up the 26th spot allowed to teams on doubleheader days, the Kansas City Star reports.

Smith gives the Royals a left-handed option out of the bullpen for the doubleheader against the Red Sox. Expect Smith to return to the minors following the games.

Mariners starting pitcher Brandon Maurer held the Rangers to two hits in 6 2/3 innings Saturday, but both were solo home runs, giving Maurer the loss and dropping him to 1-3. He struck out two and walked three.

Maurer has two quality starts since surrendering 12 earned runs in 6 2/3 innings to start the season. He's scheduled to face the Angels at home Thursday.

Rays closer Fernando Rodney entered Saturday's game against the A's in the ninth inning with a one-run lead. A runner reached on an error, but the right-hander was able to strand him to secure the 1-0 win.

Rodney struck out one while earning his second save. He is 2 for 3 in save chances with a 4.76 ERA through six appearances.

The Royals plan to recall Will Smith from Triple-A Omaha for Sunday's doubleheader against the Red Sox, The Kansas City Star reports. The club will not have to make a corresponding move since Kansas City will be allowed to have 26 men on the roster.

Smith is 1-1 with a 2.81 ERA in three starts at Omaha. He also struck out 23 in 16 innings.

The Athletics recalled right-handed pitcher Jesse Chavez from Triple-A Sacramento Saturday.

Chavez made three starts in Triple-A before his promotion, surrendering five earned runs and striking out 19 in 18 1/3 innings. He is expected to work out of the bullpen for Oakland.

Rays closer Fernando Rodney needed some work as he had not taken the mound since April 10. Manager Joe Maddon got him that work Wednesday in Baltimore. 

Rodney entered in the ninth inning with a 6-2 lead and kept it that way. He walked a batter but also had a strikeout as he finished off the Orioles in a non-save situation. 

Rodney, who had allowed three runs over his first two appearances spanning 1 2/3 innings, has pitched two consecutive scoreless outings. He's 1-0 and is 1 for 2 in save situations.