Alexander (6-4) picked up the win Wednesday, coughing up four runs on nine hits over 3.2 innings in a 9-4 victory over the Twins. He struck out two without walking a batter.

The southpaw entered a scoreless game in the top of the fourth inning and watched the Tampa Bay offense erupt for eight runs in the bottom of the frame, but Alexander fell apart himself in the seventh, serving up homers to Kyle Farmer and Carlos Santana. Alexander is rounding out a six-man rotation for the Rays, as the team doesn't get its next day off until Sept. 16, but he's been very ineffective in that role -- over his last four appearances, he's been tagged for seven homers in 18 innings, leading to a 7.50 ERA. Assuming he gets another turn, his next outing is scheduled to come on the road early next week in Philadelphia.

Erceg picked up a save against the Guardians on Wednesday, striking out one batter in a perfect ninth inning.

Erceg had a rough outing Tuesday, giving up three runs over two-thirds of an inning. Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro went right back to the right-hander in a save situation one day later, and Erceg responded by retiring the side in order on 15 pitches. That bodes well for his chances of continuing as Kansas City's closer despite entering Wednesday amidst a rough stretch during which he went 0-2 with two blown saves while giving up seven runs across two innings over three appearances.

Yates retired the only batter he faced to earn the save in Wednesday's 10-6 win over the Yankees.

The Rangers didn't look to be in need of their closer at first, but Matt Festa and Grant Anderson struggled in the ninth inning. Yates inherited runners on the corners and two outs after Anderson was struck by a batted ball and had to leave the game. Yates was able to get Giancarlo Stanton on a flyout to end the game, picking up his 26th save of the year in the process. He's converted five straight save chances and added two wins while giving up just one run over his last 6.1 innings. Overall, Yates has a 1.37 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and 75:24 K:BB through 52.2 innings this season.

Anderson was removed from Wednesday's game against the Yankees after getting hit by a comebacker, Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Anderson was able to walk off the field under his own power after getting hit by a 103-mph line drive off the bat of Jazz Chisholm. The severity of the right-hander's injury is unknown, though it's possible the Rangers make him unavailable out of the bullpen for a day or two just to be safe.

Francis (8-4) took the loss Wednesday against the Phillies, allowing three runs on six hits over six innings. He struck out six.

While Francis ultimately took his first loss since Aug. 4, the right-hander turned in another strong effort against the Phillies. Francis allowed a solo home run to Kyle Schwarber in the first inning and a two-run shot to Kody Clemens in the second before holding Philadelphia scoreless over his final four frames. The 28-year-old Francis had allowed just four runs over his previous five starts (34 innings) while posting a stellar 0.38 WHIP in that span. Overall, his ERA sits at 3.72 on the year with a 0.99 WHIP and 81:19 K:BB across 84.2 innings this year. Francis is currently slated to face the Mets at home in his next outing.

Weaver could be a candidate to receive save chances after Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Wednesday that the team will get "creative" with the closer role going forward, Jack Curry of YES Network reports.

Clay Holmes blew his 11th save of the season Tuesday, prompting the Yankees to shake up the ninth-inning situation. Boone didn't officially demote Holmes or name replacement options, but Weaver is an obvious candidate since he leads the team with 22 holds. He's been effective with a 3.33 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 79:23 K:BB across 73 innings. Mark Leiter and Tommy Kahnle could also be in the mix.

Leiter could be in the mix for save chances after Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Wednesday that the team will get "creative" with the closer role going forward, Jack Curry of YES Network reports.

The skipper didn't officially demote closer Clay Holmes or name specific relievers for the "creative" approach, but Leiter should be one of the top candidates to see save chances. However, the right-hander hasn't pitched particularly well since being acquired from the Cubs at the summer trade deadline, as he has a 6.08 ERA, 1.95 WHIP and 19:6 K:BB across 13.1 innings with the Yankees. That could give a leg up to Luke Weaver and/or Tommy Kahnle, who both have been reliable high-leverage options for Boone this year.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Wednesday the team will get "creative" with the closer role going forward, which could still include Holmes depending on matchups, Jack Curry of YES Network reports.

Boone avoided explicitly saying that Holmes has been demoted from the closer role, but that's the clear indication even if the right-hander is still somewhat involved. The 31-year-old surrendered a grand slam Tuesday against Texas as he blew his league-leading 11th save of the season, which finally prompted the Yankees to change their approach. Holmes has been fairly effective overall with a 3.27 ERA across 55 innings, but he's allowed a lot of traffic with a 1.33 WHIP and 3.1 BB/9. Boone didn't name any alternative relievers, but Mark Leiter, Luke Weaver and Tommy Kahnle could all be in the mix for saves.

The Athletics reinstated Alexander (shoulder) from the 15-day injured list Wednesday.

Left rotator cuff tendinitis sent Alexander to the injured list Aug. 20, and rather than heading to the minors for a rehab assignment, he'll now rejoin Oakland's bullpen following a minimum-length stay. The 35-year-old southpaw has been strong all season, and he's given up just two earned runs over 10 innings since the All-Star break. Joe Boyle was optioned to Triple-A in a corresponding move.

Romano (elbow) has begun throwing on flat ground from 60 feet, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Romano had arthroscopic right elbow surgery two months ago and will now begin ramping things back up with the hope of returning before the end of the season. If the reliever is able to make it back, it probably won't happen until late September, and it's unlikely he'd be thrown back into the closer role at that point.