MLB Player News

Slaten threw a bullpen session prior to Sunday's game against the Diamondbacks, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports.

Slaten began a rehab assignment Friday for Double-A Portland, in which he exhibited shaky command, and Sunday's session was to address those issues. Boston manager Alex Cora told MLB.com that Slaten will most likely be with the Red Sox "in the upcoming days." That could mean at least one more rehab appearance for the right-hander.

Munoz picked up the save Sunday, walking two and striking out two during a scoreless ninth inning against the Giants.

Munoz finished off the Giants for his 19th save of the season, though it was his first save in four weeks. It was not a perfect outing for Munoz, who struggled with his command, tossing just 10 of 21 pitches for strikes while walking two. However, he also struck out two, including Mark Canha with a runner on third to end the game. Munoz has allowed four earned runs and nine total baserunners over his last four appearances but still maintains a dominant 1.80 ERA and 1.00 WHIP with 63 strikeouts over 50 innings this season.

McArthur has not allowed a run over his last seven appearances, allowing just five hits while striking out eight and walking none across 6.2 innings in that span.

McArthur surrendered 11 runs (nine earned) over 5.2 innings through his first six outings following the All-Star break, converting just one of three save chances in that span. He hasn't had the opportunity to close since, with Lucas Erceg moving into the closer role since he was acquired from the Athletics via trade. McArthur has just one hold since he lost the closer job, and he's more frequently been deployed in the seventh and eighth innings in recent weeks. McArthur has a 4.62 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 40:9 K:BB over 50.2 innings while going 18-for-24 in save chances this year, and he'll likely be a second or third option for closing duties when Erceg is unavailable.

Miller struck out one while tossing 1.1 perfect innings to pick up the save Sunday against the Brewers.

Miller collected four outs to pick up his fourth multi-inning save of the season. Miller has not been scored upon in 17 of his last 18 outings since June 14, tossing 20 innings with a 0.90 ERA, 0.60 WHIP, 27 strikeouts and nine saves over that stretch.

Topa (knee) has resumed playing catch, Bobby Nightengale of the Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

Topa missed the first four months of the season due to a tear in the patellar tendon of his left knee. He began a rehab assignment July 23 but was shut down Aug. 10 due to right elbow inflammation. Topa remains optimistic that he can return this season, but he still likely has several weeks of building up his throwing before he could start a rehab assignment.

Funderburk (left oblique strain) threw a bullpen session Sunday, Bobby Nightengale of the Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

Funderburk went on the 15-day injured list July 21. He's still likely a week or two away before he could start a rehab assignment, so it's not clear if he'll be able to return before the end of the regular season.

Sandlin is scheduled to serve as the Guardians' opening pitcher for the first game of Monday's doubleheader against the Royals, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

The 27-year-old right-hander will be making his first career MLB start Monday, but because he hasn't been recorded more than five outs in any of his 57 appearances between the majors and Triple-A Columbus this season, he shouldn't be expected to work more than an inning or two. The Guardians are designating lefty Joey Cantillo as their 27th man for the twin bill, and he's expected to be recalled from Triple-A in advance of the early game to serve as a bulk reliever behind Sandlin.

Duran (6-7) took the loss Sunday, allowing two runs (zero earned) on three hits over one inning against the Cardinals. He struck out two.

Duran appeared in his second consecutive game after having not previously pitched since last Sunday. He should have gotten out of the inning unscathed with his 19th save in tow, but a one-out ground ball that could have resulted in a game-ending double play was thrown into left field by Edouard Julien, extending the inning. Two batters later, Lars Nootbaar connected on a two-out single that drove in two and saddled Duran with the tough-luck loss. On the positive side for Duran, while his K/9 is at a career-low 10.13, he's struck out multiple batters five times in his last seven outings, allowing just one earned run with a K/9 of 18.47 during that stretch.

Sammons (1-1) yielded one run on three hits and two walks over 4.1 innings in relief Sunday, striking out three and earning a win over the White Sox.

Sammons entered the game in the second inning after Beau Brieske threw one frame as the opener. The only run the White Sox scored during Sammons' outing came via Andrew Vaughn's solo shot in the third frame. Sammons has found success as a long reliever since being promoted to Detroit; he's thrown at least four innings in five of his six career MLB appearances (zero starts) while registering a 3.62 ERA over 27.1 frames. He should continue being used as a bulk-relief option down the stretch.

Clase struck out all three batters he faced to record a save against Texas on Sunday.

Clase fired nine of his 12 pitches for strikes to easily mow through the Rangers' 4-5-6 hitters. It was his first save chance since converting a save on four straight days from Aug. 10 to Aug. 13. He's delivered 18 consecutive innings without allowing an earned run, lowering his ERA to 0.60 through 60.1 innings. Clase has converted 38 of his 41 save chances and is nearing his third straight 40-save campaign.