MLB Player News

Spence allowed two runs on six hits and one walk while striking out seven batters over six innings in a no-decision against Kansas City on Thursday.

Spence was victimized by Kansas City catcher Freddy Fermin, who who belted a pair of solo homers against him. However, Spence fared well against the remainder of the Royals lineup and finished with his second quality start of the campaign despite the two long balls he surrendered. Spence's seven strikeouts Thursday were a career-best mark and well above his season norm -- he entered the contest with either three of four punchouts in each of his previous six outings.

Stratton earned a save against the Athletics on Thursday by retiring both batters he faced.

Regular closer James McArthur was deployed in a high-leverage situation in the seventh frame and ended up with the victory despite allowing two hits and two walks over one inning of work. That left the door to a save chance open for Stratton, who entered Thursday with three saves on the season but none since May 20. Stratton got the job done against Oakland in a tough spot, as he entered with two runners on base and just one out. The right-hander could see a few additional ninth-inning opportunities along the way, though McArthur remains the favorite for saves in Kansas City.

Baker (1-0) allowed a hit and a walk while striking out one over 1.1 scoreless innings to earn the win over the Yankees on Thursday.

Baker has covered five scoreless innings across four appearances since he was brought up from Triple-A Norfolk last week. He's posted a 2:1 K:BB while adding two holds, which suggests he's an option to see some high-leverage work while Danny Coulombe (elbow) is out for the next couple of months. Baker had a 6.55 ERA over 22 innings with Norfolk prior to his call-up, but he added five saves for the minor-league club.

Hader earned a save against the Astros on Thursday, striking out two batters in one perfect inning.

Hader threw 12 of 14 pitches for strikes, including eight whiffs. The save was his second in as many days, marking the second time this season he's accomplished that feat. Despite a middling 3.74 ERA, Hader has been effective this season, converting 11 of 12 save chances and posting a 52:10 K:BB over 33.2 innings.

Fairbanks (2-3) blew a save but earned the win Thursday, allowing one run on two hits over two innings against the Twins. He struck out one.

Fairbanks was not needed to start the ninth due to the Rays holding a four-run lead, but a leadoff homer followed by the next two runners reaching base created a save situation. After inducing a couple of quick outs, Jose Miranda tagged Fairbanks for a game-tying homer that sent the game to extras. Once the Rays regained the lead in the 10th, Fairbanks stayed in to close out his own victory. The blown save was the second of the season for Fairbanks, who ran the gamut during the series with the Twins, suffering the loss Tuesday followed by the blown save and subsequent win Thursday.

Marinaccio was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Thursday.

The Yankees' bullpen was forced to cover 6.2 innings in Thursday's loss to the Orioles and will need at least one fresh arm for the weekend series against Atlanta. Marinaccio will head back to the minors as a result, though he also surrendered four earned runs across 6.1 innings during his latest stint in the majors.

Clase tossed a perfect ninth inning Thursday, striking out one to earn the save against Seattle.

Clase had allowed earned runs in consecutive appearances June 9 and 11 but has regained his form since, tossing his third consecutive clean outing Thursday to close out the game for the Guardians. Clase ranks first in the American League with 22 saves, ranking behind only Ryan Helsley of the Cardinals, as the latter has 24 to lead the major leagues. Through 35.1 innings this season, Clase has allowed only three earned runs for an ERA of 0.76 with a 0.62 WHIP and 36 strikeouts.

The Twins designated Jackson for assignment Thursday, Bobby Nightengale of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

The move comes shortly after Jackson allowed three runs in an inning of work during Thursday's loss to the Rays. Jackson cleared waivers and accepted an outright assignment by the Twins last month, so he might wind up sticking around in the organization again. The club will announce a corresponding move prior to Friday's game in Oakland.

The Royals placed Altavilla on the 15-day injured list Thursday with a right oblique strain, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

The reliever suffered the injury during an appearance in Wednesday's game against the Athletics. It's not clear how long Altavilla might be sidelined, but oblique strains often result in IL stays of beyond 15 days.

The Royals recalled Cruz from Triple-A Omaha on Thursday.

With Dan Altavilla (oblique) headed for the injured list, the Royals will bring up Cruz to help replenish their bullpen depth. The 25-year-old has spent all season with Omaha, posting a 4.50 ERA and 1.42 WHIP through 26 innings. He allowed seven earned runs through 12.2 frames during his time in the majors last season and will likely only be used during low-leverage situations.